AN: Yes, I know the last chapter was very painful, and I apologize. But sometimes we Avatar fans forget that our beloved characters were born and raised during a war. And that they are actively fighting in this aforementioned war. People are bound to get hurt, die, or lose a loved one. War is never easy for any of those involved. Suki, a beloved and strong character, will never be forgotten within the EWE universe. Not by Sokka, nor by anyone else. Her death was not to punish her or Sokka individually, but was meant instead to serve a reminder that peace is not easily obtained without loss and struggle. Honor her in thought and deed.

Encounter with Embers

KATARA KNEW SOKKA and Zuko had left in the middle of the night. She was half tempted to join them in their journey, to aid anyone who needed a healer, but knew that Sokka wouldn't allow her to. He had enough to worry about with Suki's safety, and Katara's Waterbending would be practically useless in the desert. Still, she would have liked to come. To know that Suki was safe.

So she kept vigil over Omashu's front gates, searching for any sign of her friends' return. While she sat up, watching the sun rise, her thoughts trickled to things she couldn't pay attention to while she was battling, strategizing.

Since they had taken Omashu back by storm, Suki had become a close friend to Katara. They would talk about 'girl' things together; reminisce over childhood memories together, laugh about Sokka together…

Suki was strong, loyal, and kind; everything Katara would have wanted for a sister-in-law. She was eager to be Suki's sister. She knew Suki would make Sokka into a better man; not that he wasn't good enough as he was.

She hoped that Suki would be alright. Katara was still miffed with Zuko for choosing Suki for such a dangerous mission. Suki and Sokka had only been reunited recently, and they needed their time together. She blushed slightly, for she knew Sokka was intimate with the Kyoshi warrior. They had taken a step together that was building the foundation of their future together. And Katara was glad that Sokka could be happy after having lost Yue the way he did…

Haru came to her side, a glass of water in one hand and a small meal in the other. "You need to take care of yourself." He informed her gently, pressing the glass of water into her hand.

She reluctantly took a sip, and looked back to Omashu's gates. "You came all the way from the palace, just to feed me?" she inquired softly, turning back to look into Haru's green eyes.

He nodded. "I didn't want you to get sick. You're recovering from an injury…" he explained.

Katara blushed, feeling Haru's forest green eyes penetrate her to the core. "Kiss me." She requested softly. She placed her food and drink on the ledge before her, and Haru pulled her into his strong arms.

"What's the magic word?" he teased.

"Bending?" Katara joked.

He laughed and kissed her gently. Her eyes fell closed and she enjoyed his proximity.

"Haru…" she murmured softly. She deepened their embrace and after a few moments, he stopped her. "What's wrong?"

He blushed slightly, and looked down. "I don't want to cause you any dishonor…or disrespect…" he replied meekly.

Katara blinked. "Haru…" she was touched that he would brush aside his own needs, simply to make sure she'd feel comfortable.

She touched his handsome cheek, running her fingers over his features. He looked at her, smiling shyly.

"We'll take it as it comes." She replied. In all truth, she wanted to push him against the wall, plunder his mouth, touch him everywhere… she sensed that Haru would, in their relationship, do whatever made her happy.

Not that she took it for granted. He could easily decide he would be the one to take the reigns and choose to disregard her feelings…but no. Haru wasn't like that. He was sweet, gentle, and kind. He would always put her first, no matter what.

But, she digressed. She turned back to the gates of Omashu. The sun began its descent in the sky, and she thought she saw something approaching in the distance. Could it be…?

ZUKO'S THOUGHTS WEIGHED heavily in his mind and his emotions weighed heavily in his heart. Suki was dead, and it was his entire fault. He should have never chosen her to go on the rescue mission for Ty Lee.

He glanced at Ty Lee, and she also wore an expression of guilt. She probably felt that she was at fault, considering she was the person whom needed rescue. But it wasn't any fault of her own…it was his.

He felt himself to be a failure for such poor decisions that had been made. He had cost a young woman her life, and a dear friend his lover. He glanced at Sokka, biting his lip. He had said nothing the entire ride back home, clutching Suki's body protectively. Tears slid intermittently down his face, and every now and then his breath would hitch with a soft sob. It was as if he felt he had to be strong and not cry aloud anymore than he had with his first long, loud wail.

