Seven Days in Heaven

Sleeping surprisingly serenely were six human dreamers. Katara and Sokka where in their seal fur lined sleeping bags of a calm and soothing light blue materials. Sokka had his cherished boomerang clutch tightly to his heart and was also sucking on his thumb. He was also mumbling disorientated in his slumber.

Katara was in a soundless sleep with a look of untainted happiness engraved over her youthful but worn out features. Aang and Zara were in a loving embrace under a blanket of soft woven grass and Zuko and Iroh were sound asleep in Appa basket.

Zara began to rouse slightly around three hours from daybreak. She was actually having a soothing dream. When she heard her mother call out to her from the painted skies. "Wake, my Little Phoenix, Spread your wings and soar! Come I'm waiting for you and all your friends. Come my daughter! Come to Fire Lily Island. You must be there in three days in time for the solar eclipse. Hurry my child wake the others and come!" spoke a honey-toned voice that each word spoken where likes gems that were absolutes flawless.

"Huh!" she woke with a start trying to catch her distemper breath. She looked at the night sky as he began to give wean to the approaching dawn. "Mom I hear you. Message has been received. I will do has you say. COME ON EVERYONE WAKE UP! YO SLEEP HEADS WAKE UP! COME ON GET UP BEFORE I'VE TO BURN YOUR SORRY BUTTS!" she shouted as she let her fire hover above them for a few secs till they woke up.

"Hey! Hey! Watch where you throw that fire! Not all of us would like to be turned into bacon strips! Now what is the reason for waking us up before the light of day?" inquired Sokka angrily with huge bags under his sleep depravities eyes. He had his boomerang ready for any possible acts of violence.

"Yes, Zara. Tell us why we need to get up from our beauty sleep. It is very early and we are all still tired. Tell us please." Said Katara patiently as she smoothed her wrinkled skirt.

"We must go now. We must get to Fire Lily Island within three days time. If we don't we'll miss something of grand importance! I don't know what but we must leave now!" explained Zara as patiently as she could manage.

"Lets get going than I will ready Appa. Everyone we are leaving in fifteen minutes. Your name is Iroh right?" asked Aang as began to disassemble camp.

"Yes, young Avatar. What do you wish of me?" asked the old general as he yawned and rubbed the sleep out of his aged old eyes.

"Zara told me you loved to make tea. So you and Zuko make us a quick breakfast. Everyone else help break camp. Now move it people! We need to get going." Shouted Aang playful as he and Momo began packing up what little supplies they had left.

Katara and Sokka gather up their sleeping bags and tent and looked at this whole larking about in wonder. They still couldn't believe all that had happen to them in last few days.

Soon everyone was abroad Appa and Aang yelled his trademark phrase "Yip Yip" and were heading to in a direct course set for the outer rim of the Fire Nation water borders. They all began to quietly eat some porridge and drink some nasty tea. Everyone kept glancing at each other. Katara and Sokka had no reason to trust the three Firebenders and they hadn't exactly warmed up to the Water Tribe siblings and Aang felt caught in the middle.

Finally he threw down his plate in frustration and shouted at everyone. "We have a long way to go and a short time to get there. But I refused to go to on this journey is utter silence! So everyone I like you to talk to one another. Get to know one another!" he shouted with arm flaying wildly and his eyes crossed.

Everyone looked at the other with a bit of a look uncomforted than Zara spoke up.

"I have a splendid suggestion. We should all tell stories to pass the time. We should go in order of our names so begin sharing Aang." She said in a vivacious kind tone of voice as she began to brush her lengthy scarlet mane.

Sighing he only knew one story that would be right for this kind of situation here. He gazed out into the sinking bluish black sky and said in a quiet voice. "I need a little fire to get this story to match the mood I'm in. Zuko if you be so kind?" he made a swift gesture and then Zuko lit up his fist and set a small blaze up and it come rest between them.

"That work for you, Aang? I can make it bigger if you want." Asked Zuko politest tone he manage.

