AN: I do not own Avatar. Couples as of now: MaixZuko; SokkaxSuki. More to come 3

Encounter with Embers

The trip to the North Pole was not as bad as Katara had expected it to be. It only lasted a few days and Jet was better company than she had originally assumed. She still had not completely forgiven him for the wrongs he committed against her, but as Aang had said before: everyone deserved second chances.

The entire trip up Jet entertained her with funny stories and told her about his past. She shared similar stories and she found herself getting to know the true Jet that he hid beneath his hard exterior. Maybe he wasn't so bad…but only time would truly tell. She couldn't allow herself to blindly trust anyone anymore.

They arrived to the Northern Water Tribe without a hitch. The warriors immediately recognized Katara and greeted her warmly.

"Thank you." She bowed and turned to Jet. "This is friend and fellow warrior, Jet."

They greeted him, and Jet could only shiver and respond: "Could I have one of your coat things?"

Katara laughed and apologized for her lack of forethought in such a matter.

Jet was given more adequate clothing and they were led into the war room.

"Chief Arnook." Katara bowed to him.

He smiled sadly and nodded to Katara. The grief from losing his only daughter had taken its toll on him. He seemed much older and much grimmer. "Where is your brother Sokka?" he inquired. His voice took on something hopeful and something prideful. It seemed that Arnook had not forgotten all that Sokka had done for him, his daughter, and his tribe.

"He is journeying to meet up with my father's soldiers. They will go to New Omashu and assist in ending this war." Katara explained.

Arnook nodded and grinned. It was refreshing to see the older man smile. "So how may I be of help to you?"

Katara became serious, due to the nature of the topic. "The Fire Nation will not try to take the Northern Water Tribe anytime soon. The warriors of Omashu and the rest of the Earth Kingdom will keep them more than preoccupied. I am respectfully requesting you to lend me your strongest and most able warriors, as their Waterbending abilities will aid against the Firebenders." She bowed deeply, practically kowtowing to the northern King.

Arnook frowned, deep in thought. He was obviously outweighing the pros and cons to such a risky move. "I understand…but let me supply you with our best healers available as well. I don't want to lose more sons of the Northern Water Tribe than I have to."

Katara smiled and thanked Arnook profusely. He waved a hand at her, and she quieted. They shared a smile and then they went about selecting the warriors and healers that would be sent to war. The battle ships were outfitted and stocked with enough food for the journey back to the Earth Kingdom.

Jet marveled at the complex nature of the Water Tribe's architecture. "I'm impressed." He commented.

Katara smiled. "Yes…I am as well." She smiled and looked upon the land fondly. "This is my home away from home."

Jet studied Katara. "Is this where you'll settle once the war is over?"

She sighed, but her smile remained. "My father, brother, and Gran-Gran will be in the South Pole. That is where I belong."

He nodded and retired to his assigned room for the evening.

THE SEARCH FOR Sokka's father and the fellow warriors of the Southern Water Tribe did not take long. They were well known in the Earth Kingdom and held in high regard. Suki stood by Sokka's side faithfully as he walked up to the perfect rows of Water Tribe tents. All the warriors were preoccupied with cooking, cleaning, or mending weapons.

But soon enough they looked up and noticed him. Sokka grasped his lover's hand firmly in his, and he made sure they walked side by side to show their equality. He did not want his father's warriors to think less of Suki or him.

They recognized him after a moment, considering they had not seen Sokka in over two years. They all rushed to him and warmly greeted him, making comments on how much he had grown and asking who this young girl beside him was.

He smiled and locked eyes with Suki. "This is Suki; she is a warrior from Kyoshi Island…and my fiancée."

Suki blushed a deep red and Sokka found her to be irresistible. He kissed her once, gently, in front of everyone, not caring what they thought of his less than masculine show of affection.

It was true that he and Suki had not discussed marriage. But after all they had been through with the attack on Kyoshi Island, asking her to come with him on his journey, and the battle to regain Omashu…they had been through so much in a short time. And he just knew, deep down, that he wanted this woman beside him for the rest of his life.

The men smiled. "Be sure to tell Hakoda." They gestured to the tent in the center of the row of smaller tents and Sokka felt his heartbeat kick up faster. To see his father…after all these years…his hand which held Suki's shook slightly, and he took trembling steps towards the tent. This walk felt like it took forever.

Once he entered the tent, Suki by his side, his eyes fell upon Bato and his father. His breath hitched. Bato looked up, noticed them, and interrupted Hakoda's speech by nudging him. Hakoda looked up and his face broke into a warm smile. "Sokka." His voice barely contained his elation at seeing his son, alive and well. He took note of the pretty girl standing beside him, but knew it could a few moments longer before he asked.

"Hi dad." Sokka grinned in a goofy manner and took a step closer, Suki's hand still in his.

They dashed towards one another, Sokka dropping Suki's hand, and engulfed in a bear hug.

"You've grown into a man. And I missed it." Hakoda lamented.

