It was a sterile place, reeking of antiseptic and latex gloves. Pills and medicines.
"Why won't you leave me alone?"
Azula's pained scream echoed through the halls, and she threw her hands at the window. The doctors had said reflective surfaces set her off, but Zuko knew that was only half of it.
"How has she been?" Zuko turned to the gray-haired physician, hands clasped behind his back.
Dr. Yakota sighed. "There are days when she seems normal – as normal as Azula can be, I suppose – and there are days…like today."
Zuko watched as his sister fell into a heap on the floor, pulling at the wisps of black hair on her head. He frowned. If it weren't for their father, Azula might have been okay. Mai would've told him that Azula was born that way – tainted, diseased.
Everyone would hate him for it, but he couldn't see his sister like this. "I want to bring her home, Yakota. This place – it isn't helping. She should be home, surrounded by things that will comfort her."
Dr. Yakota shook his head vehemently. "No! I cannot allow it; Azula is a danger to herself and to everyone around her! Even if I wanted-"
Zuko cut the physician's words short, holding up a hand. "Guards, open her cell. I'm taking my sister home."
The old chateau-inspired mansion stood tall in the otherwise flat land. Each slab of stone had been handcrafted, selected specifically for their family's home.
Azula watched as row after row of cherry blossom trees passed by, her forehead gently knocking against the window as the car wound up the gravel driveway.
"Everything will be better soon," Zuko whispered and gave her shoulder a quick squeeze.
Yes, she thought, things will be better.
Azula was free now, and no power in the universe was greater than her fury. Ursa would be dealt with and then, so would Zuko.