"Now, Lady Ursa, you understand fully what I just said?" Aang asked the woman.

Ursa eyed the institution that currently housed her daughter. Her gaze shifted to her attire. She was wearing the exact same patient robes and pants as Azula.

She shifted a little to get a feel of the fabric. It wasn't luxurious, but surprisingly soft and light.

"Yes, Aang. From this day forward I'm going to be staying here with Azula," she motioned towards the building.

Aang nodded his head and said, "Although that is the case, you are not allowed to share the same room she does. We can put you in a room that's close enough, but interaction with Azula must be strictly monitored."

"By you, correct," Ursa said with a smile.

Aang felt a bit sheepish. She made it sound like he was someone very important. "She trusts me, my lady. I don't ever want her to think otherwise."

Ursa hummed in agreement. Even as they both walked to the building, the former Fire Lady still chose to continue the light conversation. "You are a very good man, Aang. Even when I was with her, I could never gain her trust. In fact, not even Ozai could. All he could gain from her was her loyalty."

Aang was surprised to hear that. "What about Mai and Ty-Lee?"

"Of course those are two exceptions. But to put her faith in you, someone that has no relation to the Fire Nation… she must value you tremendously."

Aang chuckled in embarrassment. "I'm honoured that you could see it that way."

Ursa kept eyeing him strangely. Aang wasn't sure, but it felt like she was constantly measuring him up. For what reason, though?

Her golden eyes seemed to soften at his nervousness. "I approve."

"What, my lady?" Aang asked, having not heard what she said.

But Ursa merely shrugged it off with a secretive smile. "Oh, it's nothing, Aang. So, do you have anything to share with me, like what has been happening at the Fire Nation Palace?"

Aang's mouth shrivelled up with that elusive reminder. He knew that Ursa would keep pressing the issue until she found out the truth. The whole palace had been very secretive on the subject, so it was understandable that she would become frustrated.

He still didn't think it was his place to say anything. If Zuko was a man of honour like he said he was, then he should be the one confessing.

"I think it's much better that you seek Zuko for an explanation."

The same old thing, Ursa noticed. This evasiveness was only piquing her interests even more. What were they all hiding from her? It seemed like pretty big news, if she guessed correctly.

So, she once again decided to let it go. It was pretty clear that no one would ever tell her if she continued to pester them.

She looked ahead of herself, staring at the mental institution. She resigned herself to the fact that it was going to be her home from now on. Honestly, though, she would have rather avoided it if it was possible.

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"Welcome, your majesty and Avatar," Zai greeted, bowing in respect.

Ursa was surprised that the man was standing at the entrance. "Hello, Doctor. You could have waited for us in your office, you know?"

Still bowing, Zai said, "Apologies, my lady, however I could not risk you going to see Azula today until we've discussed the stipulations of your stay."

Ursa raised an eyebrow. "That's quite presumptuous of you, Doctor."

"I apologise once more. It is contingent, I assure you. Azula has not been coping well after your last visit."

That felt like a punch to Ursa. Before she saw Azula, Aang made it clear that she was getting better. But now, things seemed to be heading negatively thanks to her involvement. It was obvious, and blatant, that Zai was accusing her of deprecating Azula's promising progress. She had no choice but to agree with his assumption.

"Okay then. So, do you want to talk out here?" Ursa asked.

"Yes. The inhabitants are in the garden. It would be in bad taste if Azula saw you heading to my office from there."

"She's not the only here?"

"Of course not, my lady. We have many others who suffer from mental instability. However, I dare say Azula is far more important due to her royal lineage.

Ursa nodded, understanding the underlining tone of favouritism from the doctor. "As a mother, I thank you very much for your efforts."

Zai finally straightened up, offering Ursa a bemused smile. "I doubt I would be getting such praise from other guardians."

"I concur," Ursa said, smiling as well.

"So what are your stipulations?" Aang asked.

Zai turned to him briefly. "Yes, of course. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can start."

He turned to Ursa. "I'm sorry to say that your royal attire is not allowed here."

"I'm fine with that. I've already changed," Ursa answered.

"You will be allocated a room. It's safe for you to guess that it will not be luxurious. In fact, in many ways, you will be treated as a tenant, but will not be treated as unstable. We will take extra care to make sure your stay here is comfortable and beneficial to Azula's wellbeing."

"I couldn't agree with you more."

"Well, you might not agree with what I'm about to say next. But you won't be able to speak with Azula whenever you feel like it. Your interaction will be closely monitored, by the Avatar."

Aang brows rose from his face "I already anticipated you saying that. She's aware."

"Indeed. Azula trusts you above anyone else. Your presence visibly puts her at ease. So, she might go along with interacting with her mother so long as you are there with her."

"Hmm, I guess I can't disagree with you on that," Ursa said.

The Doctor beamed. "That's excellent. Please follow me, my lady. I will show you to your room. Azula's break should be over now."

Ursa nodded.

Zai turned to Aang. "I need you to inform Azula of what's to happen."

"What?! She doesn't know?!"

"I would never tell her. You know how angry she can get. Good luck~"

Before Aang could respond, Zai had already disappeared with Ursa.

The young Avatar couldn't help but curse his luck.

"She's going to be so pissed at him, isn't she?"

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Well, it's a cliffhanger for now. But I really wanted to update this after I promised I would. So I hope you enjoyed it, even though it's short. More will come when I have the time.