He wanted to pull Sokka into a very un-macho hug and tell him how deeply sorry he was, but he couldn't. Sokka probably hated him now. He probably hated everyone and everything. And he had the right to.

Mai rested her head heavily on his shoulder, dozing softly. She had been doing so ever since he and Sokka had met up with her, Ty Lee and Suki…

Zuko, having helped Mai down from her ostrich-horse, embraced her tightly. But they did not exchange any words, and instead watched Sokka. His wail was heart wrenching. Zuko approached him, placing his hands on Sokka's shoulders. "Let's bring her back to Omashu." He suggested softly.

Sokka didn't bother to wipe the tears from his face, but wiped away any that fell onto Suki's cooling cheek. "Okay…" he lifted Suki's body onto his stead, and mounted behind her, holding her body tightly. "Okay…" he had gone numb, not thinking, not feeling, not believing.

Zuko helped Mai onto his ostrich-horse and bestrode it behind her.

Ty Lee tied Mai's prior stead to her own and rode in silence.

"Are you alright?" Zuko inquired gently to Mai. Sokka was riding ahead of them, silent.

Mai leaned into Zuko's arms. "I feel weak…but I'll be okay."

His hands rested gently on her stomach. "The baby…?"

Mai fixed her face into a grim expression. "I don't know." That was the answer that scared Zuko most.

Mai woke gently as they approached the gates of Omashu, and her breath hitched. She was probably in great pain, and Zuko felt guilt at sending his pregnant girlfriend to rescue her friend. But she had been so insistent at rescuing Ty Lee, and he hadn't wanted to deny her anything…

She sobbed softly, her tears soaking his black tunic.

He stroked her hair. "I know it hurts baby…" he whispered soothingly.

She shook her head slightly. "No…it's not that. I've had worse…"

He remained silent, allowing her to continue, and only stroked her hair.

"She was so brave, she held Azula off…" Mai cried softly. She seemed afraid that Sokka would overhear. Mai clenched Zuko's tunic in her hands, biting back another sob. "She…it's all my fault."

Mai echoed the guilt that was in Zuko's heart. She felt guilty? Zuko wondered at this. It was his fault, not hers; she was only trying to rescue Ty Lee…

They all felt guilty, it seemed, over Suki's fall to Azula's lightning.

AS THEY APPROACHED Omashu, Katara screamed with joy, unable to see their figures distinctly. She told Haru to get the others, and ran out to meet her brother and their friends.

The moment she came close enough to see the outcome of their rescue mission, she fell to her knees with a gasp. The expression on her brother's face made her blood run cold, and Suki's blood, which drenched her, Sokka, and the ostrich-horse, made her weak with nausea.

"Oh…Suki…" and the tears fell swiftly down her face. She sobbed softly, every tear glistening with the setting sun. Oh, the injustice of it all…why did the good, the pure, the just have to die? Why did someone who so richly deserved life and happiness get nothing but a cold death instead?

Sokka slid off of his stead, cradling Suki in his arms like a child. "Katara…" his voice was hoarse with grief. He remembered his blood curdling wail…he could scarcely believe it had emitted from his own throat…but at the same time, he did.

She looked up to her brother, and found the strength to stand again. She had to be strong, for him, because he had always been strong for her. She met him, and kissed him gently. "Sokka."

He pulled his baby sister close, although she was no longer the 'baby', and tears escaped his eyes. But he fought them; now was not the time to weep. Suki's body had long gone cold, but he clutched to it like a life preserver. If he let her go…no. He could never let her go. Never.

He barely noticed when his father touched his shoulder. Nor did he notice when Aang, Jet, Toph, and Haru joined them. They all said nothing; but really, what could be said to soften the blow of holding your dying lover in your arms? To carry her blood soaked body across the desert to bring her home for her burial.

Her Kyoshi warriors had joined them and took her body from his arms. He didn't fight it. They loyally followed Suki, had spent much more time with her than he had…they knew Suki's strengths, failures, happiness, sorrow just as much as he, if not more. Hell, they even knew certain things about Suki he had yet to discover…

They carried her slim form back into Omashu, sobbing softly as they went. They were probably going to prepare her body for her funeral. A service would be held tonight, most likely, and then she would be burned at the pyre…

Sokka grit his teeth and followed the warriors into Omashu's haven. He shook off his father's hand, his sister's words. He wanted to help prepare Suki for the afterlife. Funny, even though he was mourning the death of the second woman he had loved, he hadn't had to deal with Yue's corpse…

Tears flowed down his face. Yue…Suki…why? Why did every woman he loved have to die? Even his own spirit-forsaken mother had perished… he was apparently a curse. Katara would have to be careful of him, he mused.