"No its fine. This story takes place a hundred years ago. Before the war and suffering. I was a happy-go-lucky youth. I just want to have fun and be normal. I was teaching my friends how to do the Air Scooter. I remember perfectly the gentle breeze and the warm sun shining on my fair skin. We were laughing and having a merry time. Than the air around us fell deathly silent. When Gyasto and the other monks come for me we all heard all sounds of life become deaf.

I was scared and confused as I was lead to the Monks private chambers. A million thoughts were racing like a raging river through my mind. " What was this about? Had I broken a major rule? How much trouble was I in? Was one of my friends in the other nations hurt? What was this all about?" These thoughts wove their way through my mind and more as we walked so slowly to the chambers that each footstep echoed immensely off the, stonewalls of the inner temple corridors. Sweat was pouring down my face and I thought my heart would leap out of my chest onto the polished floor.

"Please sit, Aang. We have something very important to tell you. Do not be frighten my young pupil. You're not in any trouble." Gyasto said kindly to his young charge as he tried to reassure the little petrified child.

"What is this about, Gyasto? I feel very disturbed and I don't even know what it is you want to tell me. Please explain what going on?" asked Aang in meek little voice full of fear.

While the others looked at him with looks of up most serious and concerned, Gyasto smiled humbly on the child who did not yet know his value. "Aang do you remember the date of your birth?" he inquire nonchalantly

Aang blinked a few times and then spoke. "The first day of autumn, the season connected to our element. Why is that significant?"

"Because one week before you where born Avatar Roku died. He was born on the first day of summer, which is Fire element season. You see Aang you are very extraordinary. You are the AVATAR!" Gyasto explained. He was smiling very proudly at his charge that he loved like his own flesh and blood.

Aang fell silent for a few moments, and then he found the strength to speak. "How do you know its me?" he asked unsure that they weren't playing some kind of e joke on him.

They showed him the four Avatar relics; each one symbolized one of the four elements. The turtle was Water, the hog monkey was Earth, the propeller was Air and the drum was Fire.

"As time passed I became more and more alienated till I was all alone. Only Gyasto was the only one who cared and loved me. But after I found out that I was to be sent away to the Eastern Air Temple I snapped. I was going to loose everyone and everything I ever cared about. I just couldn't tolerant it. I wrote a note for Gyasto and took the gilder he had given me for my 12th birthday and got Appa and we fled into the night. But got caught in a storm, we plummeted into the icy water of the South Pole and I started to loose consciousness then for the first time my Avatar spirit took over and I created a huge air pocket and then it froze over and I was in an iceberg for a 100 years and then the adventure of a life time began. I miss my old life but I'm thankful for my new life." Finished Aang as he wept a tear in his right eye.

Everyone but Katara was shocked. So this is what Aang had been harboring for such a long time. Zuko spoke first "I'm sorry."

"Sorry? What are you sorry for?" asked the last Air bender confused with a bit of a sniffle.

"If you can recall what I said to you the first time we crossed paths. I said you wouldn't have known a father being raised by monks. But your Gyasto was more of a father to you than Ozai has been to Zara or me. We took so much from you, your home, your family, your friends, and your time all are lost to the winds of yesteryear. I've hunted you like an animal. For all that you have endured because of me and my people I apologize for all of it. I only wish there was more I could do for you for you have done more than I can ever hope to repay." explained Zuko kindly as he scratched underneath Momo chin.

"Aang you may have lost your first family but you have found a second family in all of us. We will build a bond that won't break, no more dark clouds above. Just all of us in the light of love. Our story can only end one way we will be together forever and a day. That what we will all promise. You brought us together and you will keep us together," giggled Zara lighthearted as she finished braiding her locks.

"You are a strong boy, Aang. You can do it. And rid the world of my brother evil. You have heart and soul need to completed the journey." Said Iroh as he sipped his tea.

"Please tell us you're tale, sir. You look like you have one that bursting to get out," grinned Aang as he took another spoonful of his porridge.

