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seyaryminamoto · 1 month

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Fic-to-Art #39: Gladiator's ELEVENTH Anniversary! (+ BONUS: Fic-to-Art #36...)

And here we are! March 26th arrived and I did not forget about it, but I paid for my ambitious madness with my wrist and forearm. Somehow, I finished my intended pieces on time, but I do not advise that you ever try to make 9 artworks in 3 days. No, sir. Bad life decisions, that's what that was... but this fic, as anyone knows, moves me to do things I never thought possible, starting with writing the fic itself!

It's really crazy every time it hits me that I've been doing this for as long as I have. It's been a complicated, chaotic journey, with its many ups and downs, but ultimately, it has been our journey. For some people, this is just one more fic in the pile: for me, it's been the best adventure of my life so far. Everyone who has ever been touched by Gladiator, who has ever cherished this story, who's looking forward to the big conclusion, who wants to see how the chaotic war is going to end... you're all part of this crazy adventure along with me, and I can only thank you for joining me.

This year, I had no time to make as big a project as I usually go for. Thus, I did a sort of free-for-all edition of Fic-to-Art over at Patreon and challenged myself to draw as many scenes as I could, out of their suggestions. I even sprinkled in a few scenes I impulsively wanted to draw because I loved writing them or because I look forward to writing them... and this is the result!

In order, the scenes are as follow:

Sokka combing Azula's hair, a common occurrence throughout the story.

Azula watching over a convalescing Sokka in the Chase of Jeong Jeong arc.

The outcome of Sokka's final battle in the Superior Gladiator League, namely a moment where Sokka and Azula more or less gave away their relationship's true nature to the public by raising their hands towards each other...

And now, spoiler territory! Some were by my choice, some by Patreon requests:

An important moment shortly after Sokka and Azula reunite.

Azula confronting her father, with a LOT of backup.

Xin Long's long-awaited freedom.

The aftermath of the final battle.

The full-blown confirmation of their relationship to the general Fire Nation populace.

Sokka, Azula and Hotaru's first night together

And the big final one is ACTUALLY Fic-to-Art #36 but hahaha woops I didn't post it here on time because it was super hard to finish since I had a LOT of things going on... but here it is now! :'D it's a glimpse VERY far into the future of this fic's timeline!

Alright, that should be enough talking and explaining. Some things are vague, some things aren't, but ultimately I really hope you guys will be looking forward to the scenes you haven't seen yet, and to Gladiator's eventual outcome.

So now... with all this being said and done, I'm gonna go take a trip down memory lane and watch my Tenth Anniversary video once more! Feel free to do the same thing if you'd like to commemorate the fic, I think it's a good way to experience Gladiator all over again, hahaha.

Thank you if you read all this, and if you read all THAT: 5 million word landmark, here we come! Thanks for hanging out with me across ELEVEN years of Gladiator!

#sokkla #sokka #azula #gladiator #fic-to-art project #zuko #aang #katara #rui shi #fei li #tai wei #and a rando #yes that guy is a rando he's there to symbolize all the randos in that scene #do not look too deep into it it isn't deep at all hahahahahaha #Xin Long continues to be the bane of my existence I love him I hate drawing him #I don't know if he's good enough but I hope the emotional punch of THAT MOMENT #is enough to make up for any flaws ahahahaha welp #... also yes I'm not even sorry this was my excuse to go wild drawing as much Sokkla as I could #and my patrons were so damn nice to give me so many excuses to do just that!#how could I refuse? :'D #anyway I really hope you guys enjoy #the new pieces are glazed #nightshade killed itself when I asked it to work with them #I got annoyed and left it as it was #the last one did get both things #OKAY! DONE!#I HAVE AN HOUR AND A HALF LEFT OF ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN THIS TIMEZONE #Seyary out (?)

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kigozula · 11 months

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300th Chapter Celebration Weekend

All readers!!

We prepared a new fun event for Gladiator.

17th - 18th June

After 10 years we officially reach the 300th chapter. This event is not only to celebrate the 300th chapter, but also for appreciating and revisiting the second part of the story. The other two events from the past took place before part 2 even ended.

Below (under the cut) are different kind of questions. Most of them are part 2 focused.

If you want to partake in this event, all you have to do is answering the questions, choose and guess. The last part contains a guessing game and a quiz, which is new. This event is more expanded than the previous ones.

Feel free to reach my askbox or message me if you do have any questions. I will be posting my answers early that day or even one day prior. You can take a look if it might help you with ideas.

CHANGE: The correct answers of the quiz will be posted on Sunday before the event ends!

Doesn’t matter if you have a Tumblr account or not. Everybody can participate. You can post it on your blogs or submit it to me here. I will post it then.

Another change:

A friend just brought to my attention that tumblr does not allow people without an account to send asks or submissions anymore. I didn’t know that.

If anyone wants to take part, feel free to send your entries to my fanfiction account if you have an account there, I am also Kigozula there.

My account on FF. Net

If I had known this new policy I would have thought about something else... sorry guys. If you see this after this weekend, you can still send your entries ;)

Don’t forget to tag us @kigozula & @seyaryminamoto and use the tags #sokkla & #gladiator300thchapter (and any more you feel like). We can find the posts and try to reblog everyone’s entries.

We wish you fun and hope for many participants!

Important note: I am making something nice here. I talked with Seyary before starting this event. I made it for her, for readers to have a chance to share their favorite stuff and because I love Gladiator. Nobody has to take part. Please be respectful, careful and have fun! =) As mentioned above (askbox/pm), if there are questions.

FAVORITE…:

Guard

Gladiator

Sponsor

Pair/Couple (besides Sokkla)

Friendship

Villain/Antagonist/Opponent

Suitor for Azula

Place (any houses/island/cities…)

Event (weddings/festivals…)

FAVORITE TOP THREE…:

Sokkla Kisses in Part 2 when they become finally a couple

Sokkla Love Making

THIS OR THAT:

Part 2, or Part 3 (so far)

Zuki Family or Mai Jian Family

Festivals Arc or Anniversary Arc

Captain Rui Shi or Captain Fei Li

Ozai or Zhao

Gladiator Brawl, Sponsor Race, Pairs Tournament or Scavenger Hunt

Xin Long or Appa

Azula’s Squad or Sokka’s Squad

Ty Lee or Mai

Shoji or Kino

Ruon Jian or Haru

OTHERS:

A Place you would like to visit or live

If you could give Part 2 a title it would be

Something you look forward to

Best Arc(s) in Part 3 (so far)

Favorite Sokkla Artwork from Part 2

GUESSING TIME:

Future Ships you think will happen

Azula and Zhao will divorce when/because of …

When Hakoda meets Azula and Hotaru for the first time …

When Ozai and Ursa see each other …

I think Ozai's future looks like...

When Azula finally visits the south pole, I hope/wish/think …

First things Azula and Sokka will do after their reunion

QUIZ: (The correct answers can be found in my post on June 16th)

Name of the first Gladiator Sokka fought against?

How many years are Azula and Sokka a couple now?

Which character found out about Azula and Sokka’s secret relationship first?

Which character felt something might be going on/will be going on between Sokka and Azula from the beginning?

What’s the name of Ozai’s first love?

What was the first Gladiator event Azula and Sokka took part in?

How often did the Blue Wolf fight in the Slate?

Who would have almost been the potential future prince?

How old was Aang when he was forced to freeze himself and Appa?

SOME NICE WORDS TO OUR DEAR AUTHOR SEYARYMINAMOTO:

#gladiator300thchapter #sokkla #gladiator #azula #sokka #pinning it so that nobody forgets :D

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cyandtonic · 11 months

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Sokkla Digital Oil Painting: The Slate (Inspired by Seyary Minamoto’s “Gladiator”)

Ahhh, so long time no see. My life has been a bit chaotic as of late, and this painting took me way longer than it should have, but it’s finally finished!

