Lesser Evil

It soon became clear to Zuko and Mai that the process of choosing a lesser evil to baby-sit their children would not become easier with time.

Katara would often spoil the children rotten with chocolates and sweets, then drop them off at the Palace right as the sugar rush kicked in, making the children go mad with boundless energy.

We got another complaint from the caretakers about Kuzon and Zora. They were uncooperative and broke another vase.

I'm sorry, Mai. But they're both so darn cute. I just can't say no to them!

Sokka's definition of a bed-time story was more often than not an embarrassing story of Zuko when he was younger.

So how did you enjoy spending the day with your Uncle Sokka, Zora?

It was great! Uncle Sokka tells me all kinds of funny stories! Like the time you walked in on Aunt Katara when she was bathing in the riv-

Now, now, Zora! I don't think we need to hear about that story.

I would certainly like to here more about it, though, Mai said from behind Zuko with a cross look on her face.

Despite frequent warnings to stop, there was nothing Aang loved more than to take the children on very high rides on Appa. And the children loved him for it.

I don't care if you are the Avatar! If you take my son or daughter for another roller-coaster ride on that fuzzy giant, you're gonna have another Fire Nation war to worry about!

Can I still take them on my glider?

The children were somewhat frightened of their Aunt Azula.

Could you please explain to me why my son has been doing fire-squats with ankle weights attached to his legs for the past hour?

He disrespected me and needed to be disciplined.

He's four and he said your shoes were ugly.

I'm nipping his insolence in the bud, Zuzu. You should be thanking me.

After spending only one night with Kuzon and Zora, Toph downright refused to go anywhere near the "demon spawn".

So how exactly do two children sneak up on you, of all people, tie you to a chair, and leave you there for almost two hours while they vandalize the Royal Library?

I'm still trying to figure it out myself, Sparky.

Of all the sitters the Royal Siblings had gone through, the one they loved the most was Ty Lee. Her spontaneous field trips throughout the Royal City were often the highlight of their week. In fact, these field trips were so spontaneous, Ty Lee often didn't have enough time to mention to the Fire Lord or Lady that she was taking their children.

Why, in Agni's name, did you take my children to some shadey, run-down circus in the middle of the city without notifying me or Zuko!

I wanted them to see the dancing platypus-bears.

And Iroh, by some miracle (or curse, in Zuko's opinion) would find a way to gather all of Kuzon's and Zora's aunts and uncles and start a completely pointless party in the Royal Sibling's honor that would give Zuko an Appa sized headache.

But this party is not completely without point, Lord Zuko. We've all gathered to honor young Zora's 11th and three-quarters birthday!

But why did you have to have it in my private study?

Well, when we couldn't find you, we all assumed that you must be in a very important meeting. So we gathered here to give you some privacy, Lord Zuko. Would you like some tea? Kuzon is quite talented at brewing a calming cup of jasmine tea.

Authors Notes:

This chapter is dedicated to two people.

The first is my unborn nephew, who provided the inspiration for this Maiko chapter. My sister will be the first one of us to be having a child, so my entire family is incredibly eager to meet, spoil, and love little Dean. I know I can't shut up about this kid, but I can't help it. I love kids. And I'm not lying when I say there is a family member that is going to be exactly like each of the characters in this fic. I like to think I'm gonna be like Iroh. My brother will probably be like Sokka, telling all kinds of story that will warp the kid's impressionable mind. My mom is definetly Katara, spoiling the kid rotten. My Uncle is Aang, going on terrifyingly fast joy rides in Appa, his 86 Mercedes. My cousin is probably gonna be Azula and Toph (she's doesn't really like kids). And my Grandpa is gonna be exactly like Ty Lee, taking little Dean out on all kinds of outings.

Enough about Dean. Onto other matters..

This Maiko chapter is for 3Blue3Moon3, who is one of my favorite (and probably only) constant reviewers. Another Maiko is on the way.

Wow, 3Blue3Moon3's dedication is alot smaller that Dean's. Hopefully, 3Blue3Moon3 doesn't take offense to this.