Unforgiven (Azula's Atonement)

Homecoming

Azula woke up, fully rested despite the contents of her dreams. She knew before she went to bed that this would be the day she'd step from one world into another, one she didn't expect to recognize or comprehend. Thus her dreams were a wild, vivid mix of memories and alternative scenarios of her entire life so far. She wondered if the condemned dreamed the same way before their last day on earth, but stopped herself from thinking more deeply about it just in time. Being scared of life was kinda pathetic, was it not? Instead she started her usual morning routine of making her bed and taking care of her hygiene. It wouldn't be exactly the usual routine though. She was informed that she would stay in her cell until her family came to pick her up, breakfast and medication would be brought to her. Thus, she had said all of her goodbyes and well wishes to her friends and fellows the night before. Saying them to the young Rin was especially hard on both ends. Her things were already packed in a cheap suitcase provided by the facility the night before. She had nothing to do but to wait. Some time later a guard opened the door, it was the same one who gave her the needed push on the day of her hearing. She said:

„Good morning, EX-prisoner! Your family is here, and I'm here to bring you some things. First, I have your medicine. The doctor said it should last a month and he wrote detailed instructions on how and when to take it. I'm sure it's nothing unfamiliar to you, but just in case you forget."

„I appreciate it. I can't expect others to watch over my health the whole day from now on, I will have to be the one most responsible."

„Glad you are aware of it. I also have something else, it's another birthday gift from your mother."

„That's nice, but... I keep wondering and it just bugs me. What should I wear? My uniform belongs to the prison. Where are the cheap clothes you usually provide when someone gets out?"

„You should really open the present." the female guard retorted in a kind tone.

Azula had long ago learned to speak to all guards in a tone of respect. Thus, even if her actions seemed strange at times, her choice of words poor, or her attempts at humor inappropriate, most let it slide. She remembered that and said:

„Alright, let me have a look at it."

She took the delicately wrapped package from the guard, feeling its light weight, put it on the bed and skillfully opened it. The sight surprised her eyes. It was a pure silk dress worthy of royalty, balanced between being intricately decorated at some parts and impressively simple at others. It was more beautiful than anything she had ever worn; her mother seemed to have spared no expense, and the shoes were matching too.

„I'll close the door, knock on it when you're dressed and ready." the guard spoke.

Azula complied and changed clothes once she was alone. It took her a little longer than she liked but she managed. The silk felt amazing against her skin and the size fitted more than perfectly, it was so comfortable that it was almost discomforting. Too bad the mirror in her cell was too small to view herself in full. Finally, she felt ready enough to knock. The guard noticed her holding her suitcase in one hand and said:

„I'll take that, it kinda takes away from your triumphant exit."

„I suppose it does." she answered while handing the suitcase over.

„Good luck!" the guard added.

Azula nodded with a small smile and said: „I think I will need more than that. I was born lucky and look where it all ended."

The guard chuckled but said nothing further as they walked the corridors. The final paperwork was already done and signed the day before and Zuko probably received a copy of the official release document already. The only thing left was meeting him. Soon enough they left the building and reached the open exit area, where he, Ursa and a small number of royal personnel were waiting.