This story was absolutely incredible for me. I know it's been a long time since this was written, but this is literally THE BEST Zutara fan fiction I have EVER READ, and that is saying a lot coming from me, I cruise the internet for Zutara stuff all the time. I adore your writing style and though it doesn't entirely stick with canon info about Sozin and Roku since this was written before the show was finished, I love the fact that it still feels believable, like the show would still work if what you wrote happened instead! The most important thing to me in a fan fiction is that the characters genuinely seem like themselves, and man, you got each and every one of them spot on! Zuko and Katara growing and falling for each other is written perfectly! Again, I adore this fan fiction and I want you to know it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Its been over 12 years and yet I still love reading fanfiction about ATLA. Especially Zutara ones. I don't think you're probably going to read this but if you are, thank you for this beautiful story. I loved it very much.

I know it's been forever since you wrote this, but I had to leave a review anyway. This was such a fun story! There were a number of similarities between this idea and themes in Western Air Temple in S3 so I had a hard time believing this was written before S3 premiered! Your must have felt pretty vindicated when that episode came out. This was a great "what if" exploring the possibility of Zuko joining the team before he could return to the Fire Nation. It was a great character study of Zuko as well. Personally I think that was one of the major issues with the series; they made Zuko a more relatable and interesting character than the main character, Aang. Many fans, such as myself, cared more about Zuko's character arc than Aang's. I felt Zuko was dealt a great injustice at the end of the series. Not only did he not have the opportunity to confront his father in battle, but he did not even get to defeat his sister during Sozin's comet. He did not even get to redirect lightning as Iroh painstakingly taught him to do. A few tweaks and the finale would have been epic, but as it stands it was pretty disappointing. So I really enjoy seeing other's ideas of what could have been.
Regarding Zuko's scar, I tend to agree with you. I did hope for a moment that Katara would get to heal him, but overall I think it's an important part of who he is and represents his journey; I wouldn't want him to lose that. However, in the context of your story, I thought it went well as a physical representation of his spiritual healing. I do wish there was more, especially after they leave and meet up with Sokka and Toph, but perhaps you published more drabbles on that topic.
Anyway, thank you for the great read!

Zuko crying while reconciling with his Uncle is far from OOC. Talk about a huge emotional hurdle

Tf syaoI

Love it!

Loved this story! But I couldn't find the sequel you mentioned

Thank you for this therapeutic story and giving Zuko understanding and unconditional love

Very nice fic.

Brilliant!

Cleverly written and throughly enjoyed.

This was amazing. I've never read a story where Zuko worked out his feelings and past quite like this. I loved it. I cannot wait to read the next one. :3

These last three chapters have been absolutely wonderfully done! The only problem I have found is that Zuko was 13 when he was banished, not 14. But other than that, I absolutely love it! Excellent work!

This moved me... trully
Out of the many fics tha Ive read, this is one of the few that really gets deep with Zuko's emotions and past. The Zutara in ths was nice too. Although, I am kinda bumbed that we didn't get to see Toph, Sokka, and the rest of the characters.

Other than that, great job!

Very very good, I loved it! Oh and I also like that you healed Zukos scare. It was a cruel reminder that I think removed would only help him heal and move on.

It was an interesting journey for Zuko. Good fic.