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Published: 2007-09-23 03:10:54 +0000 UTC; Views: 1469; Favourites: 20; Downloads: 8
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Okay, yes, this deviation is horrible, I got it up and out as fast as I could without any real cleanup and with minimal shading, but that's not the point, really.A lot of people are probably going to call this reaching or denial or looking too deep into something (especially a certain brother of mine...hehehe....), but I got REALLY excited....
Okay, so I was watching "The Awakening" for a third time (yes, I'm only on my third viewing), and they reached the part with Li and Lo's speech, and their introduction of Zuko. And I thought, "Man, that's a great intro to him. It could have been the first shot with him. Why wasn't it?"
And everything suddenly wove itself into something that I found rather positive for the Maizu ship.
The reason why was because we had a scene with Mai and Zuko. Short, yes. Not very insightful, yes. One where Mai seemed to come off as an insensitive flirt who just wants to get Zuko into her bed, at first glance, yes. But then I realized:
The person we're seeing Mai kiss and talk to, the one in that scene, is Zuko. Not the prince returning to his Fire Nation, the one who is victorious and loyal and basically the one we don't WANT him to be; he's the one we all know. The conflicted one. In other words, we're seeing Mai and Zuko together BEFORE we come to the point where we need to bash his head open with a hammer.
It's hard to explain, but it was really thrilling to come to it. Once again, Mai is outside of the don't-go-down-that-path section of Zuko. He never mentions her when he says what he wants from the Fire Nation, she's not part of his dream where he listens to the Blue Dragon, and she's now not a part of everything he gets with the Fire Nation. Instead, she's a part of the only scene we see of Zuko with that hair of his down and loose, and not standing as the Prince of the Fire Nation. It gives a good omen for the future, IMHO.
Oh, and this wasn't me twisting the Mai and Zuko relationship into this--like I said, Mai was the conclusion, not one of the premises. I was thinking of why he'd been shown before this incredibly dramatic first shot, and the answer was that he was in a scene that really didn't feature anything but Mai.
Now, to be a bit twisting and reaching here, though, I also think that Mai was trying to cheer him up there; rather than join him in a pityfest of worry, she said with amusement that she hadn't asked for his life story. She seemed to realize pretty quickly that he wasn't laughing it off, though, and thus tried plan B. Either that, or she realized that Zutarians were watching and decided to say, "Oh, yeah, and I'm with this guy, too." Maybe both.
The background stinks on this one like one of Hakoda's tangle mines. So does the artwork. But it was really all about the description and the theory.
In further artistic indication, it's really cool how the scene parallels the one at the beginning of the second season, where Katara joins her aangsting friend on the deck.
Oh, and the one problem (is it a problem?) with the scene is that Zuko's scar is showing during the kiss. That's usually a sign of his darker or more conflicted side--it hides his emotions and keeps the audience guessing. That's the one bit that worries me. But the full-fledged snog shows his unmarked side, so....we'll have to see how that goes.
Mai and Zuko belong to Mike and Brian. Though Zuko seems to belong to Mai. And Mai wants to belong to Zuko. And everything belongs to Viacom. Because they are tyrants bent on world domination, and their reign of mad terror must be stopped.
The picture and all of the madness about it is mine. MINE I tell you!
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Comments: 58
swan-swan In reply to ??? [2007-09-29 19:04:49 +0000 UTC]
I'll be mad, too, if she hurts him, trust me. But I don't think she will, or at least, not intentionally. She's not into that, really; Azula's the one who always goes to hurt Zuko.
It's good that they're happy together....but bad that Zuko's doing all of this while internally troubled.
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sabresedge In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-29 20:56:32 +0000 UTC]
I know I would have prefered for this to happen after he 'found' himself, maybe she will help him through this... I was so sad about his reaction to his uncle while visiting him in his cell. the whole seine was sad. it will hurt him if he chouses to fight on the others side or something like that and she stays behind. He needs to realize that there are some people out there who genuinely care for him (unlike his father and sister)
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swan-swan In reply to sabresedge [2007-09-29 21:07:39 +0000 UTC]
Yeah....it'll probably be a huge plot point. Mai probably cares for him...I hope so, anyway. It'd be sad if there really wasn't anyone in the Fire Nation who cared for him.
