Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16
Arc 3 - The Avatar's Return (Book 1)
Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24, Part 25, Part 26, Part 27
Arc 4 - The Earth Kingdom (Book 2)
Part 28, Part 29, Part 30, Part 31, Part 32, Part 33, Part 34, Part 35, Part 36, Part 37, Part 38, Part 39, Part 40, Part 41, Part 42, Part 43, Part 44, Part 45, Part 46, Part 47, Part 48
Arc 5 - The Fire Nation (Book 3)
Part 49, Part 50, Part 51, Part 52, Part 53, Part 54, Part 55, Part 56, Part 57, Part 58, Part 59, Part 60, Part 61, Part 62, Part 63, Part 64, Part 65, Part 66, Part 67, Part 68, Part 69, Part 70, Part 71, Part 72, Part 73, Part 74
Arc 6 - A Post-War World
Part 75, Part 76, Part 77, Part 78, Part 79, Part 80, Part 81, Part 82, Part 83, Part 84, Part 85, Part 86, Part 87, Part 88, Part 89, Part 90, Part 91, Part 92, Part 93, Part 94, Part 95, Part 96, Part 97, Part 98, Part 99, Part 100
Part 101, Part 102, Part 103, Part 104, Part 105, Part 106, Part 107, Part 108, Part 109, Part 110, Part 111, Part 112, Part 113, Part 114, Part 115, Part 116, Part 117, Part 118, Part 119, Part 120, Part 121, Part 122, Part 123...
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Morgana curses Arthur to become an animal (vermin to be precise).
He is now a mouse, small, universally disgusted, and easily killable by animals and other humans. Arthur had to navigate back from Morganas hut in the forest and find his way back to his castle and to Gaius.
He knows he could be eaten by a cat or an owl, be killed by the servants who spot him in the corridors, or get lost in the now very big Camelot. It takes him a whole two days to make his way back to the citadel
Morganas plan was genius one. He was invisible and helpless. He could be killed and no one would know or realise that they had killed their king while chasing a little forest mouse.
His journey takes him inside the castle, and while he’s roaming the corridors as a small mouse when he spots Merlin.
Merlin!
As he runs up to Merlin the idiot lights up. “Hello little one :D”
He bends down and scoops Arthur up into his (surprisingly large hands).
“Oh aren’t you just a sweet little thing? Don’t worry, I won’t tell cook I found you down here. You can stay in my pocket while I tidy the kings chambers”
Arthur knew that his friend had a soft spot for all animals, but really this was taking it a step too far. Allowing some random mouse he found crawling around the floor to accompany him into The Kings Private Chambers? Just so he could have some company while he tidies? What a dollophead.
Although…in this specific scenario…he supposed he could make an exception. Just this once. And as soon as he transforms back into his human self he will be having words with his servant about this absolutely ridiculous behaviour.
But for now Arhrur is safe in his silly manservant’s pocket. Silly, lovable Merlin, who just picked up a little mouse and decided to take it with him for the day because he was bored.
He stays curled up in Merlin’s neckerchief
(And he’s so totally normal about being this close to Merlin’s strong neck and chest. If he wasn’t cursed as a mouse he would be so normal about this)
It’s much later in the evening, while him and Merlin eat off of the Kings dinner plate (again, he will be having words about this), when the warning bell sounds.
Lets be honest. If Arthur was gone for more than two days, Merlin knows he's missing. Especially if it's while Agrivaine is around. No one would know the king is missing because Merlin and Gaius are working together the pretend Arthur is sick in bed until they can find him. Arthur wouldn't be sitting, thinking how he will be having words with him about little things.
Arthur would be going "wtf wtf WTF, why isn't Merlin telling anyone I'm missing? And how does Merlin have such sway with the servants? Since when do guards listen to Merlin more than my uncle? Why is Merlin not letting my uncle be regent while I'm gone? WHEN DID MERLIN LEARN TO FORGE MY SIGNATURE?!"
And then ensues an adventure where Merlin has this mouse in his pocket, which Merlin will probably affectionately call Arthur, cuz he's a little crazy and worried about the real Arthur and needs mouse Arthur to ground him.
And if I was writing this fic, there would definitely be a magic reveal, and a moment (after Arthur has come to terms with Merlin's magic) where Merlin uses a spell or something to become a mouse to eacape a trap, and says to Mouse Arthur that its still him, please follow, only for Arthur to go "yeah, no shit I know its you, you idiot" and mouse Merlin does a double take and is so confused, because apparently this random mouse he grabbed to ground him during this emergency is ACTUALLY ARTHUR, who is telling him he's stupid, and as punishment for not telling him about the magic, Arthur is going to force him to be court sorcerer when he's done lifting the ban.
a common theme in superbat fics is to have clark be the completely oblivious one or have clark think bruce is the oblivious one but he's been secretly pining all this time and good at hiding it. and i think that's great but i also think it's hilarious when bruce genuinely has no idea clark has feelings for him, and genuinely doesn't even think about liking clark romantically until clark confesses.
he's not in denial, he doesn't fantasize about clark or get jealous over anyone clark dates, he doesn't even need to trick himself into thinking his feelings are platonic because they genuinely are. he's entirely content with their friendship.
it never crosses his mind to take it in a different direction until clark comes to him one night with tears in his eyes, unable to bear his secret any longer, and says, breathless, "i think i'm in love with you."
bruce bluescreens. he's honestly blindsided, completely surprised by clark's words, surprised that he could mean that much to clark.
clark, who takes bruce's stillness as an answer, the cautiously hopeful expression on his face dimming as his shoulders curl forward. "you don't feel the same way."
"i...never really thought about it," bruce says, the blank shock in his voice betraying his honesty.
clark lets out a startling, wet laugh. "okay," he says, shrinking back, lifting off the ground. "sorry, um. i'll leave you alone."
"don't go," bruce says desperately, reaching for clark and grabbing his wrists. it's true, he'd never really thought about it. but now that clark has brought it to his attention— "i'm thinking about it now."
with a furrowed brow, clark searches his eyes. bruce tries his hardest to be transparent, to let clark look without hiding anything. "you don't have to lie to me just to spare my feelings, bruce. that's worse," clark says, biting at his full lip.
and since when has bruce thought about the fullness of clark's lips? or the warm, richness of his voice, or the long, dark eyelashes that frame his bright eyes so beautifully, or the way his hands feel in bruce's right now—
"i'm not lying," bruce says, clumsily bringing his hand up to cradle clark's jaw, the warmth of clark's skin zinging up his arm. "i didn't know it was an option then. i want it now."
"you're serious," clark replies, his eyes wet. "you just suddenly...want to date."
"if that's what you want," bruce replies, unable to keep his gaze from lowering to clark's mouth again. "we can date, or hookup, or just hang out. whatever you want," he continues, voice turning breathless as he continues, getting excited about all the things he might get to do. "i can take you to dinner. we can eat dessert on the hood of the batmobile. we can go driving, or hiking, or boating. do you know how to waterski?"