Iroh rocked back and forth for a few minutes and finally he let out a long sigh. He looked at the still inky black sky and began his tale. It was of a memory he had not thought of in years.

"This tale is about my first anniversary. It is about the love of my life Laura." He said with much melancholy in his withered old voice as eyes glassed over as he drifted back in time to a very fine day.

"I had been out fighting in the war. A war that I secretly loathed. I didn't like what my older brother was doing to our people or the rest of the world. There have been many demented Fire Lords but he was the worst of the lot. He cared only for power and himself."

"I had been on one of the longest sea vogues of my life; even being on Zuko exile ship was not as long as this. I had recently acquired a special gift for my wife. I wanted to run across the water so I could see her. Finally we made home and I with out so much as a good bye to my crew I raced to the Imperial Dragon Theater only thinking of my sweet Laura's nightingale voice and her beautiful honey colored eyes."

"I arrived just as night was falling. Arriving I waltz in and stood in the shadows as a cloud of colored smoke and glitter exploded and emerging like a butterfly from its chrysalis was my Laura in all her wonder. She was in one of her more exotic dress and she began to dance with the grace of a Flame Swan and Red Billed Crane. Her voice was truly out of a dream as she sang her song. She was so beautiful. Her eyes glanced up and she smiled her biggest smile and flied form the stage into my arms and we left into the crisp young night just as in love as we been when married almost a year ago. Our actually wedding anniversary was not till the next day but it felt magical to hold her in my arms yet again."

"Oh Iroh, its been way too long. Come lets spend the night in my villa. I have so much to tell you. I want to hear all about your ventures." Cooed Laura softly into his ear as she played with his hair.

"Laura, please." He said as he took her delicate hands into his. "I love you so much. Lets us just go to sleep together. I have yet to sleep with my wife. Than we can plan what do for our wedding anniversary." Iroh spoke kindly as he stroked her lovely raven silky-smooth tresses.

The couple made their way to a huge attractive designed dwelling overlooking the Nyree Sea. It had a fine-looking flower garden, and vineyard and if you followed the lane down on the south side you would come to an old but attractive laurel tree.

Waiting for them was Laura family. Her mother Lada who made the most ravishing clothes and was the most talented hair stylist. Her father Laurence who Laura was named after was a metal smith. Her mother's parents who were still alive, her grandfather Liko and his wife Lien were the ones who ran the vineyard.

"Mother! Father! Grandmother! Grandfather! Oh it is so good to see you all I have missed you so!" cried Laura as she hugged each one.

"It brings us great honor to know that you have remained safe while you have venture for our isolated home." Said Lada as she hugged her daughter close to her heart.

"I have managed well on my own." She replied.

"I worry about you that all" said her father in a concern voice.

She glared and then her grandparents spoke up.

"You really shouldn't dance for those fool like that! You act like a slut! Said Lien form the dinning room as she placed crystal goblets on the silk tablecloth.

"You are too much of a real lady to be doing such work that would be done by a common tramp!" cried Liko as he brought dinner to the table.

"If I may intruded. She made her choice and she is good at what she does. But I didn't marry her because of body. I married her for her beautiful soul. I love her for that." Said Iroh who till that been unnoticed.

"Iroh! We didn't… didn't notice you were there. Sorry! Come have dinner with us. You must be tired from being at sea so long!" Lada said sheepishly as she turned redder than her dress.

Dinner was full of laughter and merriment. Stories and jokes and the most famous food there ever were. Than they played games and Iroh played his old horn while Laura sang. Then they went to sleep. In the morning, Laura family made them breakfast in bed. They spent all morning talking about the many months apart. Finally at lunch they went and had a picnic under the laurel tree where they took turns on the swing. They played down in the cove and walked in the cool clear cerulean waters and danced in the moonlight. On the stroke of midnight Iroh gave her the locket she had admire for so many months from afar. She gave him a crimson precious stone statute in the shape of a dragon looking to the west.

