Obedience

Tenzin loved his children very much. In fact, he thought the world of them, but he also knew how rowdy they could be. Even Jinora, who was by far the most level headed, could be quite mischievous when she put her mind to it. She also had a knack for disguising her mischief, which only made her more troublesome to deal with. So to say that he was surprised when he arrived home to find all of them busy with cleaning would have been a tremendous understatement.

Tenzin looked about in bewilderment. "What's going on?" Was this a dream? Had he somehow managed to get drunk on cactus juice without realising it?

Pema smiled and waved him over to a bench where she was enjoying a cup of tea. "Oh, nothing too unusual." She smirked. "Azula arrived today, and she decided that it was well past time that the kids pull their weight with regards to cleaning."

"I see." Tenzin did. Despite her age, Azula was still arguably the most terrifying person he knew. The kids had only needed to meet her once before agreeing.

Right on cue, the infamous firebender appeared, barking orders like a drill sergeant at first Meelo and then Ikki,

"Is that what you call scrubbing?" Azula growled. "I want these steps clean enough to eat off, and I promise you that if I'm not happy with the job you've done, you will be eating off them – for the next month."

Meelo shook one fist at her. "You can't do this, evil lady!"

"I can and I am." Azula sneered. "What? Do you think your father will save you? No one can save you. Until I say otherwise, you all belong to me. You will do what I say, when I say, how I say. And I'm telling you to get back to work right now."

"Or what?" Meelo drew himself up to his full height and glared.

Azula glared back and then smiled – toothily. "Or else."

Meelo got back to work.

"I bet you didn't have to clean when you were younger," Ikki grumbled, too smart to outright oppose Azula.

"No, because I was out conquering the world. If you'd rather try to conquer the world than clean, you're more than welcome to try. I'd suggest you start with the Earth Kingdom." Azula turned and frowned. "And you, Jinora, less gawking and more sweeping."

"Yes, ma'am." Jinora went back to sweeping.

Pema chuckled and nudged Tenzin. "You know, we need to invite Azula over more often. The house is absolutely spotless, and they'll have the temple grounds immaculate in about an hour."

Tenzin shuddered. He could have a clean house and tidy temple, but at what cost? "Perhaps."

Azula's gaze flicked to Tenzin, golden and dangerous. "Tenzin!" He found himself snapping to attention. "What is this I hear about you allowing the other members of the council to push you around? Didn't you learn anything from the lessons I gave you? There is a time for mercy and a time for strength. Crush them utterly just once, and you will never have to put up with their foolishness again. Do I have to come with you to your next meeting?"

Tenzin gulped. "No… no, I can handle it." He took a deep breath to calm himself. Wait… there was a way he could get rid of her. "Azula, have you seen Korra since you arrived? I believe she is in the city with her friends." Unspoken was the fact that these were friends Azula hadn't met, friends that she would need to personally investigate.

"Is that so?" Azula's eyes narrowed. "I shall have to go and meet these… friends of hers."

As the firebender made her way to the dock, Pema giggled. "You can be so evil, Tenzin."

He gazed off into the distance. Yes, that was exactly what his father, wise man that he was, would have done. "Only when I have to be."

X X X

Author's Notes

As always, I do not own Legend of Korra. I am not making any money off of this either.

Never mess with Azula. But, seriously, can you imagine her wrangling the airbending kids? She's one of the few people who could keep them under control.

As always, I appreciate feedback. Reviews and comments are welcome.