"bruce—"
"i'll get you anything you want—"
"bruce—"
"i really want this clark. let me have this—"
"bruce—!"
"god, do you have any idea how beautiful—?"
clark finally gets him to shut up by hauling him forward into a fierce kiss. bruce welcomes him readily, wrapping his arms tightly around him and giving as good as he gets. they are by no means gentle, but bruce likes it that way, relishes the feeling of clark's hot, slick mouth against his, shivering as clark's hands drag up his spine.
"i want you," bruce whispers when they break away. "i don't know how i didn't see it before."
clark smiles at him, utterly radiant. "as long as you see it now."
"i do," bruce says earnestly, kissing him again and silently cursing himself. he could've had this so much sooner. "god, i do."
If Bruce were a kitten he’d be so temperamental and needy ( •v•) Clark wouldn’t get a moment of peace because Bruce needs to be nuzzling him constantly. Whenever he doesn’t get enough attention he’s willing to head butt Clark’s face and break his glasses.
Clark has to take a phone call, or cooking in the kitchen, and not paying attention to kitten Bruce. Bruce is having none of this, and claws and rolls all over Clark's feet. To avoid stepping on Bruce, Clark usually ends up floating, because if he doesn't he will fall and land on the kitten.
Normally, when Clark has to leave the apartment, he has to speed out the door or Bruce will try to follow him. Bruce will normally just seeth and wait, since he's not much of a yowler. Only he escapes one day and manages to hunt down Superman, and climb up the back of his cape. He refuses to let go, until Clark goes back to the apartment.
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Really though, what was that about? I don’t know is a valid answer. It communicates very clearly that the child cannot answer your question, and therefore maybe needs more help understanding the question/situation. Why do you try and push them to give an answer they don’t have? That stresses them out and it makes them feel like they’re being punished for not knowing something.
i thought i was the only one with an “i don’t know” problem because my parents made it seem it was the strangest and also most horrible thing in the world. i genuinely didn’t know and they got angry and that only blocked my thoughts more which meant i didn’t know the answer to anything else.
Also “I don’t know” is a commonly used sentence for children with ADHD/Autism. We DON’T know why we can’t do our homework. We DON’T know why we can’t eat certain foods sometimes. We DON’T know why we forgot to do a chore. It’s really distressing when you genuinely don’t know and people think you’re just lying or indifferent
When I was in highschool, my guy friend was on his way to join our friends during lunch and fell in some water from the leaky ceiling. (it was a notorious problem, to the point during rainy seasons, they had to dump the giant trash tubs collecting the water twice a day.) My friend broke his arm, and was sent home. This was the Friday before Spring Break started.
I learn about the arm breaking when my friend was texting with me during break. No details, just that he fell and broke it. And I'm like, damn dude, that sucks. Get better I guess?
When I come back to school, I'm in my first period, honors trig, and I get called to the vice principal's office, where the vice principal is waiting with the campus security officer. And he sits me down and starts asking me about my friend. How long had I known him, were we friends, what was I doing during lunch over a week ago on the Friday before break. And I was honest, and I'm like, I've known him for about 3 years, we met in middle school, we were in the Anime Club together and we were friends, and I was where I always was, outside the 100 building with my friends eating lunch.
And then the vp asked if I knew about his arm. And I told him, yeah, he called me during break, and it sucks. But the vp immediately takes it as an admission of guilt.
VP: so you know how he broke his arm?
Me: no. I just know it broke.
CSO: He broke it here at school. In the 100 building.
Me: oh. So that's why he didn't join us at lunch.
VP: So you do know what happened!
Me: no? I wasn't there?
CSO: We know you're connected to this. When he was brought to the nurse, he said your name.
Me: probably because he was coming to join my friend group for lunch???
VP: So tell me what happened!
Me: I don't know?! I wasn't there?!
CSO: this will be easier if you just tell us what happened.
Me, really worked up now: I don't know!
VP: tell us what happened!
CSO: go take a walk, VP.
VP, leaves.
CSO, acting nice: hey. Come on, girl to girl. You can tell me what happened.
Me: I don't know what happened!
CSO: alright, let me tell you what I think happened. Friend was on camera in the hall with another girl. Did you know about that?
Me, not sure why I should care: no???
CSO: I think you did. And then you didn't like that he was talking to other girls. So you pushed him in the hall.
Me, needing a second for my brain to catch up: You think I broke my friends arm?!
CSO: well, did you?
Me: NO!
CSO: then what happened?
Me: I don't know!!!
This went on for the entire class period, and then some. I was being interigated about something I wasn't even there for, for about an hour. When they finally sent me back to class, it was already most of the way through second period, which was right across the hall from the VP office, and I just went in and dropped into the corner, and texted my friend asking what happened to his arm and why did I get good cop bad cop-ed by the VP and CSO.
Turns out, his mom was sueing the school for medical costs, and they were looking for any other reason why then our school being unsafe. So they tried to blame me because I was the friend he mentioned while delirious from pain.
Anyway, the point is, when someone says I don't know, they usually mean they don't know. 😑
I got Unbeatable Squirrel Girl in my packs from my preorder! Im just so excited, because, well, my mom is a Krenko Mob Boss main, and I play Otharri Sun's Vanguard, so we're both all for tokens, and keep trying to one up eachother with token generation.
Bruce insulting Batman in interviews is an amazing concept because he will not insult his kids. Like he is saying that Batman is dumb and not even a real Bat but if those little boys want to be birds they should live their dreams and they are the greatest thing to come out of Gotham in centuries. It gets so bad that interviewers ask the former Robins why Bruce hates Batman but loves Robin and all the kids develope telepathy for just a moment and declare its because Bruce lost custody of them in his divorce from Batman.
I think the funniest part is about these kinds of posts, is that Gotham would 100% figure out what kids Bruce Wayne has that are now Birds. Like, its not a huge leap of logic once people know. So everyone knows that the Wayne brood is actually the Birds, but are 100% convinced that Bruce isn't Batman.
It's especially better if criminals feel bad for Bruce, because it's obvious that Bruce loves the Birds, and doesn't get to see them as often as he likes, so they kidnap him on purpose so they can give Gotham's Darling a visitation.
Jon : Are you high? Damian is obviously the most beautiful.
Kon : Damian?! He's a scary, mean, stabby, assassin!
Jon : Oh you did not.
Kon : Oh but I did.
Jon : TIM IS LIKE A RACCOON HIGH ON PAIN MEDICATION!
Kon : LISTEN THERE YOU LITTLE SHIT!
-
Diana : Everyone! I received a signal of fighting in the atmosphere near the earth!
Bruce : We need to prepare.
Barry : I'm connecting us to the satellite for a visual! There it's-
Justice league :
Oliver : Am I tripping or is that your child's Clark?
Clark : I- I mean yeah but...
J'onn : The audio is connecting.