"It was one of my happier memories. It is how I like to remember her. How she lived and loved life not how she died in such a tragic way. I miss her. I wish I had her gift. But sadly it has vanished. I miss her so much." Iroh concluded. He wept his tears as he looked at the approaching dawn to see if he could see her in the morning light.

Everyone felt sadden to hear the story of people so much in love only for one to die so young. A slight chill went through the group. Katara went to a small brown bag and said " Here this will keep us warm. We wouldn't want to catch our death of cold. I doubt Aang can give up more of his life force. I think he was allowed to give no more than Zara his breath of life." As she withdrew and revealed the most beautiful quilt ever seen. It was the softest shade of light blue, lined with baby snow-white seal fur. The corners had large beautiful snowy owl feathers. They were arranged in patterns with little blue charms. In the center of the quilt was the symbol of the Water Tribe, above and below the symbol was the Wind Whale and to the right and left was the Silver Sea Serpent.

"That is so gorgeous, Katara! Did you make it?" asked Aang who was mystified because it was beyond words of loveliness.

"No my Mother, Tanana made it. She had been working on it for a long time, even before she married our father, Dakarai. She would always start working on it after the fire burn low and she could barely see. She finished when I was nine. She would wrap Sokka and me up so tightly and tell us legends of the Avatar. It was most well remember because she made it with love. Her mother taught her to make it, like her mother before her. I feel like she holding me in her arms when I have this wrapped around me." Explained Katara in a dreamy far off voice.

"Your mom was your strength too, wasn't she?" asked Zara as she laid her right hand on Katara's who looked at the girl and nodded.

"Tell us Water Boy? Do you have a story to tell us or is all you do is eat meat?" teased Zuko at Sokka who got his club and boomerang out to slice Zuko like a zucchini.

"I do have a story Fire Brat! I will tell you it right now! It happened when I was nine I was out exploring when I the strangest sight three very different animals, all males and all babies. One was an owl chick, the second was a fox cub and the final one a bear cub. They all were getting along but where in need of food and medicine. I ran home and got the supplies and I tended to their wounds. For the next year I help these animal that had become my spirit brothers. I gave them each names, the owl was Sitka, the fox was Denahi, and the bear was Kenai. They even saved me from a near drowning accident. When a year had passed I came to say good-bye, to my surprise Dad was there. I asked how he had found this secluded place and he said he been watching me for months. He had made me a necklace with three stone charms in the shape of the animals I had saved. We said good-bye and walked home. Those animals had been orphaned by the Fire nation if you were interested. I lost the necklace in the Fire Nation Raid on our village." He finished as everyone gave him a weird look.

Sokka caring for orphaned animals? That didn't make sense but they could tell he was not joking.

Zara looked at the approaching dawn with wonder as the ball of sky fire began to ascend to the sky. She remembered how her mother had said as long as the sun continued to raise than there was reason to hope. In life you need to have a lot of faith and trust and hope.

"I remember the little things. The things we did with Mother that would make Ozai so angry. Like walks through spring showers, or sleeping under the stars after hours and hours of fairy-tales and legends. Or play games. I only knew her for such a short time but it was the little things that came the most important and valuable. We learn to care, and think for ourselves and help others. To try hard and always listen to our hearts. She taught us right. How I miss her. I sometime feel like I will forget her. Everyday the memories seem to slip away. What can I do when gone for good? I keep wondering things like "Will tomorrow come or is this my last day? What do the hands of fate have in store for me? Will I live to see a day when we all can be free?" That is what goes through my mind every day. I'm sorry I shouldn't burden you all with this." Said Zara sadly as she watched the sun slowly creep up on them. A good ten minutes to go till full dawn.

