He has fallen so very far.
-I failed again-
His eyes are shut
- the pain is too much-
He wants to cry
- but all the tears are gone, burnt away-.
He hears the voices, hears their whispers of disgust and antipathy, their jeering murmurs of humiliation and broken pride.
- please forgive me-
He hears the footsteps of his father, echoing away, a dying heart, a throne denied, a fatherhood forgotten.
-Please don't leave me-
Silence.
-Why do I always lose-
"Get up." The voice is brusque, but kind. "You are exiled, not dead."
-Thank you-
Zuko grasps his uncle's waiting hand.