In Their Eyes (Azula x BNHA)

Chapter 1-Chrysanthemum (DEATH)

Warnings: Mentions of death, suicide, sexual assault.

Weeks blurred together for Azula. Her only interactions were with the servants, and they quickly served her and returned to the main palace. Once they finished, they scurried away back to the palace.

The cold, damp walls of the prison seemed to echo with the weight of Azula's bitter memories. Shackled and confined, she sat alone in the dimly lit cell, her once-regal attire now replaced with the drab prison uniform. The flickering light of the single torch outside of her cell cast distorted shadows, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

Azula clenched her teeth and glared at the walls as if trying to burn a hole through.

As Azula sat on the hard, uncomfortable cot, she couldn't escape the haunting echoes of a time when the title of Fire Lord was tantalizingly close, only to be mercilessly snatched away.
Azula whispered to herself. "Almost Fire Lord... I was almost there."

The memories replayed in her mind like a relentless loop. The Agni Kai, the betrayal, and the bitter taste of defeat. The day when the Fire Nation's throne seemed within her grasp, only to slip away like sand through her fingers.

Her last visitor was her feeble-minded brother. That had been four months ago. She scoffed as she thought of Zuko's final words and the sound of his steps leaving her in this hellhole.

"You have become a threat to the stability of our nation, Azula. A danger to the peace we're trying to build."

Azula clenched and closed her eyes. She wanted to pull her hair. "The Fire Nation thrived under the rule of the strong, not the weak! 'Azula yelled out to the walls. No one was there to care for her response. A response that was four months late.

The worst part is when she closes her eyes and thinks back to the day her brother banished her to this wretched place. It was not fit for a civilian, less for royalty.

Azula ground her teeth as she knew her brother was surrounded by all the perks of being a royal. He always gets everything.

As soon as she closed her eyes, her daily nightmare began recounting. She always reimagines the day she was sent away.

'The grand hall of the Fire Nation Royal Palace was adorned with flickering torches, casting an eerie glow on the faces of those gathered. Azula stood defiantly, her piercing golden eyes fixed on her brother, Zuko, who now held the title of Fire Lord. The air was thick with tension as Zuko's voice echoed through the hall.
"Azula," Zuko declared his tone firm, "your actions have brought chaos and destruction. For the safety of our people and the Fire Nation, I have no choice but to order your confinement. You will be sent to an asylum."

Azula's eyes widened for a moment, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face. The realization of her fate set in, and a cold mask of indifference replaced any hint of vulnerability. She forced a sarcastic smile, the corners of her lips curling upward.

"You always did have a soft spot for the weak, Zuzu," she sneered, using the childhood nickname that once fueled her disdain towards him. "Sending me away to an asylum? How noble of you. But don't think for a moment that this changes anything. I am, and always will be, above the likes of you."'

During her stay in the asylum, the Firelord ordered that she would always have two guards who would overwatch all her movements 24/7 in case she caused harm to herself.

As a result, a new guard acquired that job. However, this is where her hell became even worse.

At first, it was nothing. It was merely a lingering gaze, a predatory observation that made Azula uncomfortable in her vulnerability. She brushed it off, refusing to give the guard the satisfaction of acknowledging his intrusive attention. However, the situation took a sinister turn when she felt a light touch, barely perceptible, as the guard's fingers grazed her hair or brushed against her cheek.