Conveniently, me finishing this lined up pretty closely to Seyary posting her 300th chapter of Gladiator!! So this is to celebrate that, even if it was on accident! 🤣

This artwork is based on Chapter 90 of Seyary Minamoto’s “Gladiator”, and it is a depiction of one of my favorite fights. I’m pretty sure Sokka is supposed to be using Wolf’s Bane in this scene, but... oops 🤷‍♂️ I’m too lazy to fix it now haha.

I was so nervous about painting the fire here, but I really liked how it turned out! I ended up just mixing the colors together in a chaotic manner, then going over it with the pallet knife. And then I used the airbrush tool to add the glow.

There really wasn’t anything too complicated here. The perspective took me a while to get right, but this was mostly a pretty relaxing one (despite the very not relaxing moment it depicts haha!).

Again, congratulations to @seyaryminamoto on posting 300 chapters of Gladiator!! What an outstanding accomplishment! She is such a dedicated and kind person; words cannot describe how lucky I feel to be able to read such an outstanding story from such an incredible writer 😊

Sadly, I cannot promise that I will be more active in the near future. But I will promise that I will keep making art! Just maybe at a slow pace 😔 I also need to catch up on my Gladiator reading! I’m getting far behind ahhhhhhh

#I don't know why Tumblr mobile lowers the contrast so much in my art arghhh #I should have finished this in a month #oops #congratulations seyary!#also sry wolf's bane #sokkla #sokka #atla #Avatar The Last Airbender #gladiator #seyaryminamoto #cy's art

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blueleopard555 · 11 months

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Happy 300th Chapter to Seyary!

Here's my response for @kigozula's celebration of @seyaryminamoto's masterpiece, Gladiator! Thank you both your amazing work!

FAVORITE…:

OC: Rui Shi

2. Guard: Fei Li

3. Gladiator: Not counting the Blue Wolf, The Millennium Dragon

4. Sponsor: Ty Lee

5. Pair/Couple (besides Sokkla): This is hard… Ty Lee and Haru or Song and Rui Shi

6. Friendship: Song and Sokka

7. Villain/Antagonist/Opponent: The dread that exists for Azula and Sokka about being caught… for a more “true” villain/opponent it would be Rhone

8. Suitor for Azula: Huan because this man is worse at giving gifts than I am

9. Place (any houses/island/cities…): Ember Island or Shu Jing or both.

10. Event (weddings/festivals…): Azula’s and Sokka’s wedding with Xin Long as the officiant

FAVORITE TOP THREE…:

Sokkla Kisses in Part 2 when they become finally a couple: Hmmm…. I think the best one for me was the kiss(es) in the Library’s planetarium. There's too many to accurately rank and all are worth remembering now that Arc 3 is in full swing. I miss the Sokkal kisses.

2. Sokkla Love Making: The hot springs date at Shu Jing, the palanquin quicky, and the… every one? There’s too many to list. Like the kisses, I think most readers miss the love between Sokka and Azula.

THIS OR THAT:

Part 2, or Part 3 (so far): Part 2 for the happy feels

2. Zuki Family or Mai Jian Family: Zuki family

3. Festivals Arc or Anniversary Arc: Have I mentioned these are hard? Anniversary is my favorite for the sole fact that Xin Long officiated a wedding

4. Captain Rui Shi or Captain Fei Li: Captain Rui Shi

5. Ozai or Zhao: Ozai

6. Gladiator Brawl, Sponsor Race, Pairs Tournament or Scavenger Hunt: Gladiator Brawl for the awesome final but Sponsor Race for the feels

7. Xin Long or Appa: Close but Xin Long

8. Azula’s Squad or Sokka’s Squad: Choosing sucks but Sokka’s. I think Azula’s Squad is still forming at the moment.

9. Ty Lee or Mai: Ty Lee

10. Shoji or Kino: Shoji

11. Ruon Jian or Haru: Haru because I think Ruon Jian did not have enough “screen time” to really move into my heart

OTHERS:

A Place you would like to visit or live: I want to visit Ember Island or Shu Jing or Sokka’s house, or the dragon cave or the… Throw a dart at the map.

2. If you could give Part 2 a title it would be: “The Bonds that Drive Us” because, yes, the bond between Sokka and Azula are the key driving force of the plot and the story, but other bonds, those of friendship and/or romance between the many characters, give the story more depth and pushes the story forward.

3. Something you look forward to: Ozai’s reaction to Sokka living and fighting against him

4. Best Arc(s) in Part 3 (so far): Story telling

5. Favorite Sokkla Artwork from Part 2: Sokka and Azula in the planetarium

GUESSING TIME:

Future Ships you think will happen: Here me out… Yue and Anorak

2. Azula and Zhao will divorce when/because of …: Zhao dying to Sokka. Or dying to something/someone else. I don’t see him living to see the final chapters of the story.

3. When Hakoda meets Azula and Hotaru for the first time…: Hakoda joins Sokka for the battle where Azula and Sokka meet again but is in a different place when they do battle. Once the battle ends and the dusts settle. Hakoda watches Hotaru because we all know Sokkla is horny.

4. When Ozai and Ursa see each other …: This is hard. I think that Ursa would be one of if not the final nail in the coffin for Ozai to truly realize he’s beyond saving. This would take place closer to the final chapters.

5. I think Ozai's future looks like...: It’s very hard to say. For the short term, I see him beating himself up for the awful choices he made before making even more after Sokka's return.

6. When Azula finally visits the south pole, I hope/wish/think …: The villagers calling her Jing and she being confused.

7. First things Azula and Sokka will do after their reunion: Hug, cry, apologize, visit Hotaru, find a private place…

QUIZ: (The correct answers can be found in my post on June 16th)

Name of the first Gladiator Sokka fought against? Spawn of the Volcano... Chan's gladiator. That's his name now.

2. How many years are Azula and Sokka a couple now? 3 to 4 years now. Maybe even five but that seems wrong. Once the 3rd Part started, for some reason I thought they were together for 5 years.

3. Which character found out about Azula and Sokka’s secret relationship first? Song

4. Which character felt something might be going on/will be going on between Sokka and Azula from the beginning? Ty Lee

5. What’s the name of Ozai’s first love? I sadly don’t remember but I’m willing to bet my left kidney that it was himself. Please don’t take my kidney because I know I’m wrong.

6. What was the first Gladiator event Azula and Sokka took part in? Scavenger Hunt

7. How often did the Blue Wolf fight in the Slate? Twice in six months? Nine months?

8. Who would have almost been the potential future prince? Chan

9. How old was Aang when he was forced to freeze himself and Appa? 18, I think.

SOME NICE WORDS TO OUR DEAR AUTHOR SEYARYMINAMOTO:

I won't lie. I used to think fan fiction was only something bad and cringe inducing (Mine definitely are) but then I was introduced to your work(s) on an Artcraawl post. I thought, "why not? It has three million words, hard work had to be put into it." Six hours later I realized it was past midnight and I had classes the next morning and I had a long ways to go to catch up. For the next few weeks of January/February in 2022, I was addicted. Friends thought I was crazy because every time they looked at me, my face was glued to my phone. The glee I felt when I realized that new chapters were being posted was amazing. And then the impatience of having to wait two weeks for the next update was devastating. But then I saw that you had more works for me to read and read I did. Safe to say that you changed my view of fan fiction, Avatar, Azula and Sokka, and writing. You opened many new doors for me that I refused to even have to key made for. Your dedication, hard work, and awesome writing skills amaze me. I'm happy to be one of many readers you have even though I'm a bit late to the party. If the story continues for another ten years (That number is insane BTW, that's a decade!!), then count me in! I will still wait for every update and my heart will be moved by your beautiful writing. Thank you for all the work you put into this and for how you have influenced me for good. Truly, thank you.

Here's for 300 more!

For the record, @kigozula, why on earth did you make the questions so hard to answer? This was supposed to be fun yet here I am trying to decide which Sokkla smut scene was my favorite. Do you know how hard that is? Shame on you 🤭

#gladiator #sokkla #gladiator300thchapter #Here's to 300 more!#formatting on tumblr is hard #I think I got it to look good #No promises though

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wammy36 · 11 months

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Gladiator 300th chapter event

Thanks to @kigozula for organizing this event, and @seyaryminamoto for making this event possible.