"I've missed you, Dad." Sokka squeezed his father tighter, then pulled away. "I want you to meet someone." He looked to Suki, who had not wanted to intrude on the father-son moment, and beckoned her to join him and Hakoda.

Hakoda looked at the young girl, sizing her up. She moved gracefully, and looked as if she hid immense power. She was a warrior, and he was secretly proud of his son for choosing so wisely.

"This is Suki…she's my…" Sokka smiled and pulled her into his arms. "Dad, I want to marry her."

Suki blushed and bowed her head to Hakoda.

Hakoda smiled. "Your mother would be proud of your selection."

They both smiled sadly at the remembrance of their dead wife and mother.

"I'm pleased to meet you." Suki said softly, breaking the sad emotion.

Hakoda rested a hand on Sokka and Suki's shoulders. "I'm glad to meet the young woman who makes my son so happy. You must tell me all about your skills, Suki. I can see you are a warrior."

Suki and Sokka smiled and told Hakoda all that they had been up to and why they were here.

After the conversation had been finished, they feasted and celebrated Suki and Sokka's unofficial engagement. They all slept soundly that night, weary from their party, and in the morning left for Omashu, armed and ready.

ZUKO SOUGHT HIS uncle, finding him in the courtyard, enjoying a warm cup of tea. Iroh could immediately tell that his nephew had much on his mind.

"Join me Zuko, and tell me what ails you so."

He joined his uncle tentatively, and looked at him. His uncle seemed content, happy even, to be here, doing something right about the state their world was in. He fidgeted. How could he tell his uncle what was on his mind?

But he instantly reprimanded himself. Iroh had always loved him, no matter what. He had nothing to fear by telling his uncle the truth. "Uncle…" he began, searching for the right words to say to ease the blow.

Iroh looked at his nephew expectantly. He knew already what this whole conversation was pertaining to, but he feigned ignorance for his nephew's sake. "Yes, Zuko?"

The banished prince drew in a deep breath, then exhaled it slowly. "Mai and I believe that she may be with child." He murmured softly. He hung his head, his shoulders drooping in despair.

Iroh watched his young nephew's turmoil and sighed softly. "Zuko…is this such a bad thing?"

Zuko looked startled at Iroh's lack of negativity about the whole incident. "Uncle…?"

Iroh scooted his chair closer to his nephew's and wrapped an arm around him. "You're nearly 17. Had you been back in the Fire Nation, you'd be engaged or married now."

Zuko blushed slightly. "Uncle, haven't I dishonored myself and Mai?"

"Don't you want to be with Mai?" Iroh questioned.

"Yes, Uncle, I want to be with her for as long as I live!" Zuko replied passionately.

"Then how do you dishonor her or yourself if your intentions are in the right place?" Iroh inquired. He squeezed his nephew's shoulder and leaned in closer. "Once this war is over, you and Mai can have a nice ceremony with all of our new friends and you'll be very happy."

Zuko nodded, a smile breaking through his worry. "Uncle…do you think I will be a good father?"

Iroh nodded. "You have seen Lu Ten and I. You see how I care for you. Are they not good enough examples?"

Zuko nodded. "Yes, Uncle Iroh, I have seen. But…"

"Just remember: you must have patience and selflessness."

"I'll do my best." Zuko promised.

With that behind them, they enjoyed a nice cup of tea.

EARTH KINGDOM SOLDIERS from all parts of the Earth Kingdom began to show up at Omashu. They arrived in groups, usually members of the same village or army division. Once properly questioned about subjects only Earth citizens would know, they were admitted inside Omashu.

Among these soldiers was a young man that Aang knew well. "Haru!" he ran to the talented Earthbender's side, greeting him with excitement.

Haru returned the sentiments. "Aang, how are you? Where's Katara…?" he blushed slightly and quickly questioned about Sokka.

Aang's smile dropped slightly. "Katara is at the North Pole recruiting Waterbenders. Sokka is finding his father's army and recruiting them as well. Both should be back any day now."

Haru nodded in approval. "This is great." He began to tell Aang all that he had done since he had seen his friend last. Aang, in turn, updated Haru on all that he and his friends had been up to. He frowned softly because every time he mentioned Katara, Haru's interest peaked.

Oh well. This was a war that they were involved in. there was no time for petty quarrels over the same girl. That could wait until after this was all over…right?

THE NEXT DAY Zuko assisted in sorting through all the volunteers. There were many healers and medical personnel that offered their assistance, and they needed to be tested on their expertise. Mai sat nearby, helping with the processes as best she could, considering her weak condition. She and Zuko were still not absolutely certain whether she was with child or not, so they decided to keep it quiet until they were sure.

A very familiar girl was only a short distance away from Zuko. She looked at him with recognition. "Lee!" and she rushed to Zuko's side.

This brought Mai's attention to her lover, and she watched discreetly.

"S-Song…?" he questioned softly.

She looked at the banished prince, not knowing whether to sympathize with him or hate him. "You were Zuko all along." She murmured softly.

