Jasons' Gallery - Zuko and Mai: Redeemed Guidance

 

Zuko, the crown prince of the Fire Nation, lending a helping hand to Mai Valentine, the Harpie Queen of Duel Monsters, who has been a victim of manipulation and false promises.

Mai Valentine, the lovely Harpie Queen of Duel Monsters, has a tough and struggling life. Ever since her time being manipulated by Dartz for false promises of power and ambition, she's been searching for herself, trying to get her life back on track, not only trying to better herself in Duel Monsters, but also make amends to the very friends she betrayed under Dartz's control, especially Joey Wheeler.

Just as she felt lost, she stumbled across another stranger, whose path is almost as similar to hers. His name is Zuko, the crown prince of the Fire Nation. His tale follows her own. The son of Fire Lord Ozai, Zuko was banished by his own father for speaking in turn during a war meeting (but not before giving him his scar from an Agni Kai he refused to fight in). Thinking that by capturing the Avatar, he would regain his honor. However, throughout his journey, he was joined by his uncle, Iroh, one of the fierce generals of the Fire Nation. Losing his son, Lu Ten, during the fail siege of Ba Sing Se, Iroh sees Zuko like a son to him, as he guided him down the right path. Despite his setbacks, including betraying Iroh, Zuko eventually embraced his uncle's teachings and denounced everything his father represents and joined the Avatar in saving the world from the Fire Nation itself. Zuko learned that honor is earned, never given. With this new motivation, Zuko went from a obsessed hot-headed prince into a humble, courageous and benevolent hero.

With all the wisdom from his experience, Zuko can be a great mentor to those whose tale is similar to his, and Mai Valentine is no different. Perhaps one day, Mai will truly realize that a true duelist is stronger with friends, not without, and valuing friendship is the greatest prize than all the money and trophies combined.

Keep on rollin', our Harpie Queen!

Programs used: MSPaint, PhotoImpression4, and GIMP