The strange thing is, it seems forced, but their relationship is probably pretty realistic. They DID know each other before, and they've been together for a few weeks. It's almost as if they were actually husband and wife already....especially her little shpiel on the ship in the first ep. If you were new to the show, you might think that they were a married couple....
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sabresedge In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-30 00:03:18 +0000 UTC]
yeah... alot more time has passed than it seems. there is also all what happened in the comic put out by nick mag. Unless a person read that comic or at least know what happened and watched the first episode and the 2nd they woul dbe like"WTF!!!!! Where the HECK did that come from!!!!!!! " I was so happy I saw a preview on the new season on the net, saw (with suprise) that it was Mae and Wikipidia her. Luckly they had it up or i would have been SO lost. I guess it may seem forced because the writers are not spending to much time dramatizing their relationship... yet. They are just letting Zuko know how it feels to make out.
I loved how in the 2nd episode he is making out with Mae and his sister interups and he like "I'm busy" then contenues to kiss her. I also love the glare Mae gave Azula. haha She interupted her enjoyment.
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swan-swan In reply to sabresedge [2007-09-30 00:13:18 +0000 UTC]
I think she's also protective of Zuko. She knows what Azula's like; she gave a similar glare when Azula put that apple on her head. She doesn't trust Azula, especially not when it comes to Zuko.
Yeah, the trailer showed Mai snogging Zuko...so I was expecting it....but even I was expecting something gradual. Well, it can't be any more rushed than this, I suppose....
Hopefully they'll move a bit beyond the kissing thing. The problem is, the whole snog scene is a bit....overwhelming. It kind of squashes the previous scene.
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sabresedge In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-30 01:52:35 +0000 UTC]
yeah, hay do you want the back story i found? I'll paste it here anyway.
""In "Going Home Again," a canonical comic featured within the second All-Avatar Nick Mag Presents edition, Mai and Zuko are set up on a dinner date by Azula in plan to persuade a reluctant Zuko to return home, playing off their childhood crushes on each other. However, the two catch on to the set up and decide to leave off on a walk around Ba Sing Se. Soon after, they run into Jin, who immediately recognizes "Lee" and questions who his companion is. Thinking quickly, Zuko sheepishly claims that Mai is a friend from the circus, the knife thrower. Mai appears to join in on the charade and decides to give a demonstration. After moving Zuko in front of a fountain and placing a fish from a seafood stand they had passed earlier on top of his head, she targets and precisely pierces the fish with an icicle. Mai then persuades Jin to give it a try. Zuko is just barely able to avoid being impaled by the sharp piece of ice, falling backwards into the fountain in the process. Leaning over the drenched prince, Mai wryly states that now they're even.
As he chases her down an alley, Zuko exclaims that she could have gotten him killed, but Mai merely laughs it off. Zuko stops to point out that she finally seems to be enjoying herself, going on to say that he had missed seeing this side of her. Mai responds that while a lot has changed since the days when she used to throw mud in his face, not everything has changed. The two slowly draw close and kiss."""
If I was her I would be untrustful of Azula also. As much as i would love for the writers not to rush it, I did love the kiss.
but that dosn't mean (and I hope the writers understnad this) that I do not want devlopment, cause I do. And I think other fans do also.
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swan-swan In reply to sabresedge [2007-09-30 02:00:52 +0000 UTC]
Yes. I'mglad for the kisses, too.
I actually think that I might have written some of that.....is that the Wiki article?
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sabresedge In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-30 02:04:44 +0000 UTC]
it was the reason I didn't freak at the new episode though I would like to read the comic
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Koalois [2007-09-26 23:21:48 +0000 UTC]
Ah the kiss... I was excited and a little worried because from past experiences on avatar bad things happen after kisses. But I feel like this is going to be a very interesting ship. I love the way the creators made Mai turn more bueatiful as the show went on. One thing I found interesting was the placement of the kiss (i mean the setting and the time in the show.) They were outside in a in the middle of the night really early in the show It threw me off a bit. Then what surprized me most, mai was touching Zuko's scar. Gosh I almost had an overload of thoughts there. From the first instant we found out Mai had a crush on Zuko I always had this weird feeling something (not nessacerily something bad) was going to happen to Mai. I don't know if anyone else thought that but ....i don't know. She seems to act alot different around Zuko, like he is the only person she trusts, or is comfertable around, the only person she can show emotion to.