Kon audio : TIM IS THE BEST YOU BITCH! HE'S HOT, PRETTY, GORGEOUS, SMART, INCREDIBLE! WAY BETTER THAN MISTER EX ASSASSIN! *Laser eyes*
Jon audio : NOBODY ASKED YOU, YOU HALF-ASSED CLONE! DAMIAN HE'S WHAT EARTH HAVE DONE BEST! TIM CAN'T EVEN DREAM OF BEING LIKE HIM! *Throw a meteorite at him*
Justice league :
Hal : AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAH
Bruce with the biggest sigh of the world : Clark.
Clark really embarrassed by his kids : Yep- going right now!
Bruce Wayne who has extremely dirty thoughts, but so good at hiding it that the entire League thinks he's ace.
Like Bruce arguing with Clark about something Clark did during a battle being stupid, and while Bruce seems just mad and more angry each time Clark argues back, Bruce's internal monologue is just..
"God he's so fucking hot when he's angry. He could pick me up like I was nothing and pin me to the wall, and just fucking put me in my place. He could just use me like a toy, he's so strong, I'd weigh nothing to him."
And this happens almost as much with other league members. Like thinking about what other things the lanterns can make with their rings, using previously seen things as starting reference. Could Diana use the Lasso of Truth for bondage? Since speedsters can vibrate only parts of their bodies, could they vibrate their dicks?
And the League has no idea.
Until Bruce is hit with a spell, that either makes him speak everything he's thinking, or lets those around him hear all his thoughts. And everyone is horrified thinking it's changed Batmans personality, only to realize, oh fuck, no, he's just a freak like that.
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Love potion debacle Merthur, but instead of having Arthur being the one dosed, it's Merlin.
Because Arthur has seen Merlin's devotion, but can't risk losing Merlin if he's reading too much into it. Arthur can't bring himself to ask Merlin to be something more, because the very thought of Merlin rejecting him makes his stomach churn. He just can't risk it.
Only, a princess comes to visit, and Arthur thinks they just want to marry the King of Camelot. Only, the princess has no interest in Arthur. She has eyes for Merlin of all people. And yeah, Arthur knows that Merlin is brave and true and a strong warlock, but other people don't.
Of course, Merlin is polite and friendly, seeming to not realize that the princess wants to make Merlin a prince consort. Arthur hates that he knows Merlin deserves the title, and yet Arthur still can't give it to him. The only saving grace is that Merlin seems completely unaware.
Until Merlin brings Arthur his dinner, and Merlin is chuckling to himself. Of course Arthur has to ask what was so funny.
"the princess just asked me to move to her kingdom," Merlin laughs, while Arthur feels his stomach drop.
"Did she?" His mouth felt dry. "What did you say?"
Merlin gives him that look, the one that says he thinks Arthur is an idiot. "I told her no, of course. I could never leave you-" Arthur's heart quickens for a moment, before Merlin continues. "-and Camelot! I mean, the castle would be up in flames in a week if I did."
"It would not," Arthur huffs. While he knew all about Merlin's deeds, he could survive for a while. A month, at least. "But good. Telling her no, I mean."
Merlin's brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well... It would just... It would be a hassle to replace you as my manservant?"
And of course this upsets Merlin, because is that all Arthur sees him as? After all these years? And Arthur is trying to ease the situation without revealing his true affections, and just ends up making it worse. Merlin storms off in a huff. Arthur let's him, planning to smooth things over in the morning.
Only, Merlin is cold and distant. He leaves Arthur his breakfast and doesn't say a word before leaving. Arthur assumes it's because Merlin is still mad.
But then Arthur sees the princess in the courtyard. She calls someone over. And its Merlin. The dark haired mans face is lit up, as if looking upon a treasure. He comes forward and takes the princess's hands. She smooths his hair, speaking softly as Merlin nods eagerly. Arthur has to turn away.
When Merlin delivers dinner that night, Arthur stops him, having to know.
"Merlin," Arthur says, as his friend and holder of his heart blinks blankly at him. "You know that you are... More than a servant to me. You are my friend. And I trust you with everything."
Arthur isn't looking at Merlin, so he misses the flicker of gold in Merlin's eyes, before Merlin's face softens. "I know, Arthur."
"have you changed your mind?" Arthur asked. "About... Leaving?
"Leaving?" The gold flickers again, a bit stronger. "Arthur I could never leave you."
Arthur doesn't give himself a chance to hope. But he has to know. "I saw you and the princess. She seems to love you dearly."
The gold flickers and sputters out of Merlin's eyes. "Yes," he says before his voice turns sickly sweet, full of adoration. "Yes, she does love me so..."
Arthur feels sick, but he turns to look at Merlin anyway. His friend has a look of pure adoration. As if the woman they speak of had hung the moon and stars.
If Merlin's loyalty was the only thing keeping him from a life of love and luxury, it would be cruel and selfish to not let Merlin know it would be okay to leave. Arthur would let Merlin go, if it meant he would be happy.
"I've been thinking," Arthur said, slow as Merlin seemed to refocus. "That, if you... Would like to be with her, that would be alright. You can go back with her."
There's silence, as Merlin seems to think on it. "Yes... I'll go with her."
Arthur turns away until Merlin has left. He avoids talking too long with him in the coming days. He knows, if he speaks with Merlin, then he'll ask Merlin to stay. But Gwen keeps trying to talk to him about it. The whole castle is in a stalemate, torn between outrage and fear. For Merlin to leave, something terrible must have happened.
The day of the departure, Gwen finally throws it down.
"you're an idiot," she snaps.
"i know," Arthur says. "But he wants to leave."
"No. He been acting off. There's something wrong with him!"
"there's nothing wrong with wanting to find love."
She grits her teeth. "Have you looked at him recently? Seen the gold flashes in his eyes?"
"Yes, Gwen. I know what he looks like while using magic."
Gwen wants to shake him. "But he wasn't using magic! Arthur, something is wrong with him! He's... Please, just go talk to him before he leaves."
And Arthur knows he shouldn't. Because if Gwen is wrong, and Arthur goes, he'll never forgive himself for making Merlin stay. But he does go. He needs to wave the princess off anyway.
When he got there, Merlin's gaze was distant, as if he were unfocused. Which, sure, sometimes Merlin didn't focus on what was going on, but he was never so... Absent. Gwen was right. Something was very wrong.
"Merlin," Arthur called, edging closer.
Merlin blinked and turned. His gaze was still unfocused, but there was a spark there. Almost a flicker of gold.
"Arthur?..."
"Merlin," Arthur says, more confident, and stepping closer. "I need to speak with you."
"With me? You..." The flicker grows brighter, the blankness easing away as Merlin's gaze focused. "You came for me?..."
Arthur felt his heart race. "Of course, I did. Merlin, I can't let you go."
"You can't?"' There was solid gold now.
They'd drawn the attention of the princess, who hurried forward, trying to get between them.