MAI REMAINED SILENT while everyone mourned for Suki's death and Sokka's grief, but when Zuko helped her off of their ostrich-horse she cried out in pain and felt dizzy. Her knees gave out and Zuko held her up, crying out her name in concern.

Katara snapped into action immediately. Despite her pain at her friend's death and her brother's predicament, she would not allow another life to be lost. She came to Mai's side, helping Zuko ease her down to the ground. Katara drew water from her pouch, pressing it to Mai's wound. It was deep, and Mai had lost a lot of blood, but if she healed it, Mai would most likely survive.

Zuko looked at Katara gratefully, and seemed weary suddenly. The worrying over Mai had probably exhausted him...

Katara found herself suddenly angry at him. Why did Zuko deserve to have his lover live, while Sokka had lost not only Yue, but Suki as well?! And his lover was the damned reason why Suki had been killed in the first place! If Mai hadn't so desperately wanted to rescue that circus freak Ty Lee, Suki would have never had to fight off Azula… and to bring the entire situation to full circle: that psychopath Azula was Zuko's sister!

The injustice of it all had Katara shaking with rage, and she could barely contain it. She saw red and pulled away from Zuko and Mai. Their thanks fell on deaf ears, and she walked briskly back to Omashu's walls. To Sokka, her brother. Who probably needed her now more than ever.

Zuko had caught the look of rage on Katara's pretty face, and saw that it was directed at him. And even Mai, too. He glanced at Mai, and certain that she would be alright, entrusted her to Ty Lee. He followed the Water Tribe girl, calling her name. But it was to no avail, so he grabbing her wrist to halt her.

"Katara!"

"What?!" she shrieked, turning to glare at him.

He felt a chill run through him. "What…" he couldn't very well ask what was wrong. He had seen her embrace Sokka and silently mourn with him. He knew very well was ailed her so, but he didn't know why she was directing her anger at him.

"This is all your fault!" she cried, jabbing a slim, tanned finger into his chest.

How did she know? "Katara…I know…"

But she was not done raging. "Mai just had to have that circus freak rescued! Didn't she? Didn't she?!" Katara screamed. She pushed Zuko slightly; her tears falling onto the ground between them. "And your stupid sister killed my brother's lover!" she sobbed it, pounding her fists into Zuko's chest. "You sent her to her death, Zuko! You sent her!" she cried shrilly.

He stood before her, unable to speak, his guilt silencing him. He touched Katara's shoulders gingerly, attempting to calm her.

"No, don't touch me!" Katara pushed the banished prince away, then pulled water from her satchel, drenching him. She wanted to hurt him so badly, to make him feel the pain Sokka was feeling, but she didn't have the heart.

Zuko said nothing, feeling he deserved every ounce of Katara's anger. She was acting this way in defense of her brother and her deceased friend. He only tried to shake the water out of his boots and wring water out of his tunic while Katara stomped off, seething.

"I'm sorry…" Haru said meekly, having witnessed the entire scene, as did everyone else. He ran off after Katara, who had most likely gone to be by Sokka.

He sighed, turning to Ty Lee, picking Mai up in his arms. He carried her off to his chambers with full intent to tuck her into their bed and let her rest. She looked up at him with concern, and opened her mouth to speak. "Zuko…" she was still weak…probably anemic from the blood she had lost; the blood that they both wore at this very moment.

"Yes?" he replied, bringing her to the bathing chamber attached to their bedroom. He started the water, making sure it was a good temperature for his beloved.

She frowned as he undressed her and eased her into the water. She watched as he undressed himself and slid in beside her. "This…" she searched for the words to describe this horrible feeling lurking in her heart. "This wasn't your fault, regardless of what Katara says. It's mine."

He began to run a bar of soap over her body, saying nothing.

"I should have just gone alone." She murmured.

He paused in his ministrations. "And die at the hands of Azula?"

"Well, Suki did." She replied.

"She died a hero's death. You would have died a fool's one." He berated her.

She bit her lip and he continued washing her, his hands pausing when they reached her newly healed abdomen.

"I wonder…" his thoughts went, unspoken.

