Chapter Text
“I really don’t think it’s a great idea,” Kirima looked between Rangi and Kyoshi, “I’m really not that good with kids.” Her eyes glanced over the couple’s shoulders at a little girl happily playing with a toy by herself.
“I think you’re overthinking it,” Rangi said.
“And I think you’re underthinking it,” remarked Kirima.
Kyoshi grinned. “It’s not that difficult, we promise. She’s a great kid. You just need to make sure that she doesn’t go running off into trouble. And make sure Auntie Mui doesn’t sneak her a bunch of sweets later tonight.”
“And why couldn’t the elder Topknot watch her instead?” Kirima asked, her eyes never leaving the child.
Exasperated, Rangi sighed. “Because my mother is back home in the Fire Nation visiting with family. You know that!” She took a deep breath. “It’s just one night. Kyoshi and I need a nice evening to ourselves. Besides, I’ve never known you as someone to back down from a challenge.”
The comment was enough to make Kirima’s focus shift to Rangi’s smug expression. “You little-”
“Okay! So, you know where we will be,” Kyoshi said with a big smile as she turned to her daughter. “Koko, Auntie Kirima is going to watch you for the evening while we go out. Please behave, understood?”
Both mothers said their goodbyes and went on their way, leaving Kirima and Koko to watch them walk down the path that exited the Avatar’s property and led toward Yokokya. Kirima exhaled through her nose before looking down at the child. “So, what do you want to do?”
Koko looked up at Kirima and shrugged.
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“You will not pass, evil Emporer Wong!” Koko yelled, standing on top of a small table.
“I believe you underestimate me, young Avatar! For I, evil Emporer Wong, have the power of Jinpa the Two-Faced Killer on my side!” Wong held both of his hands in the air while laughing menacingly.
Jinpa appeared from behind Wong, walking carefully backward so that the evil face drawn on the back of his head showed first. “You will never make it through me!”
“Fools!” Koko declared. “I have Kirima, the greatest waterbender that ever lived!”
Kirima lifted a ball of water high into the air and roared loudly. “You are no match for me, Jinpa the Two-Faced Killer! You will not survive the powerful tides of my waterbending!”
They all froze in place when the door to the common area opened, and Auntie Mui poked her head in. “Is everything okay in here? I heard some yelling.” Her eyes jumped from each person, a confused and curious look on her face.
Everyone smiled and nodded while Kirima addressed the question, still holding the ball of water above her head. “We are good. Everyone say thank you for checking in, Auntie Mui.” The other three repeated the words, staring blankly at the middle-aged woman until she slowly backed up and closed the door. Several seconds passed before they continued as if nothing had happened.
“Evil Emporer Wong, prepare to meet your DOOM!” Koko yelled before jumping off the table and charging at Wong with a toy sword. They fought hand-to-hand, and Wong provided openings for Koko to take to defeat him in their fight.
Kirima and Jinpa sent small and well-contained water and air attacks back and forth at each other. The battles raged on until both Koko and Kirima could defeat their enemies. Wong slowly sank to the ground, the toy sword placed in his armpit. He groaned and drew out his final scene before succumbing to his staged death. Jinpa took a fake ice dagger to the chest, spinning around as he fell to the ground dramatically.
The little girl and the waterbender cheered in triumph. “The Avatar saves the day again!” Koko announced.
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After a quiet and much-needed evening out together, Kyoshi and Rangi arrived home to what they considered to be one of the funniest sights they had ever seen. Everyone had fallen asleep in the common area, with Wong lying on the floor, his fingers laced together, and hands settled on his chest. Kirima lay on a couch, scrunched up to one end, while Koko was curled against a pillow on the other end.
Then there was Jinpa. The monk lay on his side, curled up on the floor. He appeared to have daofei makeup on. However, it wasn’t only on the front of his face. It was also on the back of his bald head, with a set of eyes, nose, and mouth hastily drawn on, which they could assume was Koko’s doing. They both stifled their laughter before Rangi silently made her way to scoop their daughter off the couch gently. The little girl woke up just enough to mumble incoherent words of contentment before instantly clinging to her mother and falling back asleep. Rangi pressed a soft kiss on the crown of Koko’s head before quietly leaving the room.
Kyoshi took the time to wake everyone else up, first starting with Kirima. “Looks like you all had a fun time.”
Kirima stretched her neck as she slowly sat up. “Tons of fun. I can see why you are exhausted all the time. That little one has boundless energy.”
“You’re telling me,” Kyoshi smirked. “Thank you for watching Koko. It was nice finally having a peaceful evening with Rangi again.”
“Don’t tell Captain Honor, but I’d watch Koko anytime,” Kirima said. “Within reason, of course.”
“Of course.” They sat there silently together before Kyoshi gestured at Jinpa. “What were you playing?”
Looking down at the monk, Kirima chuckled. “We were playing Avatar.” She looked at Kyoshi and was not surprised to find a cocked eyebrow and a confused look staring back.
“Playing Avatar?” Kyoshi asked.
With a shrug, Kirima waved her off. “It’s a lot to explain. You wouldn’t understand.”