This is beautiful.

Someone mentioned that they thought this piece was redundant- but it's your use of repeating phrases that tie your story together and give it its power. You do such an incredible job of capturing Zuko's internal war between his desire for his honor, now regained, and for the truth and acceptance of his uncle. And the way you convey how this is just tearing Zuko apart, and how he, to an extent, believes he deserves that... I had chills running down my arms when reading this story, and that shivery feeling you get when you're about to cry.

And your use of 2nd person is brilliant. This is just my personal opinion, but I've always found that 2nd person is one of those tenses that lack middle ground- they're either used very well or very, very badly. Most 2nd person peices fall into the latter catagory. But you pull it off spectacularly.

If you don't already, look into submitting to literary journals, because you have the talent.

*begins to sob*
Oh, that was beautiful!

It's good...but it's redundant.

Good!

You know, this idea somehow didn't come to my mind, when I saw that episode. But now... Thanks for proving, that there ARE some good Avatar fanfictions.

I love this so much! Your use of 2nd person was very effective and especially like your simile about hair down being like a wild beast.

Poignant and fierce, exceptionally written.
I can really sense the emotion an intensity in this piece.
Please, write more !

That was absolutely beautiful. I love the idea that Iroh could escape, but doesn't for Zuko's sake...even though Zuko winds up hurting him every time he sees him.
The part in the Headband where Iroh cried made me die a little inside, and this story brought that feeling back. Very good job.

E!! I'd never thought that much into the hair, really nothing beyond, 'Zuko. Has. Shaggy wild hair. SEXY!!' Sad, I know. 8]
Thanks for the new food for thought!

Wow. Just wow.

May I say that last line really tugged on my heartstrings? It really did. And the point of view you chose added a wonderful effect to the story, really pulling the reader into a deeper thought.

Amazing job.

-karen

This is really amazing. Great job.

clever i realy like it and isnt it that mai and zuko never say i love you they said i dont hate you... i dont know but that is just... well i cant put my finger on it but i want to bet you know what i mean

Ah. Thank you.

I just saw that episode today, and any part with Zuko in it caused me to sob and hit my head on the desk repeatedly. This makes it just a little better.

Wow this was exsellent. I really really loved this. Super. :) And I really do think Iroh could so escape that prison. I mean come on! I saw like ONE FREAKIN GAURDE!aww well super!:)

This fic is so good! I love your interpretation of the episode!