"Its alright, Zara to feel those things. Its only human to worry because for all the vast things we can do we're are only human! We are not perfect or flawless but we strive each day to do better and then by working hard doing more miracles things. But we will always be limited because we can't be perfect. No mortal creature is perfect. You and everyone on in this world are imperfect and flawed. That what makes it such an irresistible challenge, the challenge to be absolutely perfect? It is of course but that what makes it so fun to try!" whistled Zuko happily as he made the little ember blaze dance to and for. He closed his eyes and opened them again and looked at the little flame with such a look of intensity they thought he wasn't alive anymore.

"Zuko? Are you ok?" asked Zara with concern in her timed voice.

"Shine the light from your heart and you will banish evil and fear with its bright light of warmth and love. Remember courage means heart." He said in an almost undetectable wistful tone of voice. He spoke so quietly they had to strain to hear him. Only Momo with his big ears seemed to hear him as he jumped from the prince's lap to Aang lap and began to snoozes.

"What did you just say Zuko? We couldn't hear. Could you repeat it?" asked Aang as he stroked the soft white fur of his mischievous little pet that was snoring in his lap.

"I was just remembering what my Mother taught me about fear. She would say a man who claimed to fear nothing was a fool. That it was ok to afraid. That once we knew how and why it scared us we would be able to conquered and get past it. We need fear but we don't have to let rule our lives."

"When I was about three years old we had one week in early summer where it would rain for days on end with no sign of stopping. The rain didn't bother me it was the howling winds and crashing thunder and blazing lightning. I was having a terrible time trying to sleep in this huge room by myself and I kept seeing demons and monsters in the dark room with all of the storms outside. I was fear scared of being alone in the dark." He paused for a moment because he knew Sokka was going to have a side remark. And sure enough in less than five seconds he open his big bullfrog mouth.

"You were afraid of the dark! That is so unbelievable! You think me taking care of animals is hard to believe? This is truly unbelievable! Ha Ha! I mean you are the Prince of the Fire Nation! You are one of the best Firebender ever! You were scared of the dark! Now that a riot!" he said laughing so hard his sides hurt.

Zuko looked like he was ready to attack but Iroh held him back.

"Easy Prince Zuko! You must let the word of ignorant folk get under your skin and thus making you act foolishly. You must let is roll off your back like raindrops. Take a few deep breathes and continued. You Water Boy owe my nephew an apology. So I suggest you say your sorry." He said in a humble but wise voice.

"You really should be more considered of others feelings, Sokka. Quiet being such a knucklehead or we will leave you in a horded of hog monkeys who will rip and tear you to shreds!" snapped Katara as she used a bit of water bending to whip Sokka in rear end.

"Ow! Ok! Ok! I'm sorry! I'm sorry Zuko. I guess everyone is afraid of the dark at one point or another. Please continued the story." Said a sore and embarrassed Sokka as he chuckled nervously

"Well after a week of not sleeping Mother brought me a present. It was a large red and gold candle with a picture of the Scarlet Dragon and Little Phoenix on a gold pedestal. Engraved by my mother delicate hand were the words " Shine the light from your heart and you will banish evil and fear with its bright light of warmth and love. Remember courage it means heart." She lit the candle and it never stopped burning. As long as it was burning its bright light I felt safe and could sleep peaceful. At three I could only mange to produce small little sparks. After she died Ozai took the candle away and hid it. I secretly searched for it for days. But after about two years I gave up looking. I felt like the only reminders of my Mom had be stolen like someone had stolen a piece of my soul. I had lost my pendent, my candle, and I was starting to lose my memories. I give anything to see her one more time." He said as he wept the tears out of his one good eye.

"I wish I had my Mother's necklace so I had a reminder of her. Do you have it with you Zuko?" asked Katara with much anxiety in her eyes

He shook his head and said in a chocked up voice, "It disappeared! From a locked room! I locked my room and came back hours later and it was gone! I'm terrible sorry Katara I know how much it means to you. And I would do anything to give you back that symbol of immortalized love if I could but I can't!" he said sadly.

"Looks like we all know what the pain of losing someone we love feels like. I think we should all take a moment as the sunrise to honor those who have died. So bow your heads and close your eyes and lets have one moment of silence for those who are gone, yet still with us as we go on." whispered Aang.

