Time to Talk

When word of their relationship got out everyone wanted to talk. First it was Sokka. He must have gone on for hours about what he'd do to him if he ever hurt her in anyway. Zuko believed him and was almost intimated at first. But after the first hour or so the punishments got a little ridiculous, so Zuko tuned him out.

Then it was Bato's turn. Bato gave the talk about upholding water tribe traditions. By the end of the discussion Zuko knew exactly how to court any water tribe maiden. The customs went from when to give her flowers to how to announce an engagement. There was quite a lot of information in between and frankly, Zuko didn't think it was possible for anyone to execute that courting style exactly right.

Hakoda was the first one Zuko took with absolute seriousness. Being Katara's father he was just a tad more protective than Sokka. He talked about how he trusted him never to hurt her. What he would do if he did was left unspoken, which succeeded in making the situation a lot more awkward. Not to mention intimidating.

After a day full of lectures and threats Zuko was exhausted. He loved Katara and knew that her family loved her too and just wanted to protect her. If this was what it was going to take for them to be together, so be it.

That evening at the campsite the young avatar asked to speak to Zuko alone. He figured this was coming; everyone just had to have their turn. But twelve year olds threats couldn't be that bad. They walked deeper into the woods for about ten minuets. The avatar stopped about ten feet ahead of Zuko and turned.

His arrows were glowing a fierce blue and the wind picked up as he elevated above the ground. Zuko was shocked. The avatar's voice mixed with a thousand other voices echoed and throughout the forest. "IF YOU EVER HURT HER IN ANY WAY, EVEN IF HER EYES ONLY GLISTEN OVER, I WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THE REST OF ETERNITY! PROMISE ME NOW!" Aang's voice got louder at every word he spoke. A fire wall had sprung up behind him. He twirled rocks with one hand and water in the other. With the harsh winds to top it off it was quite an impressive display of the four elements. Of course Zuko wasn't really admiring the beauty at that moment.

"I promise!" Zuko yelled over the winds. "I love her and would never do anything to harm her!" The wind had forced him on his knees. This had to be crossing the line of requirements to be with her. Wasn't there some set of rules that tell you how much to endure for one girl. But Katara wasn't just any girl.

Finally the winds died and the elements were set to rest. The boy's tattoos ceased their blinding glow as his feet reconnected with the earth. "Thank you, Zuko," he said calmly. "I'll meet you back at camp." Zuko bowed in respect and took his leave.

Once he was gone Sokka, Bato, and Hakoda emerged from the surrounding trees. They all gave him a pat on the back and congratulated him.

"Nice work Aang," Sokka said.

"He'll remember the procedures," Bato laughed.

"No way will he even look the wrong way at my baby girl," Hakoda remarked.

"Let's just hope he doesn't actually hurt her, it will be very tiring torturing him for eternity." Aang smiled. They all laughed at this. Zuko was in for one hell of a relationship.