I wanna slap this Zuko, though it makes so much sense that he’ll always be his own worst enemy. Really hoped to see him slide into a peaceful confidence already, but I guess that takes time. Time that you don’t have anymore to complete, so sad. Well, kudos to what you’ve done. It’s epic and delicate at the same time. The Maiko is a real jigsaw puzzle.

THIS IS TOO STUNNING TO BE ABANDONED. Please continue

Finally, an update! I'm really enjoying Toph in this, as the tiny juggernaut she is, and Mai and Suki's relationship i didn't know I wanted. Also, Zuko and Mai finally talk! Zuko still has a lot to answer for, but

Wow, what a chapter! I dont know if I had mentioned it before, but I love how you inserted Toph into the story. I wasnt crazy about her students in the source material, which is why made three young guys in mine(shameless plug, I know)
Mai as a Kyoshi Warrior is quite intriguing and the fact that Suki and her get along is masterful.
You really capture everyones conflict over Yu Dao, its really hard to pick sides. Oh Im so worried the Gaang will get in a fight. I dont want Mai to completely disregard Zuko, these things cant be neat though.
Zuko oh sweet Agni Im feeling his struggle and conflict. He was looking for guidance in all the wrong places, had no sense of family and now estranged for the love of his life.
I really enjoy what you have written here so far, cant wait to see what you have in store.

Such an excellent (and long ass) chapter. You put such thought and hard work into every line and it shows. You know these characters and what makes them tick. You write them all well. And the tentative steps both zuko and mai make towards rebuilding their relationship, their pain and vulnerability where the other is concerned is beautifully portrayed.

XO

yayayayayayayayayYayYyYyYayayayayayYAY she's back! Awesome chapter - I love the long-ness of it.

I can't even write an actual review bc my feels have totally swept me off my feet. But that ending tho. Mauka 4 ever. Actually, no. Just loving, caring, concerned tender friends-who-are-girls who love zuko so much 4 ever. That ruse ;)

Also, the hugging it out scene between Suki and Mai was perfect. And yes Zuzu, she can laugh and hug people.

More coming later. But please don't leave again?

Well Im a little late to the game with this review, but Man I have to say after reading the disappointing Smoke and Shadow, I prefer Maiko. You deal so wonderfully with their breakup and how Zuko has such mixed emotions. They love each other and want to be there for the other but there is so much hurt.

i know. :). Alabaster is amazing and she is the best storyteller ever! you're stories are the best as well!

Gah...it's early where I am...lovely job with Zuko's confused emotions...so much history he has to deal with and so many sides he has to make happy...and then there's Mai. She makes him forget all that and become a simply a man in love and a man with regrets.

Nice job with the rest of the crew as well. Everyone's voices are true to the characters we love.

Keep up the fantastic work. Write when you can. We'll be waiting patiently.

Alabaster

Yay, Maiko cuteness!

Great job; good dialogue and everyone is nicely in character. Like how you've got everyone stuck together in a cell, and they work together, discuss things and avoid breaking down into a fight. Shows how the characters have grown. Shows how the different nations, represented by the characters, CAN get along.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

YESSS! Finally everyone is in the same room (mostly)! Very good update and I'm just ecstatic it's an update!

Hip-hip hooorah for another chapter. Not a very dynamic one, but we got some good character interaction, which makes me happy. Waiting patiently for the next one...

Yay! Hope!
p.s. you're amazing and the way you write everyone is spot on.

That was really good! Zuko is in such a difficult position. Trying to avert war when his generals want it, when their pride depends on it, and when he doesn't even know if that's the right answer (but, this is Avatar, so of course it is.) Hawk or turtleduck? Not that simple, really.

I don't know if I commented on the previous chapter, but I really liked the comparisons between Mai and Toph, and the mention of Iroh's family.