The next three days were in complete silence. But about an hour before sunset a medium sized red island came into view. They had finally arrived at their destination "Fire Lily Island". It was very apparent that the isle got its name because it was carpeted in the most beautiful shades of crimson exotic lilies that covered the island like wild fire.

"Come follow us. We have much to share!" squealed gleefully Zara as she raced up the dirt trail going up from the seaside. Everyone but Appa trooped up the hill. When they reached the top of hill they gasped out loud for they where blown away by the incredible landscape which seemed to go on forever.

To the east of the isle was a large fruit orchard, the north was a large waterfall and lake and to the west was a large temple like structure. In the heart of the island enclosed by ivy covered stone walls with light red roof and a moon shape gateway was the most beautiful garden every seen. This was truly a jewel of the Fire Nation. This proved that there had been respect for life and beauty at one time in the life of the Fire Nation.

"That is Ember' fall and Lake where we learned to swim. See the beautiful swans and cranes as the graceful gilded and walk. There are many exotic animals on this island. That orchard was called Ashwood's Grove and that is the Garden of Sparks! The temple is called the Red Flame Sanctuary. It is where all on our mother side of the family have be buried. She is in the room at the top of temple. Come we must reach the chamber before the eclipses starts. Hurry!" shouted Zara as she and Zuko took off with such speed even Aang was a tad bit envious as the left them in a cloud of dust.

The others took one more moment to let the superior beauty of this sacred land seep into their hearts and souls. They ran as fast as they could to keep up with the children of fire.

They had little time to take in the grandeur of the temple inner works but could see this had been done with the up most care to make it beyond the words of beauty. They climbed up a flight of what seemed to be over a thousand steps. They twisted and turned sharply and the only light came from the red phosphorous crystal lining the dark corridor leading up to the top room. They reach the top with only a few minutes to spare. They came to a large steel door that could only be opened by firebending.

Zuko stepped forward and ran his hand down the door and got a look of determination in his eyes. He turned to the group and said. "This door was last open by the Fire Lord and he himself sealed the door making it impossible for the door to be open by anyone but him no matter how much firebending one may use to open it. But I believe that if Mother wants us in here she will help Zara and I open the door. We all know that love is the ultimate strength and a mother love can't be denied or over powered so everyone stand back this door is going down!" he shouted as he turn and his and Zara hands became engulfed inferno and let loose enough heat to be the equivalent of a supernova. The door slide open and they could see a circle room with murals on the walls and colored glass dome above with gold symbols and icons everywhere. Straight ahead dead center of the back wall was a gold and glass coffin with the name "Zalika" written on the side. On the right end was the Scarlet Dragon and left end was the Little Phoenix. There were also lots of flowers around the coffin somehow preserved.

"Its beautiful." murmured Katara dreamily as she took in every last detailed.

"She must have been very special to get all of this when she died. This beyond words to describe!" cried Sokka as he too took in everything to his memory.

"For all the pain your mother had to endure this is where she truly belongs. Lets go in.," said Aang as he almost took a step into the threshold when the three Firebenders yelled out sharply "STOP!"

"What I do wrong?" asked a teetering Aang as he tried not to fall foreword.

Zara pulled him back hard and explained in a kind but aggravated voice

"It's a burial chamber, Aang! As in holy ground! You have to remove your shoes first. Only during a funeral may you walk in with shoes otherwise lose the shoes. You too two!" she snapped at Katara and Sokka who were so frighten that they jump five feet and did as the were told, though it seem Sokka had a bad case of foot odor.

They lined their shoes up against the wall in order of age and then took a deep breath and walked in. They had a feeling of complete calm and peace when the crossed over to the room. They feel to their knees and looked at the casket. For one moment they each silently prayed about their lost loved ones and the looked again at the casket.

