Never Look at the Sun by May Flyer
There is no war in Ba Sing Se. Ask Jet. He can tell you. GEN (T) 600+ words. Oneshot

Not quite dark enough to earn a darkfic warning, but this is an intriguing fic. And I can’t tell you much more than that or I’ll spoil it. :D


Not You by Ultra-Geek
A battle with Azula goes terribly wrong, and now Sokka will never be able to talk again. Not to mention that it’s all Zuko’s fault. (T) 3,900+ Oneshot

Not slash (Dang). This is a good brotherly bonding fic – I sort of with Azula’s amulet idea could be expanded a little (for maximum carnage whahaha), but as a plot device it’s works. Anyway, this is a fun read.


Okay, We're In Trouble by Suzukiblu
This is the porn that doesn’t end, yes it goes on and on my friend, some people started reading it not knowing what it was, and they’ll continue reading it forever just because this is the porn that doesn’t end . . . WARNING OMG VERY NC-17 16,000+ words Jet/Zuko/Sokka Complete.

Yeeeaah, so Jet and Sokka get thrown into one of those metal boxes with a drugged and very aroused Season 1 Zuko... But let’s be honest, we’re not reading this for the plot. (AND THE REST OF IT IS GLORIOUS.)


Over My Dignity by Swiss Army Knife
Sokka and Zuko find that their odd friendship has unanticipated consequences, and both make choices that will effect one another and the new world order. GEN (T) 21,000+ words Sokka/Zuko friendship. Complete.

Based sometime after the show, it explores how Zuko, Sokka and Aang come to grips with their own roles as leaders after the war. This story isn't afraid to show the flaws of certain characters, but the ending is very touching.


Ozai's New Toy by Bluetiger
Ozai has a new toy, a gift from Azula. Can the gang rescue their lost member?. Adult situations, references to non-consensual sex and character death. (M) GEN 1,400+ words Oneshot

I'm such a sucker for twist endings, and this one doesn't disappoint. It's bold and well written. I can't say much or I'll ruin it, but this is a darkfic, so be warned.


Papa Sun by Lisse
Two prisoners, one wall, and a lifetime's worth of awkward. GEN (K+) 1,900+ words Oneshot (Damn you!)

Sequal to Long Long Time Ago. This is one of those fics that I hate because I want it to continue, and it doesn't. *Le Sob*. It's a great read.


Prison Conversations by Ardy1
A prison in the Fire Nation occupied territory of the Earth Kingdom. Two unlikely boys, enemies, with death sentences. Nothing to do but talk together. And perhaps, together, find a way to escape. (T) GEN Sokka/Zuko Friendship 31,000+ words

I'm not sure what's more fascinating about this fic. The way the friendship between Sokka and Zuko built up, or the mysterious girl who helped them escape. (You will not believe the things poor Zuko had to do. lol.) The author likes to mess around with clichés, and always manages to pull them off so that they are original and fun.


Queen Takes Pawn (Iand II) by Badculture
Part 1: Zuko sees a very familiar face in the Fire Nation Maiko (Mild Jetko), (PG) 1,800+ words.
Part 2: In which Zuko learns how Jet came to be in the Fire Nation palace, and, failing to recognize that his future was decided in the summary of Part One, deviates from the path of True Love. (PG, 1,900+ words) Complete?

A thought provoking little 2-shot where Zuko is confronted by a familar face in the palace. I liked this because it really seemed like something Azula would actually do... and it's scary. Like most one-shots, I despertly want it expanded.


Reconstructed Destinies by DJNS
Zuko and Aang switch places. What would happen if Zuko was the last Airbender and Aang was the outcast, Fire Nation Prince? AU. (T) 231,000+ words Kataang, Maiko, Sukka WIP.

Zuko as the Avatar is a very flawed, angry young man who is driven to master all four elements. Aang is the scarred prince of the Fire Nation who defied his father with a dream of world peace. DJNS updates with lightening-fast speed, and although there are times where you just want to slap her characters (always the mark of a good story in my opinion) the story is simply fascinating.