"I'm sorry, King Arthur," she said, much to quickly, and drawing Merlin's gaze, the flicker of gold starting to fade. "But my love and I must be going!"
"No," Arthur said, scowling as he rested his hand at the sword on his hip. It wasn't Excalibur, but it was fine for daily use. "I'm afraid I can't let you leave. And I suggest you stand aside."
The princess jumps, looking a bit panicked. Then, she rushes to Merlin, grabbing at his arm. "Love, protect me!"
"Yes," Merlin said, turning to look at her. "I will protect you, my love."
The knights around them began to draw their swords, as the princess raised her hand to point at Arthur. Merlin turned, face scrunched into a scowl. Quickly, Arthur raised his hands, knowing that Merlin would never hurt him, but... This wasn't exactly Merlin.
"Merlin," Arthur tries.
Merlin tilts his head, as if confused. The gold is coming back. "Arthur?"
"Yes, Merlin. It's me." He edged forward, reaching out a hand. "Just... Come here."
Obediently, Merlin reached out in turn, even taking a step away from the princess. She held onto his arm, though, shrieking.
"No! No! Look at me! He's trying to take you away from me! Don't let him!"
Merlin blinked, about to turn towards her again, But Arthur was faster. He reached out, grasping Merlin's hand, fingers twinging together, palm to palm. Merlin immediately focused on Arthur again, the gold growing stronger, as if Merlin was currently using magic. Or, perhaps fighting against it.
"Arthur?" Merlin asked, more confused now. "What's... Going on?"
"Merlin," Arthur said, holding on like his life depended on it. "You've been enchanted. I think. By the princess there. So please, come here. Don't look at her, and don't let go."
"Enchanted?" Merlin mused, frowning. He looked like he was trying to remember something, but he nodded as if discovering something. "Yes. Definitely. I can feel my magic fighting it, but to actually remove it..." He flushed red, looking away.
"How?" Arthur steps closer, squeezing Merlin's hand. "How do we remove it?"
Merlin turned back to Arthur, as the princess was frantically pulling at his arm. He paid her no mind, cheeks bright red, as he looked directly at Arthur. His hand squeezed back.
"Arthur," Merlin said, low and serious. "Kiss me."
Arthur, his own face red, doesn't hesitate to do as Merlin said.
Anyway, Love Potion Merthur, with Merlin being the one dosed, and Arthur still being oblivious until the very end.
A Superbat AU, Krypton survives, and Bruce ends up on Krypton for some reason. Only problem is, there's something about Krypton that just being on the planet makes humans sick. But there's hope! A Kryptonian can temporarily help by Bruce's body adjust via... An exchange of bodily fluids.
Of course, once this is discovered, the oh so dedicated Kal-El is all over it.
Bruce is off doing his research, probably relating to the slow decay of the planet, with Kal-El hovering nearby, wanting to help Bruce in his research, while also ready to spirit Bruce off for a 'healing' session. Of course, Bruce is annoyed about it. Sort of. He's annoyed that he has to stop the mission for this, but he definitely enjoys the sessions.
On the one occasion that someone else tries to help Bruce out, Bruce contemplates it for only a moment, and before he could say no, Kal-El was all over him. Dark glares that didn't quite fit with his normally cheery exterior. Bruce acts like he's annoyed, causing Kal-El to pout and whine, because come on! He's been doing a good job taking care of Bruce, right?!
And they're just total freaks for each other the entire time. Bruce is playing like he's indifferent not because he needs to focus on the mission, but because it works Kal-El up even more. And Kal-El is just so smitten with this human that he has barely a fraction of a second of thought where he wonders if he should sabotage Bruce's mission to save Krypton, just so Bruce won't leave, before being upset with himself for it.
When Bruce finally leaves, Kal-El doesn't even question about going with him. In fact, Kal-El gets on Bruce's ship home really early, just to make sure Bruce doesn't leave without him, and everyone thinks Kal-El is off sulking somewhere, even Bruce. They're far from Krypton when Kal-El, having fallen asleep in the bunk while waiting for Bruce, comes out and asks if they've left yet, making Bruce jump.
Of course, Bruce takes Kal-El to Gotham where Bruce makes him a human identity, and they have shenanigans with 'Clark's weird reactions to an alien planet.
Back on the anime inspired AU track. Apothecary Diaries Superbat.
The House of El fled Krypton. They end up on Earth, becoming kings/emperors, kinda like the Dark Knights of Steel run. The current emperor is Jor-El. His younger brother, Zor-El, is believed to be the only heir. In truth, Jor-El had a single son, Kal-El, who for his protection had been raised in secret by trusted servants (Johnathan and Martha Kent) after Lara had been assassinated. The public believes the rumor that Prince Kal-El had been killed at the same time.
Well, when Kal-El is at the age when he should be training to be emperor, he doesn't really want to. And Jor-El gives him a task. If Kal-El doesn't want to be emperor, fine. But that means Jor-El needs another heir. And while there have been a few rare pregnancies in Jor-El's 'garden', none of them have come to term. Kal-El will go undercover as a human servant, the head of the garden, and figure out what's going on, using the name Clark.
This sets up Clark to play the role of Jinshi.
Meanwhile, Bruce is obviously playing the role of Maomao, though not a direct comparison. He's still smart and insightful, able to figure things out. And, if we're sticking with a more medieval timeframe, you could even keep Bruce working as an apothecary under Alfred. Bruce's parents were once nobles in Jor-El's lands, before being killed by thieves when Bruce was very young. With Bruce being too young to take over the family estate, it went to his uncle, with Bruce being placed in Alfred's care. His uncle cast them out, and Alfred found work as an apothecary in an in-need area. Which happens to include a brothel, whose owner keeps Alfred on retainer for, and Bruce spent a lot of time around.
And, because Kryptonians don't discriminate on orientation, with male Kryptonians able to even impregnate human males because of weird biology, it's actually seen as a status symbol to have beautiful male lovers. Which the brothel owner would 100% rope Bruce into if Alfred wasn't watching. Bruce, thusly, gets doted on by those living in the brothel. Not that he's all that interested, because he'd rather be out learning various things. Like how to resist poison, how to judo flip would be thugs, and helping orphan kids.
(I have no real idea who the brothel men and women would be. May be some of Batman's Rogues? Just had the thought of Ras al Gul as the brothel owner, with some notable workers being Talia, Harvey, Ivy, and Harley, which would be kinda funny.)
Anyway, I imagine that rather than being kidnapped himself, maybe a few of Bruce's orphan kids have gone missing. He figures out they were kidnapped and sold as servants to the inner palace. Bruce, deciding to go undercover, and uses just enough of the brothel tutoring to set a trap and get 'kidnapped' and sent to the inner palace. Once Bruce discovers that the kids are okay (maybe it's little Dick and/or Jason), he starts planning an escape.
