good story

awesome view of katara's feelings in the episode!

I think your analysis of Katara's actions are valid and although I really like her, she is not faultless. After reading this and the one you wrote from Zuko's pov my conclusions are this:

I feel compassion for both characters in this instance but tend to be very disappointed in Zuko's choice. Azula is a cruel liar and has always been one. I don't know why, after what she did the last time, tricking Zuko into coming aboard her ship so she could take him as prisoner, he would for one moment believe anything she has to say. To me it seems like a "duh" moment on his part. Also whether or not Katara let him down in this instance, doesn't justify his betraying Iroh. Iroh has spent the last 3 years of his life basically raising Zuko. Numerous times he saves him. Not only that but he repays all of Zuko's angsty bad temper, with patience, understanding and good humor.

As for Katara, I assumed her intention would be to heal Zuko later. It was a very personal and private matter between them and saying something to him at that time although would have possibly reassured him it might have embarrassed him as well and possibly caused an unnecessary argument with Aang.

Now this probably seems like I don't like your two stories, but that is not at all the case. I think both Crossroads in Time and Crossroads of Destiny are both excellent one-shot analysis. You brought up valid reasons for what why the characters did what they did. I enjoyed your authors notes at the bottom of both fics. Your conclusions are presented in a logical and well thought out manner. The above is just my take on things. I love Zuko! He is one of the most interesting characters on the show. And I'm glad he eventually redeems himself. Seeing his childhood it is truly a wonder that he didn't turn out insane like Azula.

Good job.

:O Fudge...I think this was even better than Zuko's POV...I think I agree with you, that Katara doesn't really think things through. This, however, put me in an entirely different perspective, that SHE was the one who betrayed HIM. I have to say, I think you're 3/4 of the way right. She did offer to heal him, but then just walked away, and didn't try to persuade him. But I also think that, on some tiny tiny bit, it was still his fault. Not as much as it was Katara's, but...he did make the choice. And even though Katara left, Zuko did still have his uncle. He could have listened, but he ignored him. However, I can completely relate to what you said, and I think that you are absolutely right. As usual, you have amazing views on this, and have made me see this in a completely different light! Amazing work as usual!

why is this rated m?

I agree with you. But i also think that Katara is human, so she's bond to make a mistake even if it had bad consequences in the end. I like this fic, it's very well written.

Hm...to be honest, I never thought of it that way. I was always focused on Zuko. He's my favorite too. And not just because he's hot. LOL. He was the most complex character and I loved watching the show and learning something new about him every time. Zuko Alone was awesome! I so looked forward to that one!

But, anyway, I like your conclusions. Katara did walk away from him. That naughty girl. How dare she! But her mind is on one track - Aang - the Avatar and savior of the world. And Zuko was just a bump along the road for her.

So...I loved this story. Of course, I did. The Zuko one was great so I immediately favorited this one to read at another time. And I did. And it was great! But you got me thinking, why did Katara offer to heal his scar? I guess it was simply because she saw the defeat in his eyes and wanted to help him. It's in her nature.

You know, I actually wrote my own version of the Zutara Cave. It's not as long as this, plus I added some more dialogue between them. I hated the commercial break. I wanted the full story. I always imagined that they said more to each other. Not a lot. But more. Something had to make them rise to their feet. It's the first story in my OUR BOND series if you wanna check it out. I'd love to know what you think. Shameless plug, I know.

Anyway, the story was great! Keep up the good work!

Kat

VERY GOOD FANFIC. One of the best Katara/Zuko's emotions in Ba Sing Se fics out there.

As with Crossroads of Destiny, you did an excellent job. Seems you've really thought about the characterizations, and presented them as they need to be, flaws and all. Katara really did come across as a bit selfish and closeminded, but you had a very good reasoning for it. You got into her head well.