Preface: LONG, this is my first time using tumblr and even participating in any event like this at all, so I'm not sure what the standard conventions are for length. Given that, I just wrote what I truly thought, even if it's rather cumbersome. But given that we've all read Gladiator, and one of us even wrote it, I assume breadth of text isn't too much of a barrier.

I guess I'll stick with the format that @wingsfreedom stuck with for their event, speaking about Gladiator as a whole before answering the event questions.

What makes you stick with the story so far? Well truthfully I haven't stuck with the story very long at all, I only started reading Gladiator in the last week and a half of April, right before my final exams for the semester. I started and was up to date just before chapter 295, and even left a comment under a guest account outlining similar sentiments under chapter 295(on AO3).

As for what Gladiator does to encapsulate me, well Azula is far any away my favourite character in canon, and hate reading tweets on twitter from people who said that Azula didn't deserve redemption had lead someone to mention Gladiator, and here I am. Everything feels so natural, right from the start. Each character introduction feels in line with their canon counter part, and each subsequent character development feels perfectly believable, both emotionally and logically. One of my biggest dislikes about fiction is when the plot is moved forward by people making objectively bad decisions, whether they are illogical or incongruent with their emotional state and needs. It is a further annoyance if everything just accidentally works out. Gladiator in contrast has a very natural plot development, pushed forward by dynamic and grounded characters. The politics of the world are plainly seen, and systemic issues are given the attention they deserve. As much as some people like to divorce politics from fiction, I think that notion is laughable, especially for a story like ATLA. Seyary(? not sure how to address the author) does an excellent job weaving systemic issues into the story. An unlikely point of introspection for me came from reading this story. As Sokka and Azula's love blossomed, the way it is described was so moving, to the point of tears at certain moments of the story. This lead me to realize that most of my romantic relationships were truly meaningless and marred by fear, and as much as I had said I didn't want a true relationship, and was content with a friends with benefits situation, it was my fear of being vulnerable that made me seek those fleeting things. I know this is quite a bit to unload on what is supposed to be a positive event, but I'd imagine these are the kind of feelings and thoughts that good fiction consistently evokes.

There are many excellent OC's in Gladiator, a true testament of Seyary's writing skill to not just flesh out existing characters but give life to new ones. Of these Rui Shi is my personal favourite. I liked seeing his stern outlook, morph into a stern facade over time, as it pertains to Sokka and Azula's relationship. I liked seeing his interpersonal walls come down, allowing him to truly connect with others.

Guard

Well logically this one has to be Rui Shi as well, but that isn't the spirit of the question, so I will choose from the remaining guards. Of these 9(10 including Bao, but he isn't afforded the same opportunities in the story ) they all shine in the moments they're given. I'd have to choose Fei Li, I love the contrast between his demeanor and his role as an Royal guard, and later captain of the third squad. I love his leading role in the speculation about our favourite couple's love life. Some of the chapters that made the finale of part 2 bearable were the little moments between the guards, Sokka and Azula.

Gladiator

Once again forgoing the obvious answer of our main characters, I'd have to say Renzhi, the Millenium Dragon is my favourite. I like the fact that since the leagues inception the second best gladiator was an honourable man. I liked his interactions with Anou, showing he had his friends best intentions and truly cared for him and their bond. I like that he didn't hold anything against Sokka. And this might be a bit greedy, but I look forward to his reappearance in the story.

Sponsor

It doesn't need to be said that this spot truly belongs to Azula, but in her absence Kori takes her place. Her story with Sneers is meant to mirror Azula's story with Sokka, and her devastation at Azula's wedding must have shattered her heart, for two reasons; seeing her friend in terrible pain, and knowing that something similar, although not nearly as bad could await her if the world found out about her relationship with Sneers.

Pair/Couple (besides Sokkla)

Ty lee and Haru have a very beautiful story. Their initially asymmetrical relationship(not by any of their wants but by their lack of communication) was driven by blind lust, but only after truly being vulnerable with each other could their relationship reach new heights. Given my introspective words above, it's no wonder their story is my favourite.

Friendship

Azula, Mai and Ty lee have a sad outcome in canon, but there is one moment of true comradery, the beach. When everyone shares their stories, even Azula has a brief moment of vulnerability before snuffing it out by uttering that line we know all too well "my own mother thought I was a monster". Well thankfully Gladiator is chalk full of this comradery between the three fire nation girls, and I love every second of it.

Villain/Antagonist/Opponent

Ozai, I love what you've done with him. In canon we are shown that Zuko and Azula are morphed by much abuse, and that guides their minds towards some objectively bad actions. Implicitly we are shown that the same abuse must have affected Ozai, Iroh and Azulon and so on. Seyary has fleshed out this abuse that Ozai suffered, but not in a way that absolves him in any capacity from his actions, one that merely tells us what guided him down this dark path. I love the like father like son over emotional way of dealing with things shared between Zuko and Ozai, even if Ozai would never admit it.

Suitor for Azula

Anou has a very interesting arc, what that ends with him becoming an ally to Azula and overcoming his personal demons, with the help of an at the time foe in Azula and his friend Renzhi.

Place (any houses/island/cities…)

I'd say the southern water tribe, even if most the story is devoid of it. It is where our journey starts at a very low point. Sokka spends every waking moment thinking of home, thinking of killing Azula before she returns into his life. Once their relationship blooms he ponders returning, but with Azula at his side. And our story hits a incredibly sad low, with their separation, but narratively I know one day they will return, with the world put forward on a new path towards genuine justice. This is what I'm most looking forward to, and if Whaletail Island is any indication, it will be amazing. This is all without mentioning any of the Southern Water Tribe chapters, and Zuko and Suki's arrival, which are among my favourite chapters.

Event (weddings/festivals…)

My favourite "event" was Jing and Wentai's wedding Firelight Town. Seeing them be able to be themselves in public, with no holding back, seeing the raw emotions emanating off of and onto each other, I'm sure it must've been nearly as fun to write it as it was to read.

Favourite Top 3

Part 2 kisses:

1.) Their wedding kiss when getting married as Jing and Wentai in Firelight Town

2.) Their kisses shared in the morning before Sokka, Azula, Katara, Zuko, Kino and Aang go shopping on Whaletale Island in the cover of darkness.

3.) This kiss when Sokka woke up after being saved by Azula from bleeding out.

Sokkla love making

1.) Consummating their marriage in Firelight Town.

2.) Just after Azula told Sokka that she loves him, sober and directly, at the Northern Air Temple.

3.) Just after Azula proudly declares in front of an audiance of Sokka, Zuko, Katara, Aang and Kino that she loves Sokka in an impassioned speech.

This or That

Part 2, or Part 3 (so far) Part 2 was an incredible read, but it was always marred by the knowledge that eventually, narratively, everything had to come crashing down, that Sokka and Azula would lose everything they had worked for. Part 3 didn't start in the most optimistic of ways, but knowing that things can only get better, that everyone in the gaang, and everyone of Azula's real family in the Fire Nation have boundless hope for what is to come is an equalizer. Given that part 3 is limited to so far, part 2 is my favourite.

Zuki Family or Mai Jian Family

Zuko and Suki's family and general development in the Southern Water Tribe was an incredible development, and nearly took the place my answer to the earlier prompt of favourite couple (besides Sokkla).

Festivals Arc or Anniversary Arc

I'm not sure which festivals arc is being referred to, so I'll put all 3 in order. The first Festivals arc was the best of the 3, the best parts being when Azula accepts that it is love she feels for Sokka, just before bending gold fire for the first time, second only to their first of many sexcapades.

Second place is the next Festivals arc, Sokka's Rui Shi disguise and their dangerous consequences, the homeless people pleading with the firelord for help, sent by the white lotus, the mourning of those important to Sokka and Azula, their indirect bending. So many seemingly little moments and interactions that were a joy to read.

