Avatar Rose: Justice

Chapter 1: The Asylum

How did I end up here? I don't know. They think I'm a monster, something needing confinement. After I was all patched up, they shoved me into some insane asylum. Yes, the all powerful Avatar is stuck in an insane asylum.

I've been diagnosed with something called PTSD, but I guess I'm considered dangerous as well. 'Criminally insane,' as they call it. That's how I ended up here. I suppose they just put me here while they figure out what to do with me in the meantime. But it's been a long time. I've been wondering if I'll ever get out.

I don't understand why they send people here to get better. In my opinion, I'm losing my sanity every second I stay. Hysterical screams and unsettling muttering to oneself is heard in ever corner and in every cell. I've spent most of my time refusing to come out of my cell, but eventually, I gave up.

I would cooperate, eating in the common room with the rest of them. Their hair is matted, they're scrawny, and have this wild look in their eyes that I don't. Mine are dark and hateful, but controlled at the same time. But there's also fear in them. I'm so utterly terrified of what happened to the rest of Team Avatar. Were they executed? Tortured to death? I wouldn't know because I'm stuck in some madhouse.

"Hey, you're new, right?" The voice makes me yelp and stagger away. It's a boy, not far from my age. He's tall with jet black hair and deep blue eyes, a welcoming and charming smile grinning at me.

"I- I guess so," I stammer. It's scary to see someone who looks so normal around here. He plops down on the floor across from me, almost eagerly.

"You don't look crazy. You look like me, like you don't belong here. I'm Austin. Th- that's my name. Well I guess you figured that was my name, because I wouldn't be referring to myself with it if it wasn't," he rambles.

I smile a little. "I'm Rose."

His eyes go wide. "Like the flower?"

"I guess."

"That's pretty. Nice to meet you, Rose."

He offers his hand, and I shake it. Austin talks a lot. It's kind of funny, but I feel bad for him at the same time. I bet he hasn't talked to anyone for a very long time. We both need a friend.

He touches my metal arm curiously. My bionic limbs are extremely evident in the baby blue, flimsy gown they make us wear. I pull away from the slight touch.

"How?" He asks.

I shrug, not feeling like telling the story all over again.

Austin shuffles his feet awkwardly. "I've heard things, before I got stuck in here. You're the avatar, aren't you?"

"Yeah..."

"That means you'll be out soon. They're not going to leave you to rot in here forever! You think I can come too?"

I hesitate. He had to be stuffed into here for a reason. He could be a mass criminal for all I know. Austin seems to sense my thoughts and his eyes become frantic.

"No, no. I'm not like that. Back in the Water Tribe, I was accused of killing my step mother and father. My step sister turned me into the police and I got stuck all the way here. They won't believe me," Austin explains.

I narrow my eyes as I study his expression, desperate and lonely. He doesn't look like he'd kill someone.

As the days pass, I find them coming to an end much faster with Austin around. We're allowed to play board games sometimes, and it's nice to have a friend after so long. Who knew I would find one here?

But sleep doesn't get any easier at night, especially with the crazed screams echoing down the halls. I find myself dozing in the daytime. Austin makes sure the guards don't see, since I guess it's against the rules.

"Rose, you have a visitor," A woman says.

"Rose, wake up!" Austin hisses. My eyes snap open and I clutch on to Austin's sleeve reflexively. He offers a reassuring smile, nodding his head to the woman.

She smiles warmly at me. I don't trust her. But when Gwen and some strange man walk in, it doesn't matter anymore.

"G- Gwen?" I splutter.

Her eyes are slightly cold, but warm up a little at the sight of me. "Yeah. You look horrible."

She should try not sleeping and eating for a while and see how she looks. I let the comment pass.

"Are you here to get me out?" I ask hopefully.

"Not quite, but almost. You're going to have to stand trial. They'll decide what to do with you then."

"Do what with me? Leave me here?"

Her eyes flash. "Whether to execute you or let you aid them against the Fire Nation."

Well then. Either one sounds better than being locked up in here.

The man puts a large hand on my shoulder. I force myself to remain there and not pull away.

"Are you willing to fight for Earth?" He says.

I nod. "Yeah, o- of course I am!"

He smirks. "Good."