... I once nearly answered an act of aggression with an act of aggression. Because I was faced against with malice and distrust, I thought that my only answer was to answer it with the same, even if it means that innocent people would get caught up in the battle. For that reason.... I consider it a failure.
Ultimately, a battle was avoided and negotiations began in their place, but I think -
[his expression turns ever so slightly shuttered, for just half a second, before he sighs and lets a hand run through his own hair]
... my preparations were lacking at that time. I'll have to learn from it, so I don't accept bloodshed as a necessity even during wartime. It was likely an excuse.
[ honestly, the description resonates with him, even if their experiences aren't entirely compatible. but if zuko understands anything, it's answering aggression with aggression. he spent so much of his banished time doing that, thinking that his father would love and respect him if he proved himself..... ]
It can be hard. To change your entire way of thinking... or approach, especially during war. There's a war going on in my world, too. So I think I know what you mean.
[ . . . he nods at that, slowly. it's hard for him to admit, in all honesty. because he merely acted in accordance with all his books on strategy and military warfare. he thinks that things still would've gone down the path of bloodshed if yona hadn't—
he offers up a small smile to zuko, one of understanding. it lacks the same light that soo-won normally carries, but it's sincere regardless.]
.... I don't think one can always choose peace. It would be nice if we could. But to be unflinchingly kind to all, when you are in a position of power... it can invite others to take advantage of you, and then the people in your care are the ones who suffer for your indecision.
But I also think... as long as you can be both smart and intentional about how you maintain your peace - why not choose kindness?
Though that is a fine line to walk - and sometimes I... wonder if I lose sight of it.
Sometimes peace isn't that straightforward. Sometimes.. you have to make hard decisions in order for it to happen. Ending a war isn't just as simple as not fighting, or trying to make nice with everyone. It doesn't work like that.
[ kill! the fatherlord!!! ]
I don't think you do. You've got the instincts of a good leader.
[ dana i just realized we dont have a pc during emotionshare week and we need to fix that bc i want the soo-woo lore ]
[ they are vibing, though... wow. ]
Yeah. You want what's best for your world, and you're realistic about it. You're willing to put in the work, too.
[ this is followed by a humorless laugh... ]
I can't pick just one. But on the topic of war... the one that's been going on in my world has been going for a hundred years. And... it's my nation that started it, my family.
Prince Zuko, isn't it? Ah, though I wonder how much you care for that title... [though with that sentiment there carries some level of - understanding.]
.... and you consider that mistake to fall upon your shoulders, even though you are not the one who waged the war?
... You can use it, if you want, but I'm not much of a prince at the moment. The whole country thinks I'm a traitor right now.
[ .... ]
It's complicated... but I was a part of it. Growing up, I was taught that the Fire Nation was the greatest civilization in history, and somehow, the war was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world. Even when I saw firsthand the cruelties my country was inflicting on others... it took me years to realize the truth.
[ . . . . he listens and - oddly enough, it makes him think.]
.... if it's the way that you're taught, perhaps it can't be helped. Perhaps it's a bit ironic... The Fire Tribe in my lands - due to the lack of climate suitable for agriculture as well as no viable exports.... they opted to put all of their interest in military strength. Until the day that they conspired with foreign generals, and tried to forcibly take the throne because they thought it was in their birthright to do so.
[ . . . ]
You've realized, and I'm glad for it. I think... with that insight and that compassion, you'll be able to steer your home into a new direction that is more peaceful.
The General of the Fire Tribe is currently learning politics and agriculture methods at the capitol because he's the same - hoping to atone for what his father had done, and trying to improve upon his methods of governance.
Even if the process may seem slow.. I think there is strength in the steps you take.
It could be helped. Even when I saw it for myself, all I cared about was chasing after my father's love and acceptance. I thought it was my honor that I wanted, but really, I just wanted to please him. When I finally had his acceptance... that's when I really realized how wrong it all was.
[ everything changed when the fire tribe attacked.... zuko smiles at that, but without any real humor. ]
Yeah, that sounds about right.
[ nice to know some things are consistent. ]
The only way for me to restore the honor of the Fire Nation is to help the Avatar end the war. So.. that's what I'm doing.
[ soo-won gets a little more context on his plans from before!! ]
the idea of chasing after your father's love and acceptance. soo-won always had his. and while he thinks that his world view was never truly narrow, he can't help but wonder about that. the idea of just wanting to uphold his father's legacy...
. . . he offers up a bit of a smile, even if it's tinged with sadness.]
Mm. I see. That is your retribution, to help heal the world that your family harmed.
That's admirable, Zuko.
I'm glad that someone like you exists in your world.
[ it's not the first time he's heard such a kind and heartfelt comment from won, but now that he's shared some of his history.... there's a weight to it. he's simultaneously incredibly touched and incredibly undeserving. ]
It's.... not just me. My Uncle was the one who stood by me the whole time, who helped me get on the right path, after every single mistake I made in my life. If not for him, I wouldn't be that someone.
He's the one who was the real father to me. If not for him, I wouldn't exist... at least, not the way I am now.
[ah.... soo-won looks over to him at that, and then moves to rest a hand on zuko's arm, as if trying to let him know that he's not alone in this moment either.]
.... then I'm glad that your Uncle exists in your world, too. He sounds like a very wise man. I'm sure that he saw the good in you that I see, too.
You are someone worth standing by - and I'm sure he'd be proud of your growth.
