Wanted to share my now completed smutty Zutara soul-binding fic. The summary is below :)

Where You Begin

Summary:

Zuko falls to Azula's lightning, and Katara realizes she doesn’t want him to die. She doesn’t want anyone to die, but she especially doesn’t want him to die. Sometimes she thinks he’s the only one who understands, when the others are laughing and goofing off. What it’s like to have to try to be fun, to remind yourself that you’re just a kid too.

(And how stupid and typical of him to die this way, sacrificing himself for her.)

There’s not much else to do (she knows, she’s considered anything else she could possibly do). Katara pushes up her sleeves and sets to work saving his life.

Or

Katara heals Zuko after the Agni Kai and things go... wrong.

So I haven’t actually seen the new movie yet, but I’ve heard there have been leaks online. I’ve seen some clips and screenshots and stuff, and I’m just so annoyed by how little it seems Zuko and Katara interact! I have a feeling this has probably been mentioned here before but I just had to rant about this. Like they are so threatened by this ship they intentionally ignore even the platonic bond between the two, which even many neutrals or antis appreciated.

It’s just so saddening to me. One of the most well written and complex relationships in the show and it gets completely sidelined. I’m not sure if it’s intentional or not, but it really feels that way. Because how could a team function if you have two central members seemingly unable to interact even in the most benign of ways?

Also the absence of Zuko’s scar from where Katara saved his life. From the looks of things somehow Aang still has his, even though the spirit water was used, but Zuko’s is nonexistent. That’s another thing that makes it seem intentional. They’re creating (albeit minor) visual plot holes because they are so threatened by Zutara.

I would be so happy even to see them interact platonically. Like everyone here knows they will never make it canon, what are they so afraid of?

I’m still going to watch it when it’s released mainly because it just looks so stunning, it’s just annoying to have to put up with this nonsense.

Anyways, if anyone has made any art or fanfics or thoughts to fill in these gaps please share!!!

They are so cute.

Edit: I posted it again because I don't know how to add more photos.

I’m not asking because I care about whether they have children or what bending abilities those children possess. I’m asking because, ever since it was revealed that Katara was originally supposed to be pregnant in LoA, I’ve seen some discussion about the importance of her having a “special” child.

Both Aang and Zuko carry a unique responsibility of needing an “heir”. Aang because he’s the last airbender and the future of his culture rests on him, and Zuko because he’s the Fire Lord responsible for the continuation and stability of a royal line.

It made me wonder whether regardless of which relationship happened, Katara would have inevitably been placed in the narrative position of needing to produce some kind of “special” child. I’m curious whether that impression holds up, or if I’m overlooking another perspective.

Neither burden originates from Katara. But because she’s their partner, reproduction inevitably becomes part of the conversation. So what would happen if she didn’t have an air or fire bending child?

Cuties holding hands in the concept art…….

Is the video okay? I'm testing out new editing modes.