Reflections by Fuzzytomato
The war is long over and Zuko looks back on the people he misses the most. Implied Zutara and Tokka. 1,300+ words. GEN (K+) Oneshot.

This apperently was written prior to Brothers in Arms, but I suggest reading it afterwards for its full effect. WARNING: It'll make you tearbend.


Reign Within by Rawles
Mai pretends that marriage will grant her choice. AU. MaiOzai, implied MaiZuko. (T) 1,900+ Oneshot

The sad thing is, I can totally see this happening if this were not a children's TV show. o_O Mai is excellent. Ozai is suitably creepy. WARNING: Darkfic


Reposition by The Fifth Champion
Please, Zuko, let me hurt you. So he lets her, one last time. ZukoAzula SIBLING RELATIONSHIP (K+) 3,400+ Oneshot. WARNING: TEARBENDING

I don't believe that K+ is an accurate rating, btw. It should be a strong M. This is a twisted tale with Azula doing pretty much what she does best to prisoners she's trying to break. The fact that it's Zuko, and that they both seem to need the interaction makes it all the worse. It's Zuzu whumping at its darkest.


Resistence is Futile by Jakia
Conspiracy theory thrown in the mix to make it interesting. GEN (T) 800+ words Oneshot.

I love conspiracy fics, and if you’re anything like me you’re going to read this and go ZMOG!!!!!!!!! IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW!!!... Until you realize about ten seconds later that, no, it really doesn’t. But keep in mind that this fic was written in 2006 before all the facts of the series had come to life. So, because of that I’m still totally recommending it.


</strong>Rising Phoenix by HyacinthMacaw
Zuko tries to fit into 'The Gaang'. Meanwhile, his arrival means Aang starts firebending lessons, Katara takes up stalking, and Appa stays slobbery. Rebirth never comes without struggle. GEN (T) 18,000+ words Complete

One of the first Avatar fics I’ve read, and it had a big impact on me in terms of how I see bending as a whole. Very well written: if the author isn’t into martial arts he/she at least pretends knowing about them very well. This is a great introspection piece on how Zuko learns his own bending by teaching it himself.


Second Nature by rosemary
AU starting right after the Seige of The North: Zuko is captured by Arnook's men. (PG-13ish) 50,000+ words, AU

SO much love for this fic. It's just starting, and has a lot of promise. The author has a flair with details, and although there's a lot of Zuko-whumping, she keeps him very IC. </span>


Shattered by Magnusrae
Zhao captures Aang and Zuko loses everything. Without his ship, his men or even his Uncle, how does the Prince react? Poorly. GEN 66,200+ words, (T) Complete.

This is a novel of a story. It's set with strong season 1 themes, which predict pretty accurately (in my opinion) how Zuko would react upon failing his mission. The OC that takes him in gets a little overbearing at times, but the whole plot is so well written that at the end I didn't even mind. There's a sequel, but I haven't read it yet. This fic is wonderful on its own.


Something to Hold Onto by Ali Wildgoose
Since the day the walls of Ba Sing Se fell, the Freedom Fighters have struggled to protect what remains of the city and its people. Jet and his second command, a mysterious boy named Li, have spent the summer piecing together an army, hoping for a chance to take the city back for good. But Li is also Zuko, and the time for that secret is quickly running out. Soon, he'll have to decide exactly who he is, what cause he's going to fight for and where his heart lies. WARNING: NC-17 15,000+ and counting. Jet/Zuko WIP (Currently on part 2 of 12)

The author rates this hard R, but I’d personally rate it NC-17 (And so it shall be, on my rec list). Anyway, what can I say about this fic? It’s everything an Avatar fic should be AND MORE. Not only is it illustrated in parts, it’s in character, well thought out, mature in tone and reasoning and… well, I’ll just rehash what I said in the first chapter. Reading this, I felt like I’ve been thirsty for a VERY long time, and I finally got a whole bucket of delicious, cold, ice-water to drink allllll to myself. It’s rare I get this excited about a fic, this quickly. A new chapter will be put up every Tuesday, and I recommend every avatar fan of age read it… even if Jetko isn’t your thing. Give it a shot. This one's going to be an instant classic.