It's while he's in the inner palace that he hears about the babies. The word hasn't really gotten out yet, but the emperor has two newborn children now. A daughter of a few months, and a son of a few days. But they're both sick. And Bruce already figured out the problem, and hehe can't just let them die, even if they are nobility.
So he leaves a message. One listens... The other doesn't. One kid survives, and the other doesn't. And Clark has to investigate. He does his own digging, and eventually finds... Bruce.
And obviously it's a different dynamic between Bruce and Clark. Clark is earnest and hard working, not as teasingly playful. Bruce doesn't have any tolerance for 'grin and bear it', and still has ambition. They both want everyone to be safe. To not have to see others, especially children, see the darkness of the world. They end up working together more often than not, Bruce piecing together who Clark really is, but can't figure out any way to confirm. Clark knows that there's more to Bruce than people see.
There's of course some Apothecary Diaries plot lines. Like Bruce and the others brought by the same people being let go, some miscommunication leading to Clark thinking Bruce wanted to leave and Bruce thinking Clark didn't want him to stay, which leads to Bruce taking the boys home and helping a bit more in the brothel before Clark finds out and makes a drastic claim he'll buy Bruce out, even though Bruce isn't actually a member. Clark having to go to a meeting with Zor-El, but not having any other servants he trusts to go with him without revealing his identity/powers, and taking Bruce instead. Bruce would actually pass the testing needed to become Clark's assistant, unlike the unmotivated Maomao. A brewing war that Bruce gets wrapped up in, whether it's a neighboring kingdom led by Lex Luthor, Zor-El, or another surviving Kryptonian, idk.
Rocky and Grace? 100% hounded by the Eridian entertainment industry. Assuming that Rocky's little sand tablet thing is something Rocky made just for viewing Grace's screens, combined with Grace explaining television? Entertainment and media would explode, frothing at the mouth to replicate it on Erid.
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Forever ago I had this idea for a superbat fic that started with an early meeting between Clark and Bruce.
The premise was that eight/nine year old Clark had won a trip to Gotham, one funded by a Wayne Enterprise attempt to increase tourism. He was just so excited, he convinced his parents to go despite their worries about his still unstable powers. Anyway, he has a lot of fun, getting to be in the big city. And because his parents are worried about him being discovered, they never really hang around town late enough to run into crime. UNTIL...
It's their last night in Gotham. They have a late flight home the next day. Clark, wanting to do one last thing before they go, begs his parents if they can go see the new Gray Ghost movie at the theater. Martha can't help but cave, and they go to the late show. Afterwards, Clark is so excited. He can barely control his powers. That's when he hears pounding hearts and a cocking gun. He acts without thinking, superspeed launching him towards the alley. He barely has time to register the fancy family trio in front of him before he's tackling the masked man with a gun. The gun goes off, going wide and missing anything important, the criminal trying to throw Clark off only for Johnathan to come barreling in after him. Thomas jumps in to help restrain the man as the two Martha's pull their boys away from the fighting.
Its a blur. Police come and take the man away. Reporters and paparazzi take pictures of Clark as the Wayne's thank the Kents. Martha Wayne insists they have the Kents over to the manor to thank them probably. Martha Kent declines as politely as possible, saying they really should get Clark to bed. Well, what about tomorrow? Well, we leave for Kansas tomorrow. What about breakfast then, and our butler Alfred can drive you to the airport? Martha Kent can't think of another excuse, so they accept and Alfred will come to get them the next day.
Turns out, the two Martha's hit it off shockingly well. Thomas respects Johnathan's drive, even if Johnathan is a bit wary of the rich Waynes. And Clark and Bruce... Well, Clark wants to be friends, but Bruce is just so... Quiet around him? He doesn't say much the entire time the Kent's are there. Clark can't really blame him. Must be weird having your life saved by a kid only a year older than you.
The Kent's go home, and they think that is that, but Martha and Martha just can't help but stay in contact. The two women call and text and send gifts to each other. They're phone besties. Then they get an invite for Bruce's birthday party, and the Waynes offer to host the Kents at the manor, because Bruce really wants Clark there, even though Clark doesn't know why.
They go anyway, Bruce once again quiet and shy. Clark does his best to not feel hurt, ending up helping Alfred more than trying to play with Bruce. The party comes, a bunch of rich kid boys show up. Bruce is polite with all of them, but mostly talks to Oliver Queen. Clark stays close to his mom, who mostly sits at their table. Clark, with his super hearing, picks up a few boys making rude remarks about him being invited. He also hears Bruce, as politely as possible, tell them that they won't need to worry about Clark next year, because the boys won't be invited. Before an uproar can happen, Oliver goes and rescues Bruce, and Clark hears the slightly older boy tell Bruce that he really should just go talk to Clark, especially since Bruce had been so excited to see him again.
When Bruce finally comes over, he's clearly nervous, and thanks Clark and Martha for coming. Clark, being rather impulsive, asks his mom if maybe next time Bruce can come to them? See Kansas? They have cows and horses, and the creek nearby is pretty full in the summer. Bruce, being more vocal now, excited says yes, and Martha Kent really can't say no when two sets of puppy dog eyes are aimed at her.
So begins their friendship. Bruce opens up, becoming more vocal around Clark, and the two become thick as thieves. Every chance to visit, they take. The Martha's encourage this, Martha Wayne delighted that Bruce has another real friend besides Oliver. Martha Kent is just excited that Clark has a friend at all.
Eventually they get to Clark going to Metropolis University. Thomas and Martha insist on giving Clark their apartment (a three bedroom presidential suite in the heart of the city) to use. Bruce, still in his senior year of highschool, comes to visit on the weekends. If Clark had even a little bit of knowledge about dating, would realize how Bruce wearing his hoodie and leaning on him while they're on the couch would look. Instead, it's a year of Clark going to college, of not seeing the signs, and a week after Bruce's graduation, it happens.
Bruce brings up, maybe... You know, moving into the apartment. Clark, oblivious, says he has enough saved up from not needing to pay rent and the Wayne's 'scholarship' that he could actually buy a fairly nice apartment somewhere if Bruce wants it. Bruce gets flustered and frustrated, trying to tell him that's not what he means. For the first time, they really argue. Bruce, still in Clark Met U hoodie, goes towards the elevator. Clark follows, trying to get Bruce to tell him why he's upset. And then... Bruce kisses him, and Clark freezes, and Bruce takes that as his answer. So he leaves. Clark wonders about going after him, but reasons they both need time to cool off.
Only, that next week, when Clark goes to his monthly tea with Martha Wayne, he tries to subtly ask where Bruce is. Martha, confused, confesses that Bruce came back early from his weekend with Clark, and announced he was going backpacking in Europe. He'd left immediately after that.
Clark then spends the next 7 years wondering where Bruce went. Meanwhile, Bruce is traveling Europe and Asia, training.
