Why did you leave me?

It was that thought that filled Zuko's waking moments, that thoughts that kept him awake at night. And when he finally did sleep, it was that thought that invaded his dreams.

Why did she leave him?

His entire live there had only been one person who truly loved him, who truly understood him: his mother. She'd always been there for him, always knowing what he needed.

When he failed, when he fell down, she would pick him up and dust him off and tell him that he always made her proud.

She would defend him when his father called him worthless.

She understood as well as he did that Azula always lies.

She was his guidance, his comfort, his shelter.

But in an instant, she was gone.

"Everything I've done, I did for you, Zuko."

He didn't understand why he woke up one day to find her gone. Why he woke up to find his entire world turned upside down.

Didn't she understand that when she left, she left him with nobody?

She left him to navigate himself through the treacherous waters of the world. Didn't she see that he was drowning?

Why did you leave me?

If she saw him now, she wouldn't recognize him. He was no longer the gentle boy she had known. Years of pain had hardened his eyes. A blind determination to prove himself clouded his judgement. And a harsh, angry red scar marred his face.

He was not the boy she had known, but the same thought echoed through his mind.

Why did you leave me?

A/N: Awwww Zuko is so sad and angsty. Well, Sokka is next and then I think I'm going to attempt one for Toph. Please review!