Spiral’s Beginning by Shadow Wasserson
A long time ago, the Four Nations were at war. The story of the first Avatar. GEN (K+) 2,400+ words. Oneshot.

This goes in my personal head canon. I love this because it’s so much like the old indian fables I used to read as a kid. It’s a wonderful take on a creation-tale.


Stormbenders by Fandomme
S3 AU from FBM. Deep in the Fire Nation jungle, the Gaang meets a group of rogue water ninja who send Zuko and Katara on a mission to retrieve Ozai's secret battle plans. Zutara (T) 170,000+ words. Complete.

Okay, this was recc'ed by multiple people, and I'm glad because some of my pet-peeves in fanfiction is new powers. So by the first few chapters my eyes hurt from rolling them. Stormbending? Katara seeing into people's minds? No thanks. But I loaded some more chapters into my phone to take to work to read... and by the time Zuko and Katara were sent to the Fire Nation my supervisor was yelling at me to take more calls... and then I spent all lunch break engrossed in the detail rich Fire Nation Oyster district... and when I got home the dishes needed to be done, but I couldn't pull myself away because there was a crazy Jerry Springer type showdown between Katara and Zuko vs Everyone else... and oh... Aang, you're annoying but my heart is breaking for you... Hakoda how could you say those things?! How could you!?!?!?!?!... and it was two hours past my bedtime, but I couldn't go to sleep NOW because Azula clearly had something up her sleeves... and... by the time I finished the dishes in the sink were most definitly stinky, and I had to wear my glasses due to eyestrain, but... wow. I don't think I could have gone to boarders, paid 8 bucks and gotten a better quality story. I got it for free. Lucky me. :) Read this story!... Just don't expect to do anything else while you are.


Taking Turns Series by keelywolfe

Summary: While staging their rescue at the Boiling Rock prison, things take a turn for the worse. Zuko/Sokka, NonCon but maybe not in the way you'd think.WARNING: NC-17, 50,000+ words Sokka/Zuko COMPLETE

If you're like me and you're not a giant fan of non-con, then be aware that the fic goes in other places... other, very sexy places very quickly. I enjoyed how the dialogue and reactions are realistic. Zuko actually apologizing in the first story struck me as very IC. It only gets better from there. The link goes to the tag which has all twenty parts, starting from the bottom.


Tempest In a Teacup by AKAVertigo
Fate puts Katara in the Fire Nation to grow up in the company of a Dragon, a prince, and a lot of good tea. (T) Zutara Themes, 33,300+ words, Complete (I think?)

Lots of people recommended this fic to me after I started posting Another Brother. It's hard to know where this story begins or indeed if it ends because it is a beautiful series of loosely connected moments in young Katara's life. Some chapters are just a list. But it still works. It really works.


The Alchemy of Fire by Shadowhawke
The nature of Fire is that it transforms, and so after their victory the Gaang must deal with the aftermath of ‘peace’ amidst battle, growth, self-discovery, and the startling changes and beauty of love. Based on a slightly AU finale. (T) 187,000+ COMPLETE

What strikes me most about this wonderful WIP the maturity level of the plot. Not in a bloody, or sexy way, but suddenly our heroes are dealing with rebellions, with real problems and reactions from various factions that I could actually see happening in the Avatar world. The writer's take on waterbending is beautiful, and Katara especially shines as her own true strong character. I spent a very happy day catching up to this fic, and I'm so thrilled when there is a new update.


The Autumn Throne by Tokogawa
In the latter days of a year, as the leaves grow shades of flax and safron, who will watch the forest bare? So it is with a young king, witnessing a thousand lives fall, in a slower, harder pace than ever burned the heat of seasons past. (PG-13) Canon Ships Complete.