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swan-swan In reply to Koalois [2007-09-27 03:34:49 +0000 UTC]
Yes, she DOES grow more attractive throughout the show, it's one of the coolest things about her character....and her design also gives me confidence....she's not outright sensual or flirty, so she doesn't seem like the seductive type. She's not the evil type, either....nor is she self-serving and plotting and manipulative. Her design is something of a dangerous beauty. And not black-widow style....
And I've got bad feelings for Mai, too, but I could be wrong....I hope....
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zukocats22 [2007-09-26 10:38:09 +0000 UTC]
I like the pic, but yeah my fav part is the explanation. I love it. I hadn't seen that much symbolism but now.... I'm glad u did this, I keep getting the feeling zutara will win, but this stuff makes me happy!!!
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swan-swan In reply to zukocats22 [2007-09-26 13:35:39 +0000 UTC]
I'm doubtful for Zutara. Everything's going against it.
But Maizu does need a boost...either on the next episode or the one after.
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zukocats22 In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-28 10:53:31 +0000 UTC]
yeah EPISODE TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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vick330 [2007-09-24 17:39:35 +0000 UTC]
In that scene Mai actually seems to share some level of intimacy, or at least familiarity with Zuko. She playfully chides him about, "telling his life", something you would only do with someone you know really well. Also a lot people seem to forget that weeks have passed since Azula hurt Aang, and we don't know yet what went on between Mai and Zuko during that time.
I'm still a Zutarian, but it's nice to see this sweeter side of Mai
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swan-swan In reply to vick330 [2007-09-24 17:44:16 +0000 UTC]
You're a Zutarian? Really? I didn't know that.....really....
See, I know what a lot of other Zutarians would say, though, if she had been tender to him there, and understanding. The same as usual. Yep. The Oedipus thing. "When his mom left, he came to view her like his mom." Or, if they want to get creative, "Well, she's like the sister he's always wanted, the one that's not Azula." As it is, though, humour gets brushed off as being cold and insensitive.
No pleasing some people.
The scene was very positive for her; not just in the dialogue and such, but in Mai herself. Anyone who calls her ugly now is just in denial--she is GORGEOUS in that scene....even without any visible eyebrows for most of it. It's all in the details....neat nails, dark gloves, warm smile, bright eyes....she's nothing like the Omashu Mai.
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vick330 In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-24 17:51:56 +0000 UTC]
Smiling does a lot to improve Mai's look, a frowning person will seem unattractive. And I ship Zutara, Taang, and Suka. Though I lean towards Ty-Lokka too because of the comic possibilites I'm not dead set on any ships though, it's just that I have my romantic preferences. I just want them all to find happiness
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swan-swan In reply to vick330 [2007-09-24 17:55:30 +0000 UTC]
I ship Azulaang before Taang. And proud of it.
Azula is also gorgeous when she's not looking evil, and I felt that way BEFORE the bedroom scene. The picture in the magazine with the Grey DeLisle interview...she's very pretty there. And when she's talking with Ty Lee, she's almost cute. She just needs to get rid of that whole "I keel you" look and that big lower lip.
Ty Lokka is kinda impossible now...he won't get with anyone but Suki unless she's dead, and if Ty Lee had a hand in killing Suki, then, well....you know. Might make for awkward dinners.
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vick330 In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-24 18:02:23 +0000 UTC]
I'm not going to get into a shipping argument, like tastes and colors it's a personal thing And I thought Azula was beautiful since the first time we saw her in the last episode of book 1, she has nice features and would look pretty without that constant frown. I don't think she's evil btw, but she was trained by her father to be a weapon, and her whole perception of herself is based on that. It could be argued that she was mean at a young age, but it only proves that Ozai influenced her early on. Just think of how Ozai made her perform for Azulon, it was as if he was showing off his trained pitbull.
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swan-swan In reply to vick330 [2007-09-24 18:04:48 +0000 UTC]
I'm fully with you on that.