Zuko bowed his head to her. "I'm sorry I stole your ostrich-horse." He apologized.

"I saw the wanted posters…yours and Iroh's." Song continued sadly.

"I'm sorry I lied…but we had to keep ourselves safe…"

"Do you have hope yet?" she asked abruptly.

Zuko blinked and smiled. "I…yes. I do."

She smiled that serene smile of hers and took his hands in hers. "Good. That's what really matters."

Mai suddenly felt a tad jealous. No, scratch that, really jealous.

THAT NIGHT MAI still hadn't forgotten what the Song girl had done. Did Zuko have some sort of relationship with that girl? Did they ever kiss? Hold hands? Make love? They seemed to have some sort of…bond! She paced her bedroom floor back and forth, her night dress swirling about her ankles.

Here she was, taking care of Zuko and being the best girlfriend she could be, given the circumstances that they were in. And then some girl swoops in and holds Zuko's hands? And to top it off, Mai wasn't one hundred percent sure, but she suspected that she was carrying Zuko's child.

Damn it.

He entered the room, quickly disrobing, and obviously tired from the day's work. "Hi Mai." He smiled at her, pulling a simple sleep shirt and short on. The weather was becoming warmer and warmer each day.

She glared daggers at him. And his face went white. "M-Mai?"

"Who was that girl?" her voiced dripped with venom as she approached their bed.

Zuko sat up, his eyes wide. "What girl?"

"That girl. The sweet, innocent one. She called you 'Lee'." Mai crossed her arms, looking down her nose at Zuko.

Zuko blinked. "Song."

"Song?" Mai questioned.

Zuko nodded. "When Uncle and I traveled the Earth Kingdom, Uncle ate a poisonous plant and she nursed him to health. Her mother offered us hospitality as well." Zuko explained.

"So…she's an acquaintance."

"Pretty much. Why?" Zuko felt very confused and concerned for his well being.

Mai suddenly felt foolish and sat beside Zuko. Her anger had evaporated. "I was scared that maybe there had been something between you and her." She admitted.

"You'll always be the most precious thing to me. No one else." Zuko cooed softly to Mai, rubbing her arms gently. He pulled her into his lap, kissing her nose.

He felt flattered that Mai had been jealous over Song. But the thought of him being with anyone else was just absurd. Not to mention very upsetting to him as well. Not just Mai.

"Even though I'll be fat soon?" she asked tearfully.

"Mai, honey, it's not fat. It's a baby." He kissed her forehead and hugged her gently, since he knew her breasts were still tender. Her stomach was flat against his, and although he knew he'd miss how perfect her stomach was, he was excited to see how big it'd get. He smiled at the thought and laid down, bringing Mai with him.

She sighed, content. And drifted off to sleep without another word. Poor thing, she must be exhausted, what with fighting the war and fighting her hormones. Zuko pulled his growing bangs out of his face and studied his lover's face.

Soon, I'll make an honest woman out of you, he thought. I promise.

WHEN SOKKA RETURNED with Hakoda and his men and saw how may Earth Kingdom warriors were assembled, he crowed with glee. "You see that, Dad?!"

Hakoda nodded. "Our prospects are good. On the Day of Darkness, the Fire Nation will not stand a chance."

Suki reunited with her Kyoshi warriors, leaving Sokka to enjoy time with his father.

Hakoda looked around. "Where is your sister?" he had not seen his daughter in over two years and was very eager to be reunited with her. She reminded him so much of his deceased wife, he felt as though Katara, and even Sokka, were all he had left of her.

Sokka looked around, his expression becoming worried. "I don't know…we both left the same day for our missions…"

Haru ran up to Sokka, having taken a higher position in the assembled army because of his abilities. "Sokka, it's good to see you."

"Haru! Hey man!" they patted one another on the shoulders enthusiastically, then Sokka became serious. "Hey…uh…have Katara and Jet returned?"

Haru shook his head. "We received word that they'd be here any day now." He felt nervous even at the mention of Katara's name. He truly missed the girl, and he admired her so much for her strength and passion. And the connection they shared before he had been kidnapped…he had never forgotten the time they spent, sitting on that hill.

Sokka gestured to Hakoda. "Haru, this is my father, Hakoda. Dad, this is Haru. He's a strong Earthbending warrior."

Hakoda and Haru shook hands in greeting. "So, you know my daughter." He had seen Haru's eyes light up at the mention of Katara, and he scrutinized the boy carefully.

Haru felt as though he were being sized up, and tried to sweat it off. "Yes sir…she's very strong. And beautiful…I mean…not that I…um…" he gulped, wondering if Hakoda would strike him down for anything stupid he said.

Hakoda laughed and slapped Haru on the shoulder. "Now be sure to tell her that!" he could see the boy had Katara's best interests at heart. He had a sincere face and a mild personality. Katara would definitely be the boss in the relationship, if one were to ever blossom. He had nothing to worry about.