He always stood by me, even when I treated him terrible. I truly... didn't deserve his forgiveness. But he always gave it to me, no matter how I acted.
[ ok that's enough manpain. he looks up, something flickering in his eyes. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Then... how about this.
Shall we share our mistakes with each other?
And then we'll determine whether or not the credit is due or not. I promise I won't lie, or hold anything back if you don't.
no subject
I've made a lot of them in my life. Are you sure you want to hear them?
no subject
[and he just offers a smile, gentle but sincere]
... I'd like to get to know you better, if you'd let me. Whether that be the triumphs or the challenges -
I think everything matters.
no subject
[ a beat. ]
Uh. Who goes first?
no subject
... I once nearly answered an act of aggression with an act of aggression. Because I was faced against with malice and distrust, I thought that my only answer was to answer it with the same, even if it means that innocent people would get caught up in the battle. For that reason.... I consider it a failure.
Ultimately, a battle was avoided and negotiations began in their place, but I think -
[his expression turns ever so slightly shuttered, for just half a second, before he sighs and lets a hand run through his own hair]
... my preparations were lacking at that time. I'll have to learn from it, so I don't accept bloodshed as a necessity even during wartime. It was likely an excuse.
no subject
[ honestly, the description resonates with him, even if their experiences aren't entirely compatible. but if zuko understands anything, it's answering aggression with aggression. he spent so much of his banished time doing that, thinking that his father would love and respect him if he proved himself..... ]
It can be hard. To change your entire way of thinking... or approach, especially during war. There's a war going on in my world, too. So I think I know what you mean.
no subject
he offers up a small smile to zuko, one of understanding. it lacks the same light that soo-won normally carries, but it's sincere regardless.]
.... I don't think one can always choose peace. It would be nice if we could. But to be unflinchingly kind to all, when you are in a position of power... it can invite others to take advantage of you, and then the people in your care are the ones who suffer for your indecision.
But I also think... as long as you can be both smart and intentional about how you maintain your peace - why not choose kindness?
Though that is a fine line to walk - and sometimes I... wonder if I lose sight of it.
no subject
[ kill! the fatherlord!!! ]
I don't think you do. You've got the instincts of a good leader.
no subject
THE WAY THEY'RE VIBING OVER THIS
but soo-won will nod along with that - before laughing a bit sheepishly]
.... do I? It makes me happy that you might think so.
Then... if you have a mistake you'd like me to share your burden with....
no subject
[ they are vibing, though... wow. ]
Yeah. You want what's best for your world, and you're realistic about it. You're willing to put in the work, too.
[ this is followed by a humorless laugh... ]
I can't pick just one. But on the topic of war... the one that's been going on in my world has been going for a hundred years. And... it's my nation that started it, my family.
[ fire nation music plays in the bg ok no ]
no subject
Prince Zuko, isn't it? Ah, though I wonder how much you care for that title... [though with that sentiment there carries some level of - understanding.]
.... and you consider that mistake to fall upon your shoulders, even though you are not the one who waged the war?
no subject
[ .... ]
It's complicated... but I was a part of it. Growing up, I was taught that the Fire Nation was the greatest civilization in history, and somehow, the war was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world. Even when I saw firsthand the cruelties my country was inflicting on others... it took me years to realize the truth.
no subject
.... if it's the way that you're taught, perhaps it can't be helped. Perhaps it's a bit ironic... The Fire Tribe in my lands - due to the lack of climate suitable for agriculture as well as no viable exports.... they opted to put all of their interest in military strength. Until the day that they conspired with foreign generals, and tried to forcibly take the throne because they thought it was in their birthright to do so.
[ . . . ]
You've realized, and I'm glad for it. I think... with that insight and that compassion, you'll be able to steer your home into a new direction that is more peaceful.
The General of the Fire Tribe is currently learning politics and agriculture methods at the capitol because he's the same - hoping to atone for what his father had done, and trying to improve upon his methods of governance.
Even if the process may seem slow.. I think there is strength in the steps you take.
no subject
[ everything changed when the fire tribe attacked.... zuko smiles at that, but without any real humor. ]
Yeah, that sounds about right.
[ nice to know some things are consistent. ]
The only way for me to restore the honor of the Fire Nation is to help the Avatar end the war. So.. that's what I'm doing.
[ soo-won gets a little more context on his plans from before!! ]
no subject
sits with him a little strongly.
the idea of chasing after your father's love and acceptance. soo-won always had his. and while he thinks that his world view was never truly narrow, he can't help but wonder about that. the idea of just wanting to uphold his father's legacy...
. . . he offers up a bit of a smile, even if it's tinged with sadness.]
Mm. I see. That is your retribution, to help heal the world that your family harmed.
That's admirable, Zuko.
I'm glad that someone like you exists in your world.
no subject
It's.... not just me. My Uncle was the one who stood by me the whole time, who helped me get on the right path, after every single mistake I made in my life. If not for him, I wouldn't be that someone.
He's the one who was the real father to me. If not for him, I wouldn't exist... at least, not the way I am now.
[ his voice is a little thick ]
no subject
.... then I'm glad that your Uncle exists in your world, too. He sounds like a very wise man. I'm sure that he saw the good in you that I see, too.
You are someone worth standing by - and I'm sure he'd be proud of your growth.
no subject
[ ok that's enough manpain. he looks up, something flickering in his eyes. ]
Thank you, Won.