Ozai's the full villain here, and it makes him that much worse if you blame Azula on him. If we find that out, too, it will seal him as One Bad Dude.
He looks a lot like an eagle....[/random]
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vick330 In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-24 18:12:37 +0000 UTC]
I was surprised that he had such a sweet gaze when he was talking to Zuko, and he looks handsome and actually like a nice guy. In all honesty, Ozai is a product of his culture and also chained by his birth. He didn't start the war but was raised to believe it's the right thing to do. Iroh found a new perspective after losing his son, and then living among the people he had been fighting and learning their ways.
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swan-swan In reply to vick330 [2007-09-24 18:20:18 +0000 UTC]
Well, you see, that's where I differ--Ozai is even more evil. If he had his nation's best interests at heart, he wouldn't have had his father killed and supplanted his brother. He has no respect for the codes and traditions. He is self-serving and evil. A product of his culture, yes, but he went beyond that. The man took advantage of his wife's disappearance and his father's death to grab the throne. He was willing to kill his own son to make up for his mistake, and scarred and banished Zuko for speaking out of turn. As soon as his brother lost his son, he tried to take the throne for himself. He's a cunning liar and a ruthless leader--that's why he looks like such a nice guy, and that's what's so awesome. Like Hannibal Lecter, AFI's greatest villain of all time....he's warm and welcoming, and you pretty much have to like him. But he is EVIL.
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vick330 In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-24 19:20:12 +0000 UTC]
Hannibal Lecter, good comparison. Ozai is ambitious, and he seems to have passed on that ambition to Azula. Chances are she will betray him to get the throne for herself, children learn from example. I do hope we'll find out what happened to Ursa and Suki, one way or the other.
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swan-swan In reply to vick330 [2007-09-24 19:35:07 +0000 UTC]
What would Azula possibly stand to gain from such a betrayal? If the Avatar is alive, he's not going to be aiming for her, he'll be heading for Ozai. She already has the perks of the palace and power, and doesn't have to bother herself with the trouble of ruling an empire. She needs no more life than she has, really.
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vick330 In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-24 19:51:47 +0000 UTC]
She is ambitious and sure of herself, and doesn't seem the type to wallow in luxury and spend her days being catered to.
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swan-swan In reply to vick330 [2007-09-24 20:05:15 +0000 UTC]
Well, she's kinda stuck once she gets to the top. She's still young, and has a respect for her father; I don't think she's foolish enough to challenge him. Remember, as well, that Ozai is the villain here. Plans for an overthrow would take him down a notch. He's number one, though.
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an-angels-tears [2007-09-23 21:00:23 +0000 UTC]
That was a very interesting read! Haha, the first thing I tought when watching the scene was that Mai was trying to cheer poor Zuko up in her own way. See, I think he's so used to people telling him what to do (his fater, Iroh, etc) that he doesn't know what to do when someone's all, "Don't worry, I'll listen but I'm not going to comment." I guess.
Gah, I don't normally think about it too deeply my first time watching (I was too busy flailing over Maiko and Kataang). So. I suppose I'll go watch the episode a few more times, now.
As for the picture, I really do like the simplicity of it. Maybe it's the colors. I dunno, but it sends off a nice vibe. :3
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swan-swan In reply to an-angels-tears [2007-09-23 21:30:23 +0000 UTC]
Thanks!
Thanks for reading, too.
Yeah, more development would be nice with her....^_^
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swan-swan In reply to KiwiMarine [2007-09-23 17:18:49 +0000 UTC]
Heh. Thanks.
Thanks for the fave, too!
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insanityblob [2007-09-23 14:47:28 +0000 UTC]
You make an interesting point... but I still say you're reading too much into it. (this is coming from a ZUTARIAN who until recently had to dig super deep to find ANY shipping proof at all) I think this shows that though Mai loves Zuko, she doesn't really understand him. And don't forget the YTV "I'm bored"/"I know" clip!
PS: I'm going to do my review soon, but technically I'm supposed to be doing homework right now...
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swan-swan In reply to insanityblob [2007-09-23 15:42:27 +0000 UTC]
Understanding can be reached.
Yeah, I remember that clip....is their relationship doopmed to be neither one really respecting the other's feelings?
Then I remember the snog.