Zuko looked at the coffin and spoke. "Mother, it is us! Your son Zuko and daughter Zara. The Scarlet Dragon and Little Phoenix. We have come to answer your call. Please Mother if you can hear me, give us a sign any sign!" he cried out. A moment passed and then all the candles around them lit up by some unseen hand.

"Ok this is getting freaky!" hissed Sokka in a scared voice as he shake and shivered.

"Shoo! Grow a spine, Sokka!" hissed Katara. But she too was afraid.

"What is it that you want us to hear, Mother? Why have you wanted to come to your island?" asked Zara who wasn't scared at all. She glanced over at Aang who seemed to be dealing with this better than the others. Probably because he had be in the Spirit World and had talk to a spirit before. Uncle Iroh appeared as mellow as ever. But she knew he could see into the Spirit World a little bit. He had told her and Zuko about seeing Aang riding on Ravi (Avatar Roku's Dragon) while being capture by Earthbender troops.

Above the glass dome the sun and moon began their solar eclipse and the whole room went dark. For a few moments nothing happened then the door slammed shut with a huge bang! "Ahh" screamed Sokka

Then an icy wind began to blow all around them and a bright white light with specks of rainbow color hovered above Zalika coffin then grew in size and intensity and then exploded as its rays shot through each of their hearts and the next thing they realized that falling in an endless black void screaming. They grabbed each other's hands and Aang tried to do Airbending but found he could not! The saw a bright light in front of them and then they lost conscious.

Something soft wisp under Aang nose and he sneezed. "Achoo!" his eyes slowly opened and then he gasped and sat straight up. He looked around and rubbed his eyes a few times and then pinched himself to make sure he was not dreaming. But he still couldn't believe what he saw.

Above him was a sky, it was more blue than any blue he had every seen. But what was startling him was in the center of the huge sky was a glowing ball of golden white light with two smaller spheres of light on each side, and the sky also a frequent changing of brightly colored lights!

"Where… in… the… world…?" as he saw thousands of building made out of light and different colored clouds and the streets were made out of gold and bathed in the light of flouting candles. He could also make out what appeared an impossible large gateway made out of gold.

He looked at was his friends and him where standing on and it was a cloud of most softest cotton. He turn when he heard the prettiest white bird he had every seen. It was about size of a parrot with a large plume of white head and tail feathers with two streaks of light pink feathers on each side with huge golden eyes. The bird was wearing a gleaming gold collar with a blue and pink stone in the shape of a triad. It seemed to be beckon on Aang to wake the others and follow.

"Everyone wake up! Come on wake up! Err! I hate to do this to you Sokka but desperate times call for desperate measures!" He stuck his right pointer finger in his mouth and got it nice and slobbery and giggled as he stuck it in Sokka right ear.

"YAHHHHH!" screamed Sokka so loud even the dead would wake from their eternal slumber! The look on his face was priceless!

"Good you're all conscious now come on! We have to go!" said Aang, as he was trying so hard not laugh.

"AANG! I'm so going to get you for that little stunt!" shouted Sokka as he reached for his boomerang only to find it gone!

"Uh? Where my boomerang? What is this place?" asked Sokka in his usually confusion.

"Don't know but I think if we follow that bird we will find the answers we are seeking!" said Aang hoping the answer would be suitable.

Gasping, "That not just any bird that's a Holy Dove. They haven't been see on Earth for over a 100 years not since the war start anyway." Stammered Zara

"Quick try to do some kind of bending! Anything!" said a panicked Zuko Everyone but Sokka tried to bend but found that they could not. Aang was more panicked when he realized Momo was not with them! What was going on?

"Our best bet is to follow the bird lets go as they group tore off as the chased the bird down a long golden street till they came to a tower. The bird flew to the top still beckoning on them to follow.

"Ok how to we get to the top of this tower? I don't see a door or stairs even!" snapped Sokka stating the obvious in a drawn out old voice

"Calm down Sokka, let us think about this for moment. We don't need you flying off the handle!" snapped Katara

"Hmm. I think the answer is obvious on how we get in." said Iroh as he walked up to the tower and knocked! A door materialized to reveal a stairway.

