Note: This is just a small one shot about Zuko staring into the mirror, and what he's feeling inside. It takes place sometime between the Agni Kai and Aang's return. Please comment!
Mirror Image
Standing here, just staring into the golden whites that glare back at me. Running my hand over it, feeling fire in my veins, pain in my heart. This really couldn't be happening; this isn't real. This isn't me. This isn't how it's meant to be, is it?
How could this happen? How could I lose my control for that one moment? How could my father do this? Why would he do this? Why would he shame me, throw me away like I am nothing, like I'm not his son? I've never been perfect in his fiery eyes, but this?
Every time I look into this mirror, I see it; I feel it. I feel pain and regret; remorse and anguish. I feel too much, and show nothing. I speak harshly and act heartlessly. My eyes stay distant and cold, searching for my way home; wishing my father loved me, wishing I had everything back, wishing my mother was still here and my sister really cared.
And now, I feel, I feel numb. I feel invisible, lost in this world, in this war. I do not matter to anyone anymore. Seeing the flames in his eyes, I know my father wishes I was perfect, I was like my sister.
But none of this matters right now, because he's abandoned me and given up. He's sent me away to search for a man who doesn't even exist. I have no hope, no faith. All I have left is Uncle, the one who's been there for me always.
And yet I am still a banished prince, an exiled boy with no path to lead my way. I am only a scarred, shamed, dishonored boy with no hope, no love, and no faith. I feel nothing, I am nothing. I mirror pain, anguish, misery. I am determination and focus. I am only a mirror image.