Third place is the Anniversary Arc. It was a fun read, especially when Azula was made aware of Mai and Ty lee's interrogation of her and Sokka's sex life, but I don't think it holds a candle to either of the Fesitval arcs.

Captain Rui Shi or Captain Fei Li

Captain Rui Shi, this should be simple enough to explain. Even when Fei Li was captain, Rui Shi was the de facto leader.

Ozai or Zhao

Ozai. I've already explained my thoughts about Ozai above under the favourite villain prompt. I don't think Zhao can hold a candle to Ozai as a villain, given his courtesy of Sokka and Azula's relationship, and his courtesy of Azula during the early days of their marriage, before the knowledge of her pregnancy infected his mind. I also have a sneaking suspicion that as part 3 progresses, he might not be so much of a villain.

Gladiator Brawl, Sponsor Race, Pairs Tournament or Scavenger Hunt

Sponsor Race was the best. The Brawl was good, either the pairs tournaments were also good, especially the one with Haru and Ty Lee, but the race was amazing. Finally seeing Azula and Sokka fight side by side again, having them triumph against Toph and Iroh, and especially their ventures into the cave of two lovers, their emotional distraught upon reading Oma and Shu's stories. It was amazing, start to finish.

Xin Long or Appa

I think Xin Long has this handily, by the simple fact that there is a literal mind connection between Xin Long and Azula, so they know, quite literally, everything about one another.

Azula’s Squad or Sokka’s Squad

Sokka's squad. While I laughed delightfully upon niece Wen's introduction, and was rather pleased at Azula finally finding a new companion in Rei, Sokka's squad has the Avatar, the twice banished (got to be a record) prince of the Fire Nation, Zuko, Ursa, the only one who had ever been able to somewhat tame Ozai, and of course the Blue Wolf himself. If there was ever a group that Ozai would hate to be together, that was it.

Ty Lee or Mai

Genuinely don't know, I spent a great amount of time considering this. I love Ty lee's story, especially with Haru, but I also love Mai, her family and her uncanny ability to read Azula better than anyone, except for Sokka. This seems a rather diplomatic answer, and I hate seeing such answers, but even my gut says that I don't have an answer, so I guess it's a tie.

Shoji or Kino

Shoji clears, but I suspect that over the course of part 3 Kino will have many, many parts to shine.

Ruon Jian or Haru

Haru, I love his arc where he finds his mother, and truly develops a connection with Ty Lee. Ruon Jian has never been given a chance to shine that brightly.

Other

A Place you would like to visit or live

Fire nation capital Calderra, I quite enjoy city life and its luxuries, and I already live in the imperial core in real life. I wouldn't visit either of the poles, I already deal with a harsh enough winter where I live.

If you could give Part 2 a title it would be

I'm a big sucker for humour so "Coming Together" works quite nicely for me.

Something you look forward to

There's about a hundred little things introduced over the hundreds of chapters that I'm just waiting to be reintroduced during arc 3, the guards, the dragons hidden in the mountain, other gladiators joining Sokka's cause (especially Anou and Renzhi), far too many to list. The thing I'm most looking forward to is Sokka and Azula's reunion, and Azula meeting Katara on far better terms, and Azula discovering who Kuzon truly is.

Best Arc(s) in Part 3 (so far)

They've all been amazing, even if painful at times. The best have been storytelling/wedding, Under Attack/Child of Two Worlds, and Family reunion/Strengthening Bonds. I save my judgement of Taking Omashu as the arc isn't fully out, but if Under Attack is any indication, I have full faith that it will be amazing.

Favorite Sokkla Artwork from Part 2

I only made a tumblr the day of writing this post, the 17th of June and haven't really looked at your tumblr at all beyond to see previews of upcoming chapters. I've never been one for the visual arts, so I don't really have an answer.

Guessing Time

Future Ships you think will happen

I think Katara and Aang is practically a forgone confusion, given their development. I think either one of them will become injured, and Sokka or Azula will tell them to not waste time, because you never know how much you have left with the ones you love. This answer isn't in the spirit of the question, but I don't really have any thoughtful speculation, only guesses, I'm not too fond of.

Azula and Zhao will divorce when/because of …

I don't know if they will divorce, maybe it will be once or if Azula escapes the Fire Nation and she becomes publicly an enemy(?) I don't think it would be particularly wise for Ozai to declare her an enemy, but if Azula escapes with her friends Song and Rei, and keeps Mai and Ty lee's families safe, whether by escaping with them or through other means, it'd hard to not see Ozai react with unrelenting fury that clouds his judgement. If you combine this with the fact that maybe he becomes aware of Sokka's status being alive at the same time, he might truly do something so stupid.

When Hakoda meets Azula and Hotaru for the first time …

Well if he meets Azula, she will probably not want to face him and the rest of the tribe she wronged alone because she feel like she might never be able to atone for her sins, so she'll be with Sokka. I expect a lot of crying, lines similar to the ones said on Whaletail Island about how she might never forgive someone who forcefully took Sokka from her, and Hakoda will break his stoicism upon this declaration, upon seeing Sokka again will be moved to tears. Another scneario is if she escapes to the Southern Water tribe from the Fire Nation without Sokka, which will still be met with the same tears and probably same declarations, just this time without Sokka. She will probably feel really welcome down there.

When Ozai and Ursa see each other …

Ozai will have what humanity he shoves away come back in full force, but Ursa will reject his words and tell him what she really thinks. Ozai will be furious, I think more furious than we've seen yet.

I think Ozai's future looks like... Eventually he will either be killed, or have his bending taken away like in canon. I like to think if he dies that it will be by the space sword, maybe in conjunction with Wolf's Bane. If his bending is taken away, I have faith in Seyary's writing that Aangs gain of this power will be done better than in canon, and a childish part of me wants Ozai to see Azula and Sokka hugging and kissing after becoming powerless.

When Azula finally visits the south pole, I hope/wish/think …

I've already laid my thoughts out when Hakoda meets Azula and Hotaru for the first time. With the rest of the tribe I expect similar greetings, but without the rest of the tribe reciprocating said tears.

First things Azula and Sokka will do after their reunion

If their first spiritual meeting is any indication, it will be to hug and kiss, saying each others name between sobs and tears.

Quiz

Name of the first Gladiator Sokka fought against?

Spawn of the Volcano

How many years are Azula and Sokka a couple now?

I think it's been 6 years since they first met in the south pole, 4 years since they met again in Hui Yi, and if we take them having sex as fully saying no matter what they need each other and to become a couple it's been somewhere between 2 years and 9 months and 3 years.

Which character found out about Azula and Sokka’s secret relationship first? Depends on how you define relationship and found out. Certainly Mai and Ty lee knew that they would fall in love pretty much instantly, Rui Shi thought something happened in the forest, especially when Azula said "Due to something I will not explain to you, I left to face the Rhinos by myself" he must've assumed something happened with Sokka. Toph definitely knew Sokka loved Azula, and knew by the time they were in Ba Sing Se together that Azula loved Sokka. Rui Shi saw them kiss on Shu Jing, song was the first to find out they'd had sex. So this question has many answers.

Which character felt something might be going on/will be going on between Sokka and Azula from the beginning? Mai and Ty lee.

What’s the name of Ozai’s first love? Ursa.(??) This feels too easy, like a gimme so maybe his first love was his father Azulon, maybe the power that Seethus gave him, seeing Azula the prodigious bender at birth? I'm confused but the answer must be Ursa, because those other 3 clearly aren't love, and if what he felt for Ursa wasn't love it was certainly closer.

What was the first Gladiator event Azula and Sokka took part in? Scavenger Hunt.

How often did the Blue Wolf fight in the Slate?

He fought twice, against the Millennium Dragon and the Queen of Pain.

Who would have almost been the potential future prince? I'm not sure what that means, maybe governor Kuon? He was rather close to having his gladiator defeat Sokka due to Sokka's leg cramping. Maybe you mean Anou, Renzhi was also close to defeating Sokka in the brawl, but I doubt Ozai would let Anou marry into the Royal family.

How old was Aang when he was forced to freeze himself and Appa? He was the same age as Azula at the start of the story, so 19.