She placed her hands over his, holding her stomach. Her baby…

"He'll be fine." She reassured him. After today's disaster, the baby had to be…

"He?" Zuko questioned.

Mai snuggled closer to him, reveling in the feel of his smooth skin against hers. "Yes. He."

He arched a brow. "It's a boy?"

She nodded. "Yes. It's a boy."

"How do you know?" he inquired.

She shrugged, then leaned up and kissed the underside of Zuko's jaw. "I just know."

"Oh, really?" his mirth was present in his voice.

"Yes, I just know these things." She responded.

He chuckled. "I know things too."

"Yeah? Like what?" she turned, looking into his golden eyes.

"After all of this is over, you're going to be my queen." Zuko demanded softly.

Mai arched a brow at Zuko, "Oh, really?"

"Yes." He smirked.

"You do know things." And they embraced one another, and said no more.

JET SAW THAT Ty Lee was forgotten as Zuko carried Mai to their bedchambers and Haru chased after Katara. Aang and Toph also retreated to spirits knew where, since they had nothing to say to Ty Lee. Perhaps they were thinking along the same lines as Katara was? He did not know.

But it was just him and Ty Lee standing in awkward silence in that hall. He tried to think of something, anything to say, but she beat him to the punch.

With a grin and a wave to him, she exclaimed: "You're cute!"

He sweatdropped in response. "No, I'm Jet."

She smiled, as if she decided to push the uncomfortable situation aside entirely. "I'm Ty Lee of the Fire Nation."

"I know." He blinked and wondered of there was something wrong with this girl. Her cheerful nature was almost annoying.

"Wow! I didn't know I was famous!"

Scratch that, she was annoying. He shook his head and began walking away from her, but she followed him like a lost puppy dog.

"Don't follow me." He ordered her.

She pouted. "But, Jet, I don't have anywhere to go…"

He sighed, taking pity on the hyperactive girl. "Fine, let's find you a room."

She tackled him into a hug. "Thank you!"

He found himself sighing once more. "No problem." He replied, plotting escape from this annoying girl's clutches.

SOKKA HELPED KARIDA and Batu, Suki's Kyoshi warriors, cleanse Suki's body. He bandaged her wound, and assisted them in dressing Suki in her Kyoshi uniform as well. He watched them apply the warrior paint painstakingly. Throughout this process he remained silent, speaking only to convey instructions.

Katara had left his side to arrange the pyre for Suki's funeral rights, find a priest to conduct the ceremony, and hunt down enough white kimonos to dress everyone who would attend this brief service. He almost smiled when he remembered Haru following her, concerned. He liked the guy, and knew he'd take good care of his little sister.

Once Suki's body was prepared, he carried her to the pyre, setting her gently upon it. Karida and Batu flanked him, and he was surprised to see everyone there. Katara, Haru, Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, Jet, Toph, Aang, the Water Tribe soldiers, the Earth Kingdoms soldiers…he hadn't expected this many people to come and mourn with him.

The priest spoke the rights, and Katara took his hand gently. He squeezed it, and they shared a small smile. He knew that Katara would always be by his side, through thick and thin, the help him through times like these. "Thank you." He whispered.

She hugged his arm in response, and everyone had a chance to say their last words and sentiments about Suki. He pressed one last kiss to Suki's brow, and on impulse he took one of her folding fans to keep. He would cherish it for the rest of his life.

Sokka was handed a torch, and he set the kindling aflame. Bright red and orange flame leapt up to claim his lover's body, lighting the entire area. It was past sunset now, and the dim light that they had been masked in was now brilliantly lit.

As the flames consumed Suki, a part of his heart died. He wasn't sure if he could ever love another again. Why had fate been so wonderful to give him such a beautiful woman and then be so cruel as to snatch her away before he could spend his lifetime loving her? Every hope and dream he had shared with Suki burned to ash before his eyes. Their would-be wedding vows, their unborn children, their shared lifetime of wrinkles…it all burnt away to nothing. As if it had never been.

But that was the problem. Suki had been there. She had existed. She had loved him despite all of his misgivings and faults. She had laughed with him, cried with him, made love with him. He shuddered softly.

Never again would her lips press against his own, never again would her hands smooth his hair, never again would their bodies be tangled in their act of love making. He bit his lip, and Katara reminded him that she was there by whispering to him. "It's okay Sokka."

And he cried for all that he had lost on this wretched day.