They took the time to introduce the ship, however brief it was, in an already crammed episode.
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2paco [2007-09-23 13:24:56 +0000 UTC]
I can understand why some people can write Mai off as an insensitive flirt because when I saw the scene, I went, "Woah, she's more than a little agressive isn't she?" But I agree with you completely.
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Wishsong214 [2007-09-23 05:48:36 +0000 UTC]
The scene I felt was interesting, but it definately (on 2 rewatchings) shows that he is whipped. Whipped whipped whipped whipped whipped whipped. Why, all he needs to do now is don some groovy shades, and he'll be marketed in little blue tubs and put on pie.
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swan-swan In reply to Wishsong214 [2007-09-23 05:56:36 +0000 UTC]
......oh....I get it....FAILURE, Jake! FAILURE!!!
Though, in two frames, right at the moment of glompage, it looks like she's about to do the "tap-on-the-opposite-shoulder" thing....then pull her hand down and innocently stand beside him....XD
And always keep in mind that Aaron wrote this episode personally....
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shrike85 [2007-09-23 05:46:58 +0000 UTC]
Those were some pretty good observations there. I have a feeling flashbacks will be shown (perhaps covering the events at Ba Sing Se or before his banishment).
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swan-swan In reply to shrike85 [2007-09-23 05:57:34 +0000 UTC]
We'll definitely get some expansion on their past, one way or another...we might actually be treated to his banishment through Mai's eyes...though, that might just be my shippy side getting hopeful....
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shrike85 In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-23 07:38:27 +0000 UTC]
How about Azula's POV? That would certainly be intriguing.
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swan-swan In reply to shrike85 [2007-09-23 15:37:53 +0000 UTC]
Hmmmm...yes, it would.....except that her view would probably be less sympathetic, if you know what I mean.....
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shrike85 In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-24 09:06:48 +0000 UTC]
Well, we might never know. Even the way Mai shows herself towards Ty Lee and Azula is different when compared to how she is around Zuko. There must be a side to Azula that we don't know.
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swan-swan In reply to shrike85 [2007-09-24 13:07:29 +0000 UTC]
Sadly, she'll probably be dead before we see it....thank goodness for fanfic!
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skeledoll [2007-09-23 03:57:09 +0000 UTC]
I love Maiko, but that whole scene made me wince. It was way too fast--BOOM, I'm with Zuko now. Apart from that, what worries me is that after they kissed, Mai came away smiling, but Zuko looked miffed, or at least he wasn't smiling :/
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swan-swan In reply to skeledoll [2007-09-23 04:03:56 +0000 UTC]
Zuko's still nervous and uncertain. Mai's just trying to reassure him.
They've been together for several weeks--if you want to see them join, you'll have to check the comics.
We'll get some explanation in a week, I'm sure. ^_^
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ode2sokka [2007-09-23 03:45:09 +0000 UTC]
Hm...I can see your point. I saw nothing in that scene that would suggest Maizu wasn't going to last (and I was half-heartedly looking, because I do like Zutara best, but have nothing against Maizu) the whole scene just felt...oddly off. I couldn't tell you why, but it didn't seem to fit. I don't know whether it was the pacing or what but it seemed almost...random. I don't know. Maybe it's just me.
I'm glad you got your ship though ^^.
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swan-swan In reply to ode2sokka [2007-09-23 03:47:18 +0000 UTC]
Sudden and short, that's probably it...it was a real "Wait...what?" scene....one where at the end, you're supposed to go: "....Ohhhh....they're together now....that's interesting."
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ode2sokka In reply to swan-swan [2007-09-23 03:48:48 +0000 UTC]
That's probably it. It was very abrupt all around.
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carannilwen [2007-09-23 03:22:04 +0000 UTC]
Oooh, very good analogy. I didn't realize that. I was too busy shrieking in glee and rolling around on my bed in delight. God I wish I was kidding. xD
I did notice the scar showing during the kiss, though. I kind of got a mixed feeling about it. It could either be that the relationship will end badly, or it could be that she loves him, scars (physical and emotional) and all. I don't know.
I was very pleased with the little snippet of Maiko. It showed exactly what I pictured Maiko to be: Zuko fretting and being all dramatic and Mai bringing him back down to earth.
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