How do you summarize a piece of prose with so much beauty and life contained in so few words? I know I can't. Just read it. It's everything that the final story of Avatar should be... and so much more.


The Chakra of Pleasure by Suzukiblu
Aang tricks the guys into teh sexx0rs. WARNING: NC-17 1,700+ words Aang/Sokka/Zuko Oneshot

This bipolar fic is torn between hot and incredibly sexy. I love manipulative!Aang, and Sokka is determined to teach him all he needs to know, dragging Zuko along as a hapless visual guide. LOL.


The Dances Of A Windswept Fire by Tokogawa
A collection of Avatar Poetry (PG-13) WIP

You want well written Avatar Poetry? This has it in spades. Link is to the general thread on the ASN messageboard.

The Dragon and the Wolf by Aka Arashi

Years after the war, Azula is on the run, hunted by the Avatar and her brother, but her greatest threat lies behind an unassuming smile and a pair of intelligent blue eyes. (T) 5,300+ words Azula/Sokka (WIP)

As always, Arashi is amazing at action scenes and snappy dialogue. The characters are so much themselves that it nearly hurts. I swear, she is a secret ava-writer in disguise. ;) This story takes the tired old Sokka-capture fic and makes it fun.

</strong>The Ember Island Lighthouse: A Beacon of Insanity by Loopy
A collection of stories and drabbles. The only thing uniting them is a LOOPY creative drive that makes for a unique, insightful, and often humorous experience. You never know what strange observation, crazy coupling, or insane rambling might pop up next. Multi-Pairing (T) 40,000+ words. Multiple oneshots.

Kind of what it says on the tin. Right now there are over 50 oneshots listed. I can’t say there’s a rhyme or reason to them: it’s just whatever comes out of Loopy’s crazy/brilliant mind. My personal favorite has to be #19 AU, but with this many different stories I'm sure everyone will find a personal favorite.

</strong>The Feel of an Unfinished Fight by Shark Flip
The journey from enemies to allies to friends is complicated and not easily resolved. An alternative resolution to Katara and Zuko's journey in the Southern Raiders. GEN w/Zutara friendship overtones. (K+) 7,400+ words. Oneshot.

This fic is basically one big action-scene. And what a great action-scene it is! The author is really able to show not only how both Zuko and Katara have changed over time, but what makes them so different from one another… and also the same. It’s a fun story with a clear, easy to read style.


The Madness of Dawn by Stingmon
Your name is Li; you're not a bender. Your name is Li; you're not a bender. Your name's Li; you're not a bender. One-sided Jetko. (T) 15,000+ words Oneshot. Warning: Darkfic.

Okay, I did help beta this, but it’s good so I’m putting it up anyway! This is a creepy one-shot that starts building the mystery from pretty much the first paragraph. No big deal if you’re not a fan of Jetko. This isn’t exactly a romance.


The Morning After by JoJoDancer
</span>An atypical morning after for Zuko and Aang... And their wives. Kataang, Maiko, crackfic. (T) 1,400+ words. Oneshot.

Not actually as cracky as the author would have you believe. It's a funny one-shot with an unfolding story and college-type humor. And hey, what happens here could happen to anyone... right... right?!


The One Exception by Foxysquid
In this alternate universe, Jet never saw Iroh Firebend his tea, so he didn't fight Zuko in the teashop, was not captured by the Dai Li, and did not die. Katara never saw Zuko at the Jasmine Dragon, so Azula didn't realize he was there, and Zuko never joined Azula. Instead, when Ba Sing Se was invaded, Zuko joined forces with Jet. And now--it's fifty years later. Jetko Rating: PG 4,100+ words Complete (Oneshot)

Not only is this very sweet and 'awwwwww worthy', there is a companion picture on the same page. Old!Jet looks a lot like Jeong Jeong. Huh. Anyway, I had to search for like a week to re-find this fic. It's even better on the second reading!


