I feel like people would like Maiko more if anyone actually bothered to read the canon comics released alongside the show when it aired. Not the post-series comics by Gene, these came years before those.
Most people don’t know about them despite those explaining what went on between S2 and S3, like how the Gaang got a Fire Navy ship. And with the new fans they definitely need to know the existence of these comics.
People always think it was one-sided, but Mai wasn’t only pining for Zuko, it was mutual. The comic where they get together has him being the blushy one.
My own opinion on the ship was neutral until I read this comic. I’m sure others would change their minds too if they knew about it.
now that avatar the last airbender is back on netflix and its getting its rightful resurgence, I am here to remind everyone that I led the Mai x Zuko fanclub on ye olde internet forums and that I still will live and die with this ship. this is a z*tara hateblog and I wont rupalogize for it.
Forgotten Past, Hidden Future (Legend of Korra fic)
Chapter 1: Looking In The Wrong Places
Chapter 2: Lucky To Have You
Chapter 3: A Lot To Learn
Chapter 4: Kya’s Story
Chapter 5: A Tale of Miazu
Chapter 6: The Avatar’s Love
Final Chapter: The Mural
The dining hall was alive with chatter, but this time it wasn’t just the Air Nomads. The room was filled to the brim with familiar faces. Friends, family, teachers, all together. A jovial feeling was permeating from every corner of the room. This was all after a very important day and a very important decision. Tenzin stood up, ready to make a speech like he usually does (though his speeches are usually for the other Air Nomads).
“Before we get the night started, I wanted to give my greatest gratitude to Korra. Because today she has helped shape the Earth Kingdom in a way that will affect its people for generations to come. Not only has she helped bring a proper restoration to decades of Earth Kingdom history, but now the Earth Kingdom has abolished its laws against open sexuality. We still have a long way to go before it's whole again, but these changes are getting them on the right track to a society that cares for its people rather than upholding the status quo. To Avatar Korra…… we are all truly thankful.”
The room roared with applause. Korra saw all the smiling faces turn her way, she even noticed Bolin trying his best not to be a blubbering mess. Mako and Opal were trying their best to keep him together. Korra also saw Kya, who she noticed was tearing up. She knew she was proud of her. It dawned on her that all that work she put into what was, at first, a simple curiosity was going to change things for the better.
The celebration found its way out to the courtyard, it was later in the day and the dusk was coming over the city.
“I can’t believe you were out there changing the world AGAIN and you didn’t bring us along!” Bolin sounded surprised but in reality, he was just disappointed he didn’t get to go on another adventure.
Korra tried to contain her laughter. Asami, right by her side, was trying to do the same. “Believe me, you didn’t miss much,” said Korra through chuckles. “It was just a bunch of meetings and negotiations with Wu.”
“I mean, yeah….but still we could have been there to support you or something!”
“It's ok, I had Asami there with me. Sometimes it feels shes a better diplomat then I am.”
Asami nudged her on the side. “Hey don’t sell yourself short.”
“She's right.” Tenzin brought himself into the group. “After today, I remembered when you first came to Republic City.”
Korra winced at the thought of that first speech she made, it feels like an embarrassing memory from ages ago.
“But now, your helping settle civil issues for an entire nation, that's something worth celebrating.”
“Exactly!” Bolin added.
Korra laughed again, it was hard to comprehend how much she actually has done in such a short amount of time. Even with her three-year absence the reality of her impact on the world was starting to set in.
Kya also joined in on the group conversation. “Yeah, you kids did pretty well out there.”
“Well, I couldn’t have done it without your meditation techniques.”
Kya had a prideful but joking smirk on her face. Tenzin gave Kya a confused look, considering he was the one always trying to get Korra to meditate. He sighed and shrugged his shoulders. She was trying not to giggle at Tenzin’s slow realization.
Korra glanced at Kya, darting her eyes to the side. It felt she was giving her a silent signal. Kya gave her a knowing smile. “By the way Tenzin, I think Varrick got his hands on one of the glider suits. Said something about flying off the tower?”
“Again!?” Tenzin raced off, Bolin went with him just in case he needed help. Kya stayed behind, she looked at Korra and gave her an approving nod. Then she followed Tenzin and the others.
Korra took Asami’s hand as they made their way over to a private spot, the balcony overlooking the spirit portal. There were fond memories associated with this spot, like that day they agreed to take a vacation to the Spirit World. It meant something special to both of them.
“Did you just want to get some alone time?” Asami asked.
“Well, yes but there was something I wanted to tell you.” Korra’s face became serious but still affectionate.
“While I was talking to Kyoshi, I learned a lot more than just Earth Kingdom history. She told me a lot, like how Avatars aren’t the only people in the Spirit World. Apparently, everyone goes there after they die.”
“Everyone?”
Korra nodded. This little bit of information had some massive implications. Then Asami began to realize something.
“So, does that mean my mom and dad are in the Spirit World?”