SOME NICE WORDS TO OUR DEAR AUTHOR SEYARYMINAMOTO:

Seldom am I invested this much in anything in my life, not the gym, my studies, athletics, friends. For the last month and a bit this story has consumed my past time, most of the time I'm rereading my favourite chapters, thinking, theory crafting of what's to come. Truly you've brought every character to life in incredible ways, even minor characters that make one or two appearances like Longshot, members of the Blue den like Pirrin, Yang, people like Mei Xun and Sae. You've no doubt captivated my mind with your writing, and certainly I'm no the only one. I hope that writing this story has been as much of a joy as it has been to read it. Part of me wishes that I could time travel, just for the sake of going two years in the future to finish reading this story as soon as possible, or that you had started writing this story two years prior, and quite frankly I'm not sure which one is more selfish.

#gladiator300thchapter #sokkla #gladiator #azula #sokka

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vapidsims · 1 year

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I am once again over here making creatures

This sea lady is for @wrixie‘s Mini!

24 Vaxnarian moon phases ago Seyaris Domina Moone was born to three proud Vaxnar Parents on the planets most beautiful beach. Due to her Parents standing with the planets royal hierarchy (besties with the king) she spent many of her early years showered in gifts and praises.To say shes a spoiled princess may be an understatement but she also likes to do the spoiling on ocassion:

Now leaving home and seeking out some lucky souls to spawn with Seyaris has found her way to earth. (wait the beings on this planet only have one mate? shoot)

Back on Vaxnar she didnt really have a job, but she did enjoy herding the glowy sea creatures her parents owned back into their anemones, with a siren song like hers the creatures just had to listen! these earth cattle wont stand a chance

YASSS

receiving gifts

going shopping

spa days

large bodies of water

fish

nice dresses

Ew.

hot dry days

insects

filthy water (earth u ok?)

people with huge egos (hey only one big head allowed)

#fishy alien #get ya fish alien here #Bachelorette Challenge

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firelxrdazula · 7 years

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azula really deserved a sword

#hear me out #she did #this is like one of the reasons i love seyary's gladiator #bc azula has a fuckin sword that could slit my throat

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waywardavatarenthusiast · 3 years

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Enough

theOkay. My post titled, “This is Embarrassing” gained a lot of...attention.

I wanted a discussion as to why Sokkla’s nsfw content amount was so much higher than that of the three most popular ships in the fandom combined. I wanted to know what made Sokkla and the characters in the own right so prone to sexualization despite all the great things that can be written about them. I also wanted to discuss the racism within those sexual tropes.

What I got was a bunch of whiny fans, with the exception of @seyaryminamoto , @lotusunset, and @kigozula, thinking I was personally attacking them (as if I have the time) and saying redundant things like, “don’t like don’t read”, “you’re gatekeeping and like the Sokkla-antis”

I wish they would all eat their own words. If you don’t like my post, scroll. Don’t come onto my page and try to convince me to enjoy racism and hypersexualization.

Of the seven people who reblogged my post, seyary was the only person to mention the aspect of racism I included in that post. From the lengthy posts that people went out of their way for me to *not fully* read, that tells me something. That tells me that they saw that part, and ignored it. And that tells me that they don’t care.

One person mentioned that “sex is normal and healthy” as if I was in sixth grade health learning about the birds and the bees for the first time. Sex slave tropes aren’t healthy. The s***ge indigenous boy ravaging the submissive east asian princess isn’t healthy, it’s problematic. Let’s talk about how majority of the fics in that tag center around those three things.

People argued about LOK even. 80% of those stories are not even in the canon template. 95% aren’t set between atla and lok.

My question still isn’t quite answered, and I don’t want it to be at this point.

@madamezuki @themadmanandhisbox and that nasty anon. I asked a question, and you shook your heads violently and passive aggressively told me to ignore it all. Not a fucking good look.

#Avatar Fandom #avatar the last airbender #atla #sokkla #azula x sokka

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fanwright · 3 years

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Gladiator: 200th Chapter Celebration

Tagging: @kigozula @seyaryminamoto

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Seyary, this is a great milestone for you. Just want to let you know that I’m happy for you and impressed by the work that you have done over the long years of writing this story. You’ve inspired others to get into Sokkla as well as to have fun with the ship. Its been a great pleasure!

When I first picked up this story, I was still in college and rediscovering ATLA. Gladiator, as well as your other stories (which I recommend that others read as well) really cemented my liking for this ship. Years later, I’m still here, though all the ups and downs.

Now, despite me liking Gladiator a whole lot, I’ve admittedly fallen behind on catching up with it, chapter by chapter. That said, I do want to read it at my own pace and as I read more I still find myself loving the story, as there is much to enjoy.

So, to that end, I’ll be commenting on the parts of the story I have been caught up with, Chapters 1 to 100. I hope that’s okay.

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1.) Favorite Character: Sokka

Now, this doesn’t mean I don’t like Azula. Of course not. And choosing one over the other is such a hard call to make that I would rather have them both occupy the same spot. But I decided Sokka in this case for a number of reasons. Others have commented on Azula in their own posts, so I thought giving my reasons for Sokka seemed only fair.

We’ve seen Sokka change a lot over the course of the story and I seeing him morph into the character he is now is such a stark contrast to the one we saw at the very beginning. He hated the Fire Nation and was unwilling to cooperate with Azula. And yet, after trial and error and harsh circumstance, we have seen become a great warrior in his own right and the closest companion Azula has ever had, being her secret lover. It has been such a treat seeing him change and adapt and grow in this story. And as someone who really does like him as much as Azula, it was (and still is) a thill to see him get an all-star treatment in a story.

And yet there are lingering complexities within him in this story, as far as I have gotten in it. There is still that awareness within him of who he serves and what he is doing, along with a nagging feeling of inadequacy that has hounded him at every turn. Bit by bit, either by his own efforts or with a little help, he is clawing his way forward internally to find some reconciliation. And I find that very compelling.

And also its fun to see him thrash gladiators.

2.) Least Favorite Most Dreaded Character: Ozai

Well, that’s not true really. I don’t dislike any of the reoccurring characters actually.

The best way to describe this particular choice is “Most Dreaded Character”. I chose Ozai for this one because I dread the moment in when he finds out Azula and Sokka’s little affair. Now, again, I’m only on Chapter 100, so things could have changed by now. Yet, I believe still that if Ozai finds about about all this... a lot is going to change for Azula, Sokka, and even the Fire Nation. He will be a consequential character in the chapters to come and dread to see the his wrath and what that will mean for everyone else. It will not be pretty.

3.) Favorite “Antagonist”: Toph

When I first picked up this story and saw Toph introduced as an adversary, I was hyped. Like, you have no idea how hyped and pumped up I was for them to brawl. And I was not disappointed.

See, for me, Toph represented more than just a metaphorical torn in both Sokka’s and Azula’s side for a good chunk of this story. She is at times a very compelling mini-villain, as if she is straight out of a Disney movie. She loves what she does and enjoys it, and knows just how powerful she is. And flaunts it in spectacular display. She has such a simple yet understandable motivation and was a very real threat to Sokka’s own life in the very first fight they were in. And despite both Sokka and Toph eventually learning to respect and even befriend each other, there was always the nagging thought that they would eventually fight again, and each one knew they wanted to win that rematch. Toph provided Sokka and Azula a reoccurring adversary to strive toward beating. Even as other gladiators came and went, they always knew Toph would be their biggest obstacle. So much build up was focused on training for that eventuality. And all of it was compelling enough to paint Toph as this great rival to them. Her being a part-time ally in some cases and even being a friend didn’t really change that until after they had fought a second time.

Its because of this that I now believe firmly that Toph should be used as an antagonist more, if a story needs one. She is just so fun and so good as villain that hope others come to use her as one in AUs.

As I read more, I’m sure this might change in time. But, even with all the fights Sokka has had, I firmly maintain that Toph was his greatest adversary on many levels.