The One Where The Fire Nation Clearly Loses by Miarr
Originally written for the Avatar Kink Meme, but expanded into more than a ficlet. Prompt was Zuko/Sokka, Season 1 capturefic, Sokka still tops. NC-17 SLASH Sokka/Zuko 4,600+ Oneshot

I think I have a new love, and that is for season 1 slash. This was written recently, but damn... it's good. Sokka is his wonderful snarky self, and Zuko perfect in his season 1 evilness with just a hint of the dork that is to come. Sokka's "points system" is pure WIN.

The Ones They Left Behind by Liliedhe
This story collection kind of grew from it when I listened to Tina Turner's "We don't need another hero", which could be the theme song of the new "series". It is ultimately about the children who were left with a messed up world and had to learn to live in it. PG-13, Future Fic, WIP

Wonderful collection of scenes from the next generation. Right now it's a little scattered, but it's slowly coming together and turning into a very promising fic.


The Usual Reasons by Ali Wildgoose
Sokka would swear, later on, that it was completely innocent when it started. PG-13, Friendship/Slash Sokka/Zuko 9,800+ words Oneshot.

What stood out for me in this fic was the lack of angst, and the so rightness of Sokka's confidence. He's a take-charge kind of guy, and it really shows in the writing of this fic. Poor Zuko didn't know what hit him. ;) Fic ends at a tasteful point. (And is followed up by its smutty sequel Later Can Wait).


There is no motive for this crime by magneticwave
Mai respects Katara, but she does not understand her. (K) 1,200+ words Maiko possible Zutara.Oneshot

The author says this is more of a rant than a fic… well whatever it is, I love it. The author deftly gets into Mai’s mind, and I think by the end of it even the hardest Zutaraian may say she has a point…


Too Good To Be True by Omoni
A tongue-in-cheek look at Zuko's first year as Fire Lord. There are so many wonderful epics rich with intrigue and darkness in them...so I decided to take on a different perspective. Some Maiko (T) 6,500+ words. Complete.

This is a fresh take on the first year of Zuko’s reign following Sozin’s Comet. All too many fics dealing with the same subject tend to get bogged down in gloom and political intrigue… This fic does not have that problem. :)


Top Ten Things I Hate About You by Kaibasgirlx
Because gd knows all siblings keep a list like this SOMEWHERE in their drawers. (GEN) 2,376+ Words. Complete.

How can a list be angsty you ask? Well, I was surprised as well. The first couple are my favorites, and almost tearbending worthy. All of the points are well thought out and true to the characters.


Transferance by Scuttlebuttincx (This link is for chapter 1. Please refer to their LJ for the other parts)
And here begins the cliche. Because there's just not enough modern highschool setting fics out there. Honestly. this whole thing started months and months ago because we wanted something to keep us entertained at work, where we can't really get away with writing smut. It started on a whim and is currently over 180,000 words long. We shared it with a couple of close friends that read our fic and got excellent response, mostly "WHY AREN'T YOU POSTING THIS?" So here it is. Sokka/Zuko (slight JetKo)MODERN AUslash (M) WIP

If only all modern AU's were done with this much care and talent! All the characters are their glorious selves, and their AU counter-situations are well thought out. Starts out slow with friendship first, but the side plots and bonding make you not notice or care. This is a massive piece with the unposted story somewhere around 180,000+ and still writing.


True Healing by Alligatorade
True healing, he had told Katara kindly, as he packed up his bag, would take time. In this, as in all things. A missing scene from "Sozin's Comet", with a bit of Maiko mixed in. (K) 1,000+ words Oneshot.

OMG Katara/Zuko friendship FTW!!!! Ahem. Anyway this fic also features take charge!Katara, which I adore. And poor, slightly delirious Zuko. I just wanna hug him.

Under Wicked Sky by I don't need a backup plan
During a raid Zhao captures Zuko and Sokka. They escape with dificulty, but surviving the uncharted earthebender territory and each other is the real challenge. Sokka/Zuko slash. 62,000+ words (M) Compleate. WARNING: Rape.