Korra nodded again, she could sense a feeling of surprise and relief come over Asami.
“But that wasn’t the only thing Kyoshi told me. While I was there, she said that it was important to appreciate the ones I cared for, the ones I loved, while they were still with me. She said that while I have a responsibility as the Avatar, I should take the time to be with others. And I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, now that all this Earth Kingdom diplomacy stuff is over.”
“Korra,” Asami said softly. She felt breathless.
Korra looked off to the side. “Gosh, I feel so silly. I haven’t even thought this through. I was only thinking about it this morning….but I know I can’t wait any longer.”
Korra got down on one knee. Asami’s eyes widened. Korra held her hand with a great deal of tenderness.
“I love you Asami, and I want to be a part of your life. I know this is all so sudden but I’ve had this feeling for quite some time now. It's hard to think about what life will be like years from now, but I want to be there with you for every step of the way.”
There was a long pause. Korra began to hear sniffling and laughing.
“Well, I guess it's my turn to cry today.”
Korra slowly got back up, still holding on to Asami’s hand. She waited patiently for a response. “So…...what do you say?”
“Honestly,” Asami reached for something in her left pocket, still trying to wipe away tears. “I was thinking the same thing.”
She pulls out a small black jewelry case. Korra’s eyes widen, it feels like her heart has stopped.
“I’ve had it with me for two weeks now. I just wasn’t sure when the time would be right.”
Korra could feel tears welling up, but they would finally release when she saw what was inside. It wasn’t an ordinary ring. The designs around showed many different Water Tribe symbols, but at the center was a metallic drawing of Naga. It was meticulous, like it was handcrafted. She could feel her tears dripping onto her hands.
“Wow,” Korra was at a loss for words. Korra began to laugh softly, but it was overpowered by her weakening voice. “I guess it's my turn to cry as well.”
They both laughed, trying to keep themselves collected. Korra buried her face in her hands. “Gosh, I feel so stupid. You made me this absolutely beautiful ring and I don’t even have anything to show for-”
Asami moved Korra’s hands away from her face and kissed her deeply. They held onto each other as they simmered in the moment. As their lips parted, they stared into each other's eyes. After a moment, Asami was the first to speak.
“You don’t need to get me anything. Being with you is a great enough gift as it is. Oh, and to answer your question…… my answer is yes. I want to be a part of your life too. And I promise I will always be there for you.”
They held onto each other for a long time, both red in the face and smiling almost non stop. No matter what doubts the future might bring, at that moment it felt like everything was right in the world. The only sounds now were the wind, Korra and Asami’s soft breathing as they embraced, and Bolin weeping tears of joy in the background as he and Tenzin returned in the middle of their proposal.
The Maizu Memorial Site wasn’t on the grounds of the village since it was still converted into a mining town. But there was still a mostly untouched part of the woods in the Earth Kingdom that became the Memorial Site. It showed the history of Maizu while also promoting the traditions and culture of the original villagers. During this time, many who used to live in Maizu were making their way back, not just to see the site but to celebrate the abolishing of the old laws.
Korra and Asami took a vacation to see the site, along with Kya who felt like going down memory lane. It was early in the day, just the time before the crowds would get bigger. Korra and Asami were taking a trail that leads to a part of the Memorial Site that was dedicated to Avatar Kyoshi. Kya decided to stay behind to meet with old friends from her first visit to Maizu.
They held hands while they traveled down the trail, smiling the same way that they did when they first proposed to one another. When they finally arrived, they found a mural painted onto the smoothed side of a mountain. The left side showed Kyoshi in her iconic Avatar appearance, protecting the villagers of Maizu. It was grandiose, evoking the struggle to keep the village alive during its hardest times. And on the right side, it showed Kyoshi as she was. Without the makeup and headpiece, without the stoic appearance. She was accompanied by Rangi and Koko as a young girl.
Asami and Korra looked at the mural fondly, they felt the warmth of each other but also a relieving sense that this history can finally be known to everyone in the Earth Kingdom. They knew it couldn't be erased anymore. In front of the mural was a wooden board, that read:
“This mural is dedicated to Kyoshi, the Earth Avatar, and the Sacred Protector of Maizu. But this mural is also dedicated to the ones she loved. To her daughter Koko, and to Rangi, her bodyguard, teacher, and wife.”
Korra and Asami kept their grip on to one another. Just like Kyoshi and Rangi, they began to realize that they were inseparable. Korra knew that, no matter what happens next, Asami would always be there. And Asami knew that Korra would be there for her.
“I don’t think I want to go back yet,” Asami said playfully. “Let's stay here for a little bit.”
Korra gave her a little nod. They decided to sit down, in the same way that they did when they were meditating with Kya. But there was one difference. They were still holding onto each other.
Maiko The Odyssey AU where Zukodysseus gets home about five years sooner because his Honor helps him pass every test and trial, meanwhile Mainelope just challenges every suitor who asks for her hand to duel her and throws them out of the house when she wins.