4.) Favorite OC: Rui Shi

Honestly, I think this guy is a sprit animal to someone out there. He’s just a guard trying to do his job right and the person he protects consistently makes that job harder for him in the most ridiculous ways. “Oh great, my princess is in an affair with her Gladiator and that won’t stop fucking like rabbits. Joy.”

Honestly, this man needs a vacation. A long one. And Seyary hasn’t given it to him, because she likes to make his life hard. Rude.

For the longest time, I actually thought Rui Shi was much older than he actually is in the story. So until a picture of him was finally made, I pictured him as a 40 year old veteran with a graying mustache and beard. Even with how he actually looks, I wouldn’t be surprised if his job made him grow gray hair from all the stress.

Good OC, one of a few I like.

5.) Favorite Suitor: Zhao

Should probably be no surprise. Where I am at right now, he’s essentially the suitor to beat as well as having the ultimate Gladiator for Sokka and Azula to defeat. Azula even admired him at some point. Though that has changed, I feel that Zhao has his eyes set on courting Azula further. Its a move that Ozai would likely not object to, provided Zhao pulls off something grand to earn that honor. And although every suitor has made Sokka angry, I feel Zhao would anger him on a deeper level as his interest in Azula grows.

I look forward to seeing him more.

6.) Favorite Gladiator(s): Jet and Suki (For Chapters 1-100)

Jet being a brainwashed Gladiator highlighted a dark aspect to the games. He was also a brutal berserker when in the ring and one of Sokka’s most bitter adversaries. Suki to me was an interesting contrast to Sokka his situation with Azula. She was to me a kind of noble gladiator, an Amazon in the ring put gentle when out of it. Putting the canon characters in as Gladiators was always a treat for me and actually lends itself to some world-building.

7.) Favorite Gladiator-Canon Pairing: Sokka/Azula

This should not be a surprise :P

I could go on and on about it, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll keep things short. This should not be surprise because the driving force and the very soul of this entire story is about a warrior-princess falling in love with a tribal gladiator. Their differences and how they reconcile them, their fears and pain, their passion and drive, all propel this story forward. Things have changed in this story because of them and they themselves have changed because fate brought them together.

If that isn’t enough to make them my favorite, then I’m sorry I don’t know what else to say to convince you XD

8.) Favorite Arc(s): Rough Rhinos Arcs

Two arcs hit me hard on an emotional level - The end of the introductory arc and the Rough Rhino’s arc. They literally crawl out of quagmire, find a dragon in the process, and have one of the most touching and sincere heart-to-hearts in the story thus far. It was one of my favorite arcs to read and the emotional stakes were high. As I read more and continue, this might change, but for now I maintain this is one of my favorite arcs.

9.) Favorite Places/Locations: To Be Determine

This is the down side of having to catch up. There are a lot of locations in the story and in the ATLA universe that I like, and its always a hard choice for me to decide. I am a big fan of settings for a story and when I find a setting I like I usually latch onto it in all its locations. So for now, I will not decide on a solid choice.

... however, in any AU it might show up in, Bs Sing Se is my first choice by biased default. I just love that city and I always appreciate when a story fleshes it out in little ways. Gladiator being set for a fraction of its time in the city was great for me as I got to read more about the city I like so much.

10.) I wish to see Sokkla in...: More tender, couple-like moments

Surprising, I know. But I what I mean is this - moments where they refrain from arguing, don’t bicker, and just enjoy being around each other, doing small things together. And its hard for them, they have to train they, have to keep their relationship a secret, they can only be a true couple for fleeting moments because of how dangerous and vulnerable it will leave them. And it claws at my heart every time. So I cherish the moments they have when they can be themselves around one another, fleeting as they sometimes are.

11.) I believe Sokka and Azula’s relationship will be revealed when/like/because of...:

... when they get careless. When they feel that they are safe in their secrecy, complacaent in their routines for keeping their relationship hidden, that’s when it will be revealed. Its a kind of Hubris of sorts.

And when its revealed, it will lead to something bad and irreversible for the both of them. You can only hide something like this for so long. Even historical royal affairs were never as secret as theirs. And they have taken painful precautions to keep it all under wraps.

So when it finally does, it will change everything. And that’s going to be quite the wild ride.

12.) I believe at the end of Part 3...:

... that a sacrifice will be made. A death or a relinquishment of something. Sokka and Azula will be together, but something will have to be given up, and it will test them for the final time.

I can’t say what it will be, but I’m going to enjoy finding out.

#Sokkla #Sokka #Azula #Gladiator Chapter Celebration

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deaddirector · 3 years

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In honor of my good friend Seyary and her story reaching 200!?!?!?! chapters. Gonna do this fun little survey about Gladiator:)

If you haven’t read it yet, and love Sokkla get on it!. If you also just love well written stories, you should check it out too:) youll end up being a hardcore Sokkla shipper XD

Favorite Character: I love so many of the characters, so this is hard, obviously. While I love Azula a ton... I have to go with Sokka here:D

Least Favorite Character (one who’s constantly there): I don’t have a least favorite character. I think many fit the story. In terms of disdain though, I do and always will hate HahnXD

Favorite “Antagonist”: Ozai is just so human and yet so evil. It has to be him.

Favorite OC: There’s really no debate here. It’s Rui Shi.

Favorite Gladiator: Gonna not include Toph or Sokka because those are the obvious ones. I enjoy the Light Bearer as well as Millennium Dragon quite a bit.

Favorite Suitor or a Suitor I wished would make moves on Azula: I mean I want no one putting moves on Azula. I don’t want them to die:DDDD

Most Relatable Character: I’ve always identified with Sokka, your characterization does nothing to change that.

Character I’d like to see more: I mean, it’s hard it is very Sokkla focused. But everyonce in a while I’m like gimme that Aang.

Favorite Canon (Gladiator canon)Pairing: I mean, i’ve got an OTP and this has provided so much of what I love XDDDDDD Sokkla for life.

Favorite Non-Canon Pairing: Rui Shi and Song is great. I love the budding Kataang as well. But for me so far its been the Zuki:)

Favorite Arc: Hmmmm! Well I can’t say exactly. I love whaletail despite it’s lack of action:DDDDD Just the end of that Arc is so charged and emotional and fantastic. I really liked the Rough Rhino’s Arc. A couple things I can’t divulge that I love:DDDDDD and of course I mean Giving In ;)

Favorite Place/Location: Whenever they are just happy in Shu Jing XDDDD

Part 1 or Part 2?:Hmmmm. This is another hard one. They are both so very different. Part 2 isn’t quite finished yet;) Although I lean Part 2:DDDD

I wished to see Sokkla more in/like … : Everything?!?!?!?!?! Just being happy:D

Guessing Game:

Finish the following sentences:

I think Azula & Sokka’s relationship will be revealed when/like/because of ... It’s quite simple, Azula just has to declare her love publicly and Ozai will have a heart attack clearing her way to ascend to the Fire Throne XD

I believe at the end of Part 3 … Things will be good... right?!XD

#gladiator #seyary #gladiator200thchapter

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isazulabaeorwhat · 5 years

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Iroh and Ozai headcanons

It never seemed to me that Iroh really hated Ozai. More like he strongly disliked him and was simply uncaring and apathetic towards what happened to him (everybody was saying that Aang had to kill Ozai to end the war and Iroh didn’t show the slightest bit of concern). If Iroh genuinely hated him, he would try to kill Ozai himself or, at least, wouldn’t avoid confronting him as much as he did (he had 3 opportunities in canon where he could’ve/should’ve confronted him: the first was when Ozai became Fire Lord, the second was when Ozai fought an Agni Kai with Zuko, the third was at the end of the series when Zuko asked him to fight Ozai). Iroh completely avoids facing Ozai throughout the series.

In my opinion, Ozai and Iroh never got the chance to spend much time together nor bond both because of Azulon’s extreme favoritism of Iroh and because of their huge age difference. Honestly, the age difference between them seems to be much more than 10 years. I’ve heard people who believe there’s 30 years difference between them or that Iroh is over 70 years old. That’s a bit too much in my opinion, but it is still telling. Based on their physical appearance, Ozai is in his early 40s (the oldest I could he see him being is 45, though I personally headcanon him as being 41-42 in Book 3). By that same token, Iroh is in his early/mid 60s (I headcanon him as being 63-64 in Book 3). I mean, just look at them.

