Seven Steps to Heaven
By Nikkel
(c) to Nickelodeon, Michael Dante DiMartino, and Bryan Konietzko

Heart

I frowned, studying the small, wooden tile on the board. On its back and face-up to me was the carving of the dragon. I recall that when first learning how to play, the dragon was the most powerful piece in the game.

But despite having the most powerful piece on my side of the game board, his defenses were par. I couldn't make a single move without one of his pieces claiming mine.

"Let's cut to the chase," I said, irritated with the way the game was turning out. "What's today's chakra? More warm fuzzy feelings?"

"I'm glad to see you've caught on," Aang replied, sipping some hot jasmine tea. I still refuse to drink it. "And now that you say it, yeah, today's chakra does focus on warm fuzzy feelings. Can you take a guess?"

I rolled my eyes. He was so childish. "I don't know. Love?"

"Yup!"

I glared at him. Him and that smiling Avatar face, blissful and ignorant. I wanted to slap him, throw the Pai Sho board at him, but I remained in place. I sat on my palms to restrain myself.

"Love isn't my thing, Avatar," I growled. "Do you see me betrothed to some handsome prince? No. Do you see me in the arms of a loving and caring father? No. Do you see me being loved by the people of the Fire Nation? Maybe at one time, but not anymore. Nobody I know particularly cares anymore."

"Yes, they do care," Aang refuted. "I love you."

"You love everyone."

"Haha, yeah, pretty much. But Zuko and your Uncle and your friends Mai and Ty Lee love you too. When I'm done visiting you they always try to meet with me and see if you're getting better."

I raised a brow. "Really?"

"Yes. Love comes in more forms than one. You might not notice it, but it exists."

I flicked my dragon piece off the board, giving up. "Riiight. . . Mai and Ty Lee betrayed me, remember?"

"And you grieve them for leaving you."

"I do not."

"You do so. But as angry as you are, they still care for you. They still want to know if you're all right. That's what friends are for. When was the last time you talked to them?"

"Since that day at the Boiling Rock."

"Then I think it's time we arrange a meeting."

Author's Note: Yes, I too find it strange that the first three chakras are elementals, but the fourth is Heart. Isn't there an air chakra? The closest we came to seeing it was the Sound chakra. And I know that there is no air chakra because I'm referring to the transcript in order to write this story. Also, am I the only one that finds Azula playing Pai Sho to be cute?