Excellent story. Forget favorites, I'm downloading this one. On the end notes of Azula, I think even after her breakdown some evidence of her conscience remained. During said breakdown, she had hallucinations of her mother. The show had a lot of loose ends in regard to Azula. For instance, why does she think her mother hates her? And rather than the vague "sent to a mental institution where she is watched around the clock" from the official website, it is ultimately up to the fans to decide her fate (unless the new movies have something new in store for her, here's hoping). Basically, there's a lot fans need to interpret, and here's mine: Azula's hallucinations were about her mother saying she loved her. I'm no psychologist, but it seems to me that such hallucinations wouldn't be possible unless she truly desired it all along. But she still believes it isn't true, and her longing thus torments her and also causes her to be jealous of her brother. This being said, given time and attention from the important people, she definitely has the potential to be somebody, to be a positive force. This tragedy of her character is what ultimately inspired me to write my own (and first ever) fanfiction. The planning is done, now I just need to get off my behind... *ahem* anyway, excellent story, especially considering my normal attitude regarding oneshots. P

This was great and I agree with everything you said. I really hope that if they ever show a Zuko finds his mom story that Azula can be saved. It seems however that the creators just pegged her as evil and messed up if you hear thier comments on the dvd. She really could go either way at the point when it ends at the finale and the creators don't really like evrything to end all goody goody and sweet. That's cool and all but it just seems they dumped too much crap on Azula already, even though I know a lot of it, not all of it, is her own fault. Perhaps what they could do is have Azula sacrifice herself to save someone or everyone and be treated like some national hero at the end like when Granny Chiyo brought Gara back to life in Naruto. If you read that manga you'll kinda get what I mean.

This is truly one of the better pieces of writing I've read on this site. Great work!

Nice ending. Though I wouldn't have pardoned her. In-universe, It just seems that Zuko would personally forgive her, but have Azula stand trial for what she did, which seems to be what part of her wanted to begin with. Conspiracy to wage aggressive war and conspiracy to commit genocide aren't crimes that can be absolved with a kiss and a hug and a mental epiphany

Interesting, but Azula's a sociopath, there's no concious in her to come out.

You've got a kinder heart than I. LOL.

That was very nice. I liked the embrace in the throne room a lot. Poor Zuko. Lucky Azula to have been stopped and imprisoned by such a compassionate person.

I can see this going forward. Good to keep your options open. You integrated the finale very well.

Thanks for picking it up again and posting it!

That was amazing. That pretty much sums up how I feel after reading this story.

Just...amazing.

It's kind of hard for me to figure out from your personal comments on whether or not you intend to end this after two chapters, but please, try to continue.

You have something really good going here, it would be a shame if you ended it now. It's your choice, of course, but I personally think that you could continue.

“I...I've never stopped thinking how much I must have looked like dad, when I sent you away, and...”

Best. Line. Ever.

I liked the addition to this piece because I really liked the comparisons and contrasts between Zuko and Azula and for that matter, their parents. The role reversal really made me think about their family dynamic and I even liked Azula at the end when she sounded so much like Ursa.

At first, I was a little wary of Zuko being so angry with Azula when she was clearly losing it. But thinking about it, I'm sure he was pissed because she tried to fry Katara (his real one true love) plus all the nasty things she had done to him over the years. I could see it just building up in him and finally, since he had control, he was going to exercise it.

But then he changed his mind, after a year a brooding, which is so like Zuko. Also, the emotion you managed to infuse in it without it feeling sappy was perfect.

I just wonder what Iroh thinks about Azula being free. Third chapter, perhaps? j/k.

All in all, it great.

Wow, I actually cried when Aang said "I forgive you". This is a beautiful story, and the funny part is, it could actually happen.

Wow. I loved how you portrayed all of the emotions Azula would go through, and Aang's Avatar-wisdom about deserving versus receiving forgiveness. All in all it was really believable and well-written.

This is very nice. Will she at least spend time in prison? I have to hope so. Forgiveness doesn't let someone like Azula out of personal responsibility.

Amazing that you followed such a close path to the book! Wren's had that experience a lot. The Boiling Rock just sort of leads this direction though, doesn't it.

I do like this and I understand it being only a one-shot (although I always crave more I know it's often not possible). Great job! Kudos for following the muse.

wow...this was so deep. i really enjoyed it

marvellous...very well written piece...there should be a followup of some sort...

Very well written. All the events leading up to Azula's change of heart make sense, provided Azula has a conscience. Personally, I don't think she does, and I'm not sure she ever loved her mom so I don't think she'd change on the show. It's interesting to consider though. I liked it, but I don't understand how Aang can be with Azula if she killed him. He would have been reincarnated as a new avatar, and only the avatar can see spirits. I'm also pretty sure Roku is the only past avatar that can appear to future avatars. Could you explain, please? I feel very confused by that part.