Seriously, if you didn’t know they were brothers and someone told you they were related, what would you think? I’d much sooner believe they are father and son, rather than siblings. I know some people think Iroh’s in his late 50s but that seems to be stretching it a bit (just like saying he’s over 70 is a stretch). Iroh was likely in his 50s during the Siege of Ba Sing Se, but not during the main events of the series. A good middle ground can be seen in Piandao and Tenzin. Both of them are clearly older than Ozai, but are also obviously younger than Iroh. They are in their 50s (heck, it was even confirmed that Tenzin is 51 in Book 1 and 55 in Book 4).

So, with 20 years difference between them, it means that Iroh wasn’t around much when Ozai was a child. Iroh was probably already fighting in the war by the time Ozai was born (Lu Ten is, at most, 10 years older than Zuko, as seen from the flashback in S03E05 The Beach, and he was already fighting in the war so it’s makes perfect sense that Iroh would be fighting in the war as a young adult too) and was well on his way to becoming a revered military leader. I’d say that’s also the reason why Ozai never had a chance at winning Azulon’s favor. Azulon already had a successful, perfect son and heir in Iroh and he didn’t care for a younger, inexperienced Ozai who was desperate and eager to prove himself. Simply put, Azulon didn’t need Ozai.

We know that Ozai has no military experience, we know that Ozai resented Iroh for being Azulon’s favorite and it was also confirmed multiple times in the Avatar Extras for Book 3 that Ozai is the most powerful firebender in the world (and his feats on the Day of Black Sun and under Sozin’s Comet back this up nicely). Furthermore we have this quote from Bryan Konietzko: “Ozai is not like some kind of palace dweller. We will say that. I’m not sure how much he’s ventured out into the world, but he’s not like the Earth King where he’s isolated. The Fire Nation is a little more ‘hands on’. It’s not uncommon that you will have to fight or duel for political or military positions or purposes. There’s a big difference. I think in the Fire Nation, unlike in Ba Sing Se, if there’s a prince who’s 30 years old, he’s probably fought pretty intensely a few times. Had to prove his worth. Not unlike Japanese Samurai in their day. They had to make a name for themselves, they had to have some fame. Fire Nation, like a lot of other militaristic cultures throughout history, has warriors who have to prove themselves either through some battle, test of martial skill, or duel. Fire Nation’s a little more aggressive like that. Ozai’s not sitting around eating Bon Bon’s in the palace, he’s working out.”

All this leads me to conclude that Ozai definitely tried to prove himself to his father, but Azulon never gave him an opportunity to lead his own military campaign. What did he do instead? He sent Ozai off to search for the Avatar (in S01E01 The Boy in the Iceberg it was stated by both Zuko and Iroh that Ozai, as well as Azulon and Sozin before him, had searched for the Avatar years ago). I imagine this was, much like in Zuko’s case, an attempt of a father to rid himself of his son, at least for a while. As we know, Ozai’s search resulted in failure and Azulon would likely see it as just another reason why Ozai is unworthy of being given any kind of opportunity to prove himself.

Well, I have a ton more headcanons regarding Ozai and FN Royal Family, but I won’t bother you with that now. As long as I’m talking about Iroh and Ozai, here’s an extremely well-made video that answers the eternal fan-debate of who would win in a fight between them. If you want to check out more A:TLA analyses, Seyary-Minamoto has some great ones: analysis of Ozai, analysis of Sokkla, analyses of Zuko, analyses of Azula in the comics, analysis of Fire Nation sexism.

#iroh #ozai #partner-of-the-light #analysis #submission

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seyaryminamoto · 2 years

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Hey, don't know if you'll see this as I've never used this Tumblr feature before.

But anyways, how do you feel about entering the last phase of your series Gladiator..?

This series has gone on for almost as long as I have been in the world of fanfiction. As the author of one of Ao3's largest works of fiction (the largest one in the entire ATLA fandom), I'm curious as to how you feel about knowing that the end is near for a piece of work that you have put so many years in too.

I feel as though this fic has become such a big part of your life, going from 2014 to the current year and still on-going, knowing that eventually you will write the last chapter for this and eventually have to post it seems... overwhelming to me.

I'm a little bittersweet myself, though I do have a lot of catching up to do as I did stop reading awhile ago due to the military, but that just means I have a a shitton of reading material for the next week or so... (I will blast through it as I did in 2020 when I found this fic...).

But yes anyways, idk, seems like a lot to me. Feel free to answer on your own time, I'm sure you're just as busy as I am if not more : D

Well... technically I started writing it in 2013, I just started posting in AO3 on 2014 xD but yes, all in all, you're correct with your assessments.

Being in the final stretch of this story is a lot to take for sure, I admit there was a moment when it hit me, earlier this year, that it'd end soon, and some impulsive part of me was like "ummm... I'll stop writing right now or I'll run out of story too fast". Which is a very weird thing to think considering I've been writing it for almost ten years! Too fast? It really hasn't been too fast at all x'D but like I said in an earlier ask... Gladiator has been a major part of my life for a long time now, I can safely say the choice of writing this big fic literally changed my life beyond anything I imagined possible. I still remember wistfully wondering what it might be like to be read by people all around the globe... and yes, perhaps fanfiction isn't the conventional way of going about that, but who cares about conventional when you get to meet people from all around the world who also love the things you love? XD I achieved my careless high school dream without ever imagining I could do it as early on as I have.

I have very little doubts that writing the very ending of Gladiator, the last chapter, the last words, will make me cry about ten rivers X'D I don't know if I'll ever be ready to say goodbye to this story, it has meant soooo much to me and it will forever have a major place in my heart regardless of whatever my future holds beyond it. I've never written anything as ambitious as this fic... and heck, maybe I never will xD I wouldn't be surprised if I can't ever find a story to create that could possibly rival Gladiator's immensity, not only length-wise, but as far as complexity and numerous plotlines are concerned. I've always been given to creating lengthy stories, but what I've done with Gladiator far outdoes anything even I knew myself capable of. Knowing this fic is among the longest fics in AO3 (last I was told it was the eighth??? Like... that's utterly insane to me xD), and a little under 1M words from the famously longest story in FF.net? I had noooo idea I was signing up for something that would take me this far at the very beginning. I did know Gladiator was going to be big... I did not know it was going to be THIS big! xD

So yeah, getting to the final part is a complicated experience because I'm definitely thrilled about writing all I've been writing, moving the story forward as good as non-stop, getting to the thick of the action I've been plotting and developing the story towards for YEARS! But I admit... I fear I'm bound to feel a little lonely once it ends. It won't be over as fast for you guys as it will be for me, since I'm writing in advance and all, but it's going to be strange not having this story as one of my biggest priorities anymore. I know I've been insanely fortunate to be able to write as much as I have, I definitely owe much to so many people supporting me and helping me stay on this path until my full artistic vision can be realized. But ultimately, yeah, the moment of reaching that ending will probably be a little bit emotionally devastating xD I do intend to get there, the universe knows I must! But the cost will be steep for sure. This experience will always be with me, and I'll always appreciate all the good things that came my way because of it, but parting ways with Gladiator, whether for good or only temporarily, will be a very bittersweet moment for me.