See, Bruce most certainly isn't an idiot. He knows Clark has powers. He figured it out not long after they became friends, even if Clark hasn't actually told him yet. And he knows that Clark is still helping people in Metropolis. He knows about the kids trapped in fires suddenly appearing outside near the trucks. He knows about the close call hits in the road, where people are suddenly out of the way of an out of control car. He knows that, that fateful night they met, that Clark had used his powers to save him and his family. And he wants to be a hero too. He wants to be worthy of Clark. But he doesn't have powers. He's a fragile human. So when he (thought he) was rejected, he took those feelings and put it into training. He left. And when he comes back, he'll be something more than human.
Okay, I've been thinking about this again, and I think the MAWS universe would be a pretty good fit for this. Shorten Bruce's training a little so that he spends about 4-5 years training instead of 7, and returns around episode 4, after Ivo tower, probably. Superman is now a figure, Clark is really using his powers, and of other heroes appearing in other cities is popping up.
Jimmy moved into 'Clarks' apartment about a year after Bruce disappeared, and Clark still keeps Bruce's room (the master bedroom, because Clark never felt right taking it) exactly how it had been. Jimmy doesn't know that Clark knows the Waynes. or Oliver Queen, who had disappeared for a couple of years, returning after Bruce went missing and showed up randomly to Clark's college once to let him know he was back.
So the team goes about their day as normal, coming into work and getting the magazines. Perry gives them the assignment, and Clark gets his nice suit from Ms. Wayne. He's actually pretty comfortable in posh parties, or as comfortable as someone can be, because he'd been to his fair share of them in middle school and high school with Bruce. He tells Lois that her questions are just going to cause everyone to shut down, and when she insists, he holds firm. He can't talk to these people that way. He's met some of them before, and- And Lois isn't listening, and runs off.
Clark goes on, instead actually focusing on the questions that Cat gave them. He gets distracted by a commotion by the door, where a small crowd has gathered. He thinks he catches sight of a long missed face, but they're gone before Clark can intervene. He's on edge after that, looking at Cat's questions and wondering if he's going to be like reporters in Gotham that Bruce had hated so much. He tries to shake it off, and ends up having a... disagreement with Ivo and being kicked out. When Lois lets him back in, he's clearly shaken, and Lois asks what's wrong. He confesses that he thought he saw someone he had lost, and how they had left before Clark had realized his feelings. Lois does her best to comfort him, before they get distracted by the room with the tech.
Later, Clark gives Lois his jacket, mostly because he doesn't need it, and they wait for Jimmy together. They all head back to the Planet together. Jimmy needs to drop off the photos, Lois needs to write about the Superman fight, and Clark needs to drop off questions to Cat. Only, when they walk in, they aren't expecting Perry to be standing in the hallway, waiting for them.
"Kent, why the hell is there a billionaire in my office asking for you?"
And Clark does have to think for a moment. Thomas has only really come to see him specifically once, on the one year anniversary of Bruce's disappearance, and he'd shown up at the apartment. Martha came more frequently, but usually called first. Oliver might just show unannounced, but it was unlikely.
"Could you be more specific?..."
And that's when Clark heard that voice, smooth as honey. "I'll give you a hint. It's your favorite billionaire."
And there's Bruce. Older, more confident, but clearly Bruce. Clark rushes forward, sweeps the other man up, and just hugs him.
It's a huge scene, and Clark is a little embarrassed about it later. Cat is frothing at the mouth for the gossip, Lois can smell a scoop, Jimmy is kinda freaking out because what do you mean Clark is the 'Kansas Kid Saves Gotham Darlings' kid? Perry is thinking that the interns are more trouble than they're worth.
Clark manages to get away from his coworkers and Bruce gives a not total lie about having gone to find himself. He'd only been back about a day, and had asked his parents not to tell Clark, since Bruce wanted to surprise him. Bruce had actually also been at Ivo Tower, and had been planning on seeing Clark there, but then Clark had been thrown out and Bruce couldn't find him. (Bruce was actually doing Batman esc stuff, and was busy getting his hands on some of the tech to study it. He's looking into Cadmus too.) He was back now and that was all that mattered.
Come around to episode 5, where Clark is completely distracted by Bruce being back, Bruce who is spending most of his time in Gotham, with his parents, being the life of plenty of parties. He usually comes to visit Clark, sitting in his apartment, Jimmy being mildly uncomfortable by the clear tension in the air. Most of the rest would be about normal, with most of Clark and Lois's interactions while handcuffed being about their friendship, and Lois being a ride or die friend.
Episode 6 would be saving Jimmy, with Bruce texting Clark as he and Lois escape bots. Lois makes jabs at Clark about lying to Bruce to. Clark resolves to talk to Bruce at the end.
Episode 7, Clark is trying to find the best way to tell Bruce about the mistake from before Bruce went away, and also him being Superman. Mxyzptlk, being aware of whats going on, of course uses Bruce as his bait. Clark panics and is distracted. The League of Lois's does there thing, with a comment being made about most Lois's being with their Clark's, and Bruce's are usually left behind. There might even be a snide remark about Bruce usually getting in the LoL's way. When Lois gets the sphere with the Kryptonite, she might even discover Batman. Which doubles the secrets that she's keeping from her best friend. After Clark rescues her and Jimmy, Lois gives him a peptalk about Bruce and he goes off to do that while Lois and Jimmy deal with the sphere.
Of course, when Clark shows up unannounced at Wayne Manor, Martha is delighted and trying not to pretend she isn't eavesdropping as Clark confesses to Bruce that he'd taken Clark by surprise all those years ago. And that he really wished Bruce hadn't left, because if he had waited for Clark's brain to catch up (more like slow down and stop over heating) than Clark would have definitely kissed him back, and he's so sorry. Bruce, to shut him up, kisses his again. Clark short circuits, and Bruce says they should go out sometime. Clark agrees.
That night (kicking off episode 8) Clark's super hearing activates. He hears everything. Even all the way across the water into Gotham. He runs around, is up all night, and has his first interaction with Batman. Of course, Batman tells him to go back to Metropolis, Bruce not wanting Clark to know yet, and knowing Clark isn't in the right mindset to help or learn the truth. So Bruce goes to see him the next day, and helps Clark calm down. Even subtly teaches Clark to ground himself using Bruce's heart beat. Bruce goes off to do his thing, only to later get word that Superman is missing. (If Lois knows about Batman being Bruce in other universes, she might reach out, trying to see if Bruce was Batman here, since Batman hasn't been in the papers yet.) And of course Bruce goes and helps orchestrate Clark's escape. He gets close enough that during Clark's break down, he can use Bruce's heartrate to ground himself. He escapes, saves the day, and even makes it back in time for his first date with Bruce, which is a picnic on the top of the Daily Planet under the stars. It goes great.
And then, Thanksgiving. Bruce is there, of course. And his parents and Alfred even come. Jonathan and Alfred argue over the turkey, the two Martha's overjoyed to have the whole family back together, since it never felt right to come without Bruce. Thomas is more than happy to chat with Lois and Jimmy, curious about their work with that Superman fellow. Lois's dad even gets a few questions, with Sam being uncomfortable about the billionaires clear dislike for anyone showing dislike for Superman.
