TEST
"I'm gonna fail! I'm gonna fail!" wailed Anka through her glistening tears.
Her mothers wordlessly stared at her.
Ty Lee said, "It's okay if you do. It's just a test."
"Well…" began Azula before she saw the look on her daughter's face. Tears from Anka began to spill. "What is it?"
"I knew it! I knew you guys will hate me if I fail my big test and have to go to stupid kid school!"
Stunned, Azula and Ty Lee exchanged a glance.
Azula set Anka on her lap and stroked her raven hair gently.
In an unusually soft tone, Azula inquired, "Why would you think we won't love you if you fail?"
"Because you guys love me best when I impress you. You don't really notice me at all when I don't."
Azula thought she may throw up.
It sounded exactly like something she desperately wanted to tell her father at that age, but never did.
She has raised this child like her father raised her, exactly what Azula feared.
Maybe she had no choice. Maybe this was How palace children were always meant to be raised.
"Anka, I loved your mother after she failed her tests and joined the circus. I loved your mother after she hurt me. I loved your mother after she decided to spend the rest of her days with face painted peasants. I love your mother so much that I would still love her if she tossed out the crown and joined the circus again. And Anka, I knew I would do anything to protect your mother for a long time, but when you were born, I realized I would gladly use her as a human shield to protect you. I loved you that much. Anka, listen to me. If you fail this test and decide to give up the crown and knit sweaters for butterflies for the rest of your life, I may be disappointed and attempt to redirect you to a path more worthy of your royal blood, but I will still love you."
Anka blinked twice. "Really, mother?"
"Really," said Azula honestly.
Touched to the core, Ty Lee walked to her family and kissed Anka on the forehead and Azula on the lips.
It was perfect, for a few moments at least.