I will say, though, that I'm sure I'll revisit this story, whether by writing post Gladiator-canon stories or just by rereading chapters here and there. Giving stories some time to fade out from the core focus of your mind makes it really interesting to revisit them and rediscover things you never even remembered having written xD so... I look forward to that in the future. As difficult as it will be to try to get over my big, huge fic coming to an end, I think the journey to get there has been mostly gratifying, with only a few hiccups along the way, and it's defintely one of the most rewarding learning experiences I've ever lived through. I'll miss it, but I know it's always going to be right there, within my reach, ready to take over my life once more when I reread or write any new stories for it in the future :)

#anon #gladiator #... I got emotional answering this I need a tissue (?)#okay but really #if you'd told Seyary the innocent recovering weaboo from 2012 who opened FF.net's archive #and saw the top reviewed stories #and saw their length #and told herself 'lol imagine being one of those devoted fans they're so cool'#... and now she's somehow one of them #I could barely believe it when I beat out the longest story of the fandom before Gladiator #that Azulaang 1M story?#... and here I am aiming for 4M and wondering if 5M will happen X'D #dear god it's madness to realize how far this crazy story has brought me #I've got a ton of stories to tell... but I really don't think it'll be possible for me to genuinely get over Gladiator #I've given it my all #and I regret nothing <3

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kigozula · 11 months

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Gladiator 300th Chapter Celebration

Here are my answers and I have to admit, I realized how hard it was to answer some of them xD

FAVORITE…

1.OC: It has always been Rui Shi. But in general, I do like so many OC's. Tiang is one of them as well. As I say often, Seyary is the Queen of the best OC's!!

2. Guard: Since I chose Rui Shi as my favorite OC, I choose Fei Li here. Funny and cute

3. Gladiator: The Millenium Dragon is a nice person. The Blind Bandit maybe? Or wait, Haru? Honestly I don't really have a favorite Gladiator other than the Blue Wolf come to think of it

4. Sponsor: I'm going with Zhao

5. Pair/Couple (besides Sokkla): Songshi<3 These two are the cutest

6. Friendship: Azula and her childhood friends Mai and Ty Lee. I miss their friendship these days... Azula and Rui Shi, Azula-Sokka-Rui Shi-Song

7. Villain/Antagonist/Opponent: Yes he is evil, but Rhone brought action

8. Suitor for Azula: Kuan and Hahn. Here too, I liked the action it brought. And I enjoyed it how Hahn ended up. As for the characters I like as suitors Zhao and Chan. I believe Chan will be a good character in the future(?)

"Oh?" said Ozai. "And what sort of gift is that?"

"Why, no other than him, of course," said Kuan, pointing at the man he had brought with him.

"Why, your first engagement present to me is a man?" asked Azula, raising her eyebrows. "Your ideas for courting are quite unconventional, Governor Kuan." Chapter 69

Had to drop this here, since I am re-reading this arc currently. One of the funniest scenes xD

9. Place (any houses/island/cities…): Fire Nation Capital (the Palace, Sokka and Azula's house/garden, Ty Lee's, Ember Island, Shu Jing

10. Event (weddings/festivals…): Not sure but Azula‘s birthday and the Gladiator Fight afterwards. And the second Fire Nation Festival with the catastrophic ending

FAVORITE TOP THREE…:

Sokkla Kisses in Part 2 when they become finally a couple: I really like making things difficult don’t I? I might be missing some but at the moment: Their rejoining after the second Fire Nation Festivals, on the ship when Sokka rushed in Azula‘s room while Ty Lee is still in there, Shu Jing domestic life, aaannddd I think on the ship when Azula accidentally spills out the word love and is „angry“ afterwards, Oh and when she hurts her wrinkle and Sokka tends to it and kisses her *_*

Sokkla Love Making: The whole Festivals Arc, random moments, Northern Air Temple, Anniversary

THIS OR THAT:

1.Part 2, or Part 3 (so far): I really have no answer to this. Been reading since nine years, my absolute favorite arcs and moments aren't much more in one part than the other. So, I have to answer it this way ;) in no particular order:

Introduction arc Attack of the White Lotus arc Ember Island arc The Notorious Stingray arc Azula’s Birthday arc Fire Nation Festivals arc Giving in arc Northern Air Temple arc Kinslayer arc Toph finds out arc Fire Nation Festivals #2 arc Sokka and Azula’s anniversary arc Gladiator Brawl arc Return to Shu Jing arc The Spirit Library arc Fire Lord for a Week arc Wedding arc

2. Zuki Family or Mai Jian Family: I'm honestly impressed by both. I never thought Zuko would be such a good family man. Mai Jian is a dream. I guess at the end Mai Jian outweighs Zuki even if juuuust little

3. Festivals Arc or Anniversary Arc: Again I guess I like making things difficult xD. Both are bomb... Again there is only the littlest difference and my choice goes with Festivals...

4. Captain Rui Shi or Captain Fei Li: Captain Rui Shi forever

5. Ozai or Zhao: Zhao. He made a 180 degree turn out of nothing these days. But I still like this man in part 2 as well as the beginning of part 3. He treated both Azula and Sokka well in my opinion. Before the whole pregnancy reveal, he's been a good man to his wife Azula. Zhao is one of the best characters in the whole story!!

Ozai... well, even if he our Diva Lord is a likable character, (I mean part 1 and part 2 were very funny with him), and even if I don't truly hate him as a character, I can never see him the way I did after all the things he did to my baby Azula

6. Gladiator Brawl, Sponsor Race, Pairs Tournament or Scavenger Hunt: All are very good. My final decision is Gladiator Brawl

7. Xin Long or Appa: I ike Appa. But Xin Long wins here!!

8. Azula’s Squad or Sokka’s Squad: I'm gonna go with Rui Shi's future Squad(?) xD

9. Ty Lee or Mai: Ty Lee I like more in part 1. Mai is always good. This woman and her sudden comments are humorous. Their absence is very noticeable

10. Shoji or Kino: Shoojiiiiii

11. Ruon Jian or Haru: We didn't see much of Ruon Jian, but I still like him. I like Haru more still. He was very funny around Azula at the beginning xD

OTHERS:

1.A Place you would like to visit or live: The Capital I would want to live in. And visiting, I would like to see every place. Esepcially Ember Island

2. If you could give Part 2 a title it would be: "A BOND UNBREAKABLE"

3. Something you look forward to: Chan. Rui Shi and the guards. *coughs* chapter 327/329. Azula visiting the South Pole. Reuniting and being happy together again forever*-*. Azula giving birth to more children with Sokka by her side

4. Favorite Sokkla Artwork from Part 2:

These two babies right here*-*:

GUESSING TIME:

Future Ships you think will happen: I thought about Reirei at then beginning (Rei and Renkai) but then I found out about the age difference. Honestly, I don't think there is going to be a big surprise

Azula and Zhao will divorce when/because of … I think Zhao might commit betrayal and lose the royal family's trust (the Spirit Oasis)

When Hakoda meets Azula and Hotaru for the first time …: One of the things I am very much looking forward to. Admiration on both sides and happiness. Maybe some tears?

When Ozai and Ursa see each other …: .................................................................................................................................................... Angry Ursa.... I think she will play a major role in Ozai's future downfall, emotionally(?). Everything aside, I would support some moments of affection and longing from both sides =D. Urzai is a good ship... HAD the potential of being one of the best...

I think Ozai's future looks like...: Since things can change in this story, I don't really have an opinion on that that I can be sure of. All I can say is: I think he will stay alive...

When Azula finally visits the South Pole, I hope/wish/think …: Igloo Sokkla. Fun family times. *wantstocry*. Admiration of the whole tribe for Azula, their new family member

First things Azula and Sokka will do after their reunion:

Be happy, cry, take in each other's scent, cuddle together with their baby daughter, then sharing their miserable journey with each other, Sokka finding out about the letters and her tears and trying to keep his anger in check and never ever letting her go for the rest of his life, no matter what happens.

@seyaryminamoto , congratulations on the release of the 300th chapter! As always, I feel happy-sad and can't believe Gladiator is a journey we've been on for a decade. You already know how much I love this story;). Your hard work and love for writing and making these beautiful artworks amaze me. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to host events for your masterpiece and I feel valued with your trust! Thank you! I've already started re-reading my favorite arcs. They give me joy!

I'll be posting the correct answers to the quiz on sunday evening.

#gladiator300thchapter #sokkla #captain rui shi #zhao #seyaryminamoto #kigozula #for more events in the future hopefully:))#the Original questions were even more difficult believe me xD #I‘m glad I edited the challenge several times

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