Bruce excuses himself while Clark, Jimmy, and Lois are dealing with their thing. He goes to mess around by where he knows Clark's ship is. He'd managed to find the spot once as a kid, but hadn't been able to investigate further. Then the Daily Planet trio have the issue with the Kryptonite, and the ship activates. Bruce ends up nearly being taken into the sky with it, but manages to get down and fights off some bots. Then he happens upon Jimmy with the Kryptonite and demands answers. Lois figures out that Bruce is definitely Batman, and Bruce gives her a hard stare before filling Bruce in. Bruce, of course, confiscates the Kryptonite. When Clark comes for it, Bruce says, under not uncertain terms, is Clark going alone. And there's no way that Clark is getting the sphere from him. So Clark has to bring Bruce with him.
Jor-El is of course confused, but with Bruce being the one handling the Kryptonite, Clark isn't as bad in the end when they destroy the ship. Bruce also got plenty of scans of the ship while Clark was fighting into the center. When its time to leave, Clark is able to take off, if a bit wobbly, and get him and Bruce to safety. General Lane is waiting for them, and Bruce make a thinly veiled threat, about Superman being more human than anyone.
After things have settled, it's revealed that all the Wayne's had kind of figured out Clark's secret years ago, before Clark even finished high school. It's so embarrassing, and Clark asks why none of them never said anything. They just shrugged like, why didn't you?
There's also a moment, where the Wayne's share a look. Because when Bruce came back, and set up the (yet to be named) Batcave, it was kind of impossible to hide from Alfred and his parents. They make a team, with Bruce of course being Batman, Thomas being his sons medic, Martha often giving Bruce alibis and intel from ladies nights, with Alfred being mission control. They don't tell the Kents about Team Batman yet, though.
A friend and I were talking about different AUs for Avatar, and we were talking about an AU where Azula is banished instead.
It starts with Ozai having a different approach in how he deals with his kids after Ursa leaves. Because Zuko is easily controlled. After he's burned in the Agni Kai, Zuko would never 'disrespect' Ozai again. But if Azula stepped out of line and got caught, she'd just be sneakier about it.
So obviously Ozai needs to get rid of the kid that's more likely to try and take the throne.
Azula is banished for something, sent on what is supposed to be an impossible mission, to find the Avatar. Iroh, having been pushed away by Zuko, decides that this is a chance to make some kind of progress with Azula. Ozai lets Iroh leave, figuring that his daughter will somehow take out his brother for him.
But Iroh, now with Azula who is on the edge of a breakdown, is more firm with Azula. She doesn't react to the gentle approach like Zuko.
Season 1 has Azula being more cunning, more manipulative, getting closer than Zuko ever did to capturing Aang, but with each failed attempt she becomes more erratic. It puts a bit more pressure on the Gaang to keep moving and not stop unless necessary. And as Azula continues to fail, she starts making more mistakes, and the Gaang, being good people, tend to save her from death before they quickly flee.
With they make it to the North Pole, Azula, now knowing more support techniques with her firebending, would be crazy and desperate enough to try swimming through the turtle vents. She, much like Zuko, gets a meditating Aang, and flees into a blizzard. Her firebending is strong but she can't navigate a blizzard. Once more, the Gaang save her when they rescue Aang, with Azula screaming, asking why would they do that? What's in it for them? She's not going to stop hunting the Avatar, so why?
And the Gaang just... Shrug. They're good people. And despite all the harm Azula has done, she doesn't deserve to die. She's just a kid too.
They drop Azula off by the edge of the city, and go about their business. Azula, confused and about to have a break down, goes looking for Iroh. She doesn't know what else to do. They flee, even before Aang and the ocean spirit fuse and start destroying stuff.
They retreat to the Earth Kingdom, and Azula is shattered when she finds out that they have been labeled traitors to the Fire Nation. She's lethargic and unmotivated to move on. What would be the point? She can't go home.
Iroh convinces her to keep going. Tries to build her back up, tries to find something that would be worth living for.
Azula eventually asks why Iroh is helping her. Why did he leave the Fire Nation with her, and not stay with his favorite Zuko? Why did the Avatar keep saving her, despite being their enemy?
And it's rough, because Iroh has to explain, that it is kindness and empathy. Because what happened to Azula was unfair, and she deserved someone who cared by her side.
Of course Azula doesn't understand. But she keeps moving. She follows, as Iroh leads her to Ba Sing Se. He's giving her a chance to start over. To be a teenager, be normal. He shows her tea making. It's not really her thing, but she does end up finding tending tea plants as rather... Calming.
They don't run into the Gaang much. And when they do, Azula doesn't bother going after them. There wouldn't be any reason to. She can't go home, after all. They just continue on their way.
It's when they're on the ferry into the city that things change. Azula meets Jet and his freedom fighters. She stays back, watches them as they plan. She wonders what it would feel like, doing something for someone else. So when it becomes obvious that Jet's crew will get caught, she steps it. Tells them it won't work, but she'll 'help' them. And with her cunning mind, she helps them with planning and movement. They get the food and spread it around, and as Azula sits back by Iroh, she feels... Something. She doesn't hate it, but she isn't sure if she likes it either.
They get settled in Ba Sing Se. Iroh makes tea, Azula tends herbs and tea plants. She doesn't have much skill with service work, but they make it work. Except...
The drill.
See, Zuko, having spent the last 3 years trying to be the perfect obedient son, has now become a Fire Nation general. He's tasked with leading the attack against Ba Sing Se. And he's focused. Mission oriented. He knows the Avatar is in the Earth Kingdom, but that's not his job right now. Right now, he needs to get the drill to the wall, and break in. He won't stop to pick up friends, he won't stop to take a detour for the Avatar. He will reach the wall, and he will take Ba Sing Se.
He reaches Ba Sing Se days before the Gaang does. Weeks even. The Fire Nation invades, they hold the lower rings hostage, and lay siege to the palace. The Dai Li are a problem, but Zuko's army was ready for resistance.
Azula and Iroh stay hidden in the lower ring. They lay low. Try not to get seen. Easy when they both work in the back of the tea shop, but the ring is still under Fire Nation occupation.
When the Gaang arrives, on foot, they find a capital in despair. They know they need to do something. They need to help. But they can't get in without help when they can't even get around the city. They manage to sneak it, but...
That's when someone unexpected shows up. Azula. She gives them a once over and sighs. The Gaang would be captured in minutes without her help. So she'll help them move through the city.
When they reach the palace, though... Well, Zuko's in charge. He's beaten Long Feng, and the Dai Li follow whoever is in charge.
The Gaang goes in to fight. To at least rescue the Earth King. Azula hangs back, having an odd feeling about interacting with her brother. He's different. She remembers him as the petulant child. The kid that tried too hard, but wasn't sure about anything he did. Now, he was a general. There was a darkness behind him, a pressure that hadn't been there when she was banished.