This was written during season 1, and it shows with a divergence of canon around the Blue Spirit ep. If the rape squicks you (I still haven't been able to read the entire thing to this day) you can safely skip it and still follow along with the plot. The entire tone of the fic is dark, including Sokka who is a shadowed form of his usual self to the point where he is almost out of character. Still, it is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.


Water Tribe by NoSelfControl
This story happens in an Alternate Universe (AU) of Avatar, where Admiral Zhao didn't die. The Ocean Spirit brought him back, but Zhao's mind has been wiped clean. Now living amongst the Water Tribe, he's managed to find a place in his adoptive nation. But his old personality is still there, and pretty soon, things change... GEN (T) COMPLETE.

This is a graphic novel, and it's beyond brilliant. First off, each and every page is finely drawn. The plot and the characterization are excellent. Zhao doesn't become the good guy just because he happens to be the main character, but that's why we all love the bastard so much.

Welcome to Ba Sing Se by Shockz
A perfectly normal Joo Dee goes about her perfectly normal duties in the glorious city of Ba Sing Se. GEN (K+) 900+ words Oneshot

It's a fic with a twist ending that M. Knight would be proud of. Can't say more, or I'll ruin it.


What I Don't Like About You by Trombe and Artsyleric
A prince struggling to change his destiny. An unforgiving waterbender tries to see past the betrayal. Fate has decreed them to be enemies from the start but the heart cares not for the laws of the universe. AU ZUTARA starting from the Boiling Rock episode. Zutara (T) 333,900+ WIP

This started as a wonderful take on the Boiling Rock ep, and moved from there. Both writers have excellent grasps on their characters, and they manage to make a retelling of favorite episodes interesting and fun. Romance-lovers will love the ships, and adrenaline junkies will enjoy the well-paced action.


Whatever It Takes by Tehlobster
On the day of his daughter's birth, Lao Bei Fong makes a vow. GEN (G) 1,200+ Words Oneshot

This is the first fic I've seen deal with this sort of scenario, and it it struck me as realistic. I enjoyed the contrast of Leo's thoughts directly before and after he figures out that his daughter is blind.


When All Your Dreams Come True by Atiaran
AU during the First Season. Zuko has finally captured Aang and returned to the Fire Nation. He couldn't be happier. Really, he couldn't. Warning: Very dark. Rated M for violent themes. GEN w/a hint of Zutara) WARNING: Darkfic. TEARBENDING. 10,000+ words Oneshot

I’ll be honest: This is not only one of the top Avatar fic’s I’ve ever read, this is one of the best fan fictions I’ve ever read. And this fic haunted me for days afterwards because… oh, you’re just going to have to read it. But make sure you do with a box of tissues, because I cried… and I don’t normally cry. Actually just thinking about the fic, and how it just hits you towards the end like a punch to the gut. I… *sniff*… I just got something in my eye. I’m gonna need a minute.


When The World Weighs You Down by sparky-poo
When happily ever after turns out to be not quite happy, Katara finds herself trapped in more ways than one. Set after the end of the show. (T) 900+ words. Oneshot.

I think everyone has felt the way Katara has at one point or another. It's what she does next that makes me smile.

Wife Swap by Scuttlebuttincx (This is the link to chapter 1. Please refer to their LJ for the second part.)
What's the slash answer to the canon het pairings at the end of the series? Let the girls play too. WARNING: Oh so very NC-17. Zuko/Sokka Mai/Suki 17,000+ Complete.

The author notes states it best: Tons of dirty, kinky, unapologetic sex contained within. Even if you're not a real yuri fan (like me) then the Sokka/Zuko parts are still something to enjoy.

Xiǎo Hái by Forlorn Maiden
Why has Iroh never referred to Azula as his niece? It's always her title or her name, but never his relation to her unlike with Zuko and Ozai. GEN (T) 500+ words. Oneshot.

Another fic with a twist ending. And the author has a couple of good points that make you really start to think. Well paced and suspenseful for the short amount of words.



If you think there's a fic out there that deserves to be on the list (even if its your own), go ahead and reply. The comments to this are screened but I'll give it a read and put it up if it's good.