She thinks long and hard about what she's going to do. Return to the nation that discarded her? Go back to the tea shop with Iroh and pretend like none of this happened? Join the Avatar and the people that have started to treat her better than most of her family had?
Azula knows what she has to do. She steps in. She attacks the Avatar. Zuko is shocked. He hadn't even realized Azula was in the city. But he's relieved. He had never seen Azula as a traitor. And her loyalty, even in the face of the accusations against her, would be rewarded. She would be welcomed back to the Fire Nation.
And Azula knows, even despite how different her brother is, that he would not lie to her.
Of course, the Gaang escapes. Zuko still brings Azula back to the Fire Nation. Iroh never joins them. Zuko never sees him, but Azula tells Zuko about what she and Iroh had been doing. It seems to hurt him, a bit, to speak about the uncle that he felt left him behind. Azula scoffs. Iroh would have stayed, if she hadn't been in danger.
They reach the Fire Nation, Zuko is welcomed as the hero who conquered the impenetrable city. And, he lies, surprisingly easily, that if it hadn't been for Azula's help, the Avatar would have reclaimed the city.
Ozai is displeased that Zuko didn't capture the Avatar, but at least he managed to capture the city. He mostly ignores Azula. After all, Zuko has given her enough to be allowed back, but not enough to have any favor.
Zuko continues with his duties. He has meetings and briefings. Ba Sing Se, while no longer under his direct command, is still his responsibility. Azula offers to be his assistant. Zuko is sceptical, but allows it. Even lets Azula bring some people in.
Mai and Ty Lee show up after Azula sends for them. They're both cautious. Mai's family, their reputation shattered after the Avatar broke into the city and then escaped with minimal issue, need Mai to be heir in once more. Ty Lee returns because when she got Azula's letter, saying that she needed her, not as a lackey, but as a friend, Ty Lee couldn't ignore it.
And when they arrive, they find out what their mission is.
See, the Avatar had escaped. And in the short time Azula had been with them in Ba Sing Se, she had snooped through their stuff. So she knew about the day of black sun. She knew about the gathering of forces. And she hadn't told anyone else. Why should she? No one knew she was connected with the Avatar. They wouldn't suspect her at all, while she would help the Avatar take out the Fire Lord.
To do that, she needs someone to help her flip Zuko, and someone to take messages to the Avatar.
Meanwhile, team Avatar escaped Ba Sing Se. They meet up with Suki and the Kyoshi warriors, who had found Appa. With Appa, it was easy to get further. They stop at the nearest Air Temple to figure out the plan. They meet Guru Pahtik. Aang goes through the training, while the rest work on the invasion plan. Aang still argues about Katara. He hesitates.
When Aang says he's done, they rejoin with the Southern Warriors. They share the plan. They sneak into the Fire Nation. And... They get found by a bubbly girl named Ty Lee. And she knows... To much about what the Gaang is planning. And says she's not an enemy. And has some information for them too. She gives them a suggestion for good places to stop, and places to avoid. And she drops off some clothes for them. And just... Leaves.
They discuss what to do, and decide to avoid the next stop that Ty Lee suggested. She finds them again anyway, two stops later. Waves a scroll with information in their faces. Sokka can't resist. Its information about the layout of the capital. A more accurate map than anything they have.
It continues, all the way until the day comes. The Day of Black Sun. The Invasion starts. The Fire Nation isn't as prepared as it could have been. They push through. The Gaang reach the palace. Azula is waiting for them, with Mai and Ty Lee. She tells them that they made her wait. Her father has fled to hide in the thermal vents under the palace. So they better hurry.
They go down, find Ozai just as the eclipse starts. With Zuko as his personal guard, with dual swords. They fight, Zuko shockingly good at fighting off benders with swords alone. And then Azula shows up, Mai and Ty Lee helping her push Zuko back. Ozai is furious. Zuko is confused.
Azula steps in just as the eclipse is ending. She'll give the Avatar another chance to escape. And they have to.
They others flee, and Zuko is torn as his father orders him to kill Azula. Because he can't. But he's the obedient son. He can't kill his sister, but how can he disobey a direct order? Ozai is furious, outraged, rips into Zuko, calls him a worthless mistake. A pawn that has lost his use. Azula scoffs. Ozai is the one that has lost his use. He isn't what the Fire Nation needs. Enraged, Ozai hurls lightning at them. Zuko, torn, moves on instinct. He takes the hit, and when the dust settles, Zuko, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee are gone.
Zuko wakes on the way to the Air Temple. Azula calls him an idiot. He asks what happened. Azula explains that Ozai tried to kill them, because they're threats to Ozai's rule. Now, they're going to show him just how much of a threat, by joining the Avatar, and being his firebending teachers.
Zuko is too shocked to argue. He is dragged after them, and they join with the Gaang, who are obviously dubious of them. But they agree. Zuko looks at these kids, just a bit younger than him, as they work together in a mutual kindness and respect that Zuko has never seen. Its... Strange. It's a new environment. A strange one. One he doesn't understand.
But it's good.
They have to lay low. Full caution. After all, the Fire Lord spread the lie that the Avatar killed the Crown Prince and the redeemed Princess to the population.
In the end, when they're getting ready for the comet, Zuko and Azula are in agreement. Their father needs to be taken out, taken off the board completely. Aang just can't do it though. He disappears, and the Fire Siblings are screaming because god DAMN IT.
Mai and Ty Lee end up joining the air ship team. It gives them more options. A higher chance of success. But Ozai wouldn't leave the Fire Nation undefended. He has generals in the capital, defending the Fire Sages, after his crowning as Phoenix King. So Zuko, Azula, and Katara go together.
The battle to reach the Fire Sages is long. Azula and Zuko act more as defense as support, redirecting the powered up flames as Katara is their main attacker.
When they reach the central plaza, the Fire Sages hesitate. Because Ozai did abdicate for his new title. But... Who will take the crown?
There's a moment, as Azula and Zuko look at each other. Who, indeed. Because Zuko has learned he doesn't want to be like his father, doesn't want to take the throne if it means stealing it from his sister. But Azula also knows, that the people would never truly accept Zuko, unless the crown was won.
The answer is obvious. An Agni Kai.
They face off, evenly matched. But when Azula sees an opening, she hesitates. Because if she wins, she will become the Fire Lord. And she knows... That she will become just like Ozai. She will become a tyrant, she'll just make things worse, because she doesn't care enough about those around her. She cares for those in her circle. Mai, Ty Lee, Zuko, the Gaang. She can't look at a map, and think about what is best for the people she doesn't know.
But Zuko can. So she hesitates, and it's all the opening that Zuko needs to land a decisive blow.
When Aang comes back, with a bendingless Ozai, it's Zuko who has the crown. But Azula will stay. Will be his advisor on the hard decisions. Just like Iroh will be when he returns.