They keep running so hard they thought their hearts were going to jump out of their chest. They just keep running up the purple and pink cloud stairs till the group reached a crescent moon shaped trapdoor and flung it open to a blinding light. They all climbed through the door and looked around. They were in a circle room the walls were painted blue, green, red, and silver. On the floor was a map of the world. As the approached the center wall at the back the gang became aware that they were not alone. At the wall was a looking at a full-length gold mirror was a feminine figure. It was stroking the dove's breast. When they were five feet away the figure spoke in the most beautiful voice you have every heard. Each word spoke was like perfect jewels full of love and kindness.

"Welcome, travelers. We've been expecting you for awhile." Said the figure who's back was still turned to them. The figure was stroking the dove breast that was preached on a golden stand and giving it treats

"You have been waiting for us?" asked Aang suspiciously glancing at the others with worry in his soft gray eyes.

"Yes, Avatar Aang we have been waiting a long time for you and your family to come here." Spoke the voice again

"How you know we be here and where is here and who are you!" demanded Zuko who looked ready to attack first and ask question second.

"Temper, Temper. You really must learn to control it better Zuko. Anger is one of the most deadly of poison. Once you let it in it becomes very difficult to get exonerate of in time before it kills you from within." scolded the voice to the Fire Prince.

"Please forgive my brother but we are tired and hungry we would like some answers so if you could answer our questions please?" asked Zara as she held her brother from attacking. She and Aang both knew Zuko was more than capable then fighting with out his bending powers.

"Very well daughter of fire I will reveal the answers you seek. First let me introduce myself." She said as she walked into the light and they all bowed and gasped at her unearthly beauty and grace.

She was 5'11 with flawless white skin, with high cheekbones, full rosy lips and cheeks, almond slanted eyes with long lashes and slender curved eyebrows Her eyes seemed to be every color in the universe. She wore a strapless white gown. She had a white crystal on her forehead. She also had a triad choker with the symbols of Fire and Air on the right and Water and Earth on the left side of the triad. Her hair was like and wavy as the water in the sea, it looked like water made out of light and changed to every color in the universe and she had huge golden white wings.

"My name is Serenity. I'm the Supreme Celestial Guardian. This tower is called Cloud Sanctuary use it to meditated and relaxing. Welcome to my home. You don't realize how lucky you are to be here before your time has come."

"I still don't understand where are we? And what to you mean "before our time?" asked a clueless Sokka

"I agree with the blue idiot. I don't know what to make of this either but I do know we wouldn't have be brought here if it was not for a propose by some Higher Power." Said Iroh winsomely

Serenity smiled at the group, it was a small half a smile with a hidden kiss enveloped in her lips. She spoke in a melodious honey-toned gay tone of voice as she explained to them their situation. "You are in the place where the immortal souls of those of pure hearted goodness come after their time on the Living Plane has come to an end. My brother has the job with a distanced cousin to go to many worlds of the universe and deliver the ultimate fairness to all living creatures. Those who are good rise to the sky above; those who are not sink down below. Do you understand what I'm talking about?" asked Serenity wistfully as she gilded around them playful.

"You are a Celestial Guardian, we in a place above the clouds, you have a pet Holy Dove, your name is Serenity which means peaceful and you talk about the "Ultimate Fairness" which can only be death; because everyone dies no matter who they are. So the only logical conclusion is we are in HEAVEN!" Deduced Aang as his eyes went wider than ever.

"HEAVEN!" Shouted everyone else at the same time with their mouth opened so wide that they could catch flies!

"You have guessed correctly young Avatar. You all have be chosen above millions of others to have this extraordinary gift a most out of the ordinary gift. One rarer than anything you can think of." She said harmoniously

"What is this gift that you wish to give us?" asked Katara with huge eyes full of hopes.

"Come follow me and Trinity and we will give you your gift. Come follow me." She said mysterious glimmer in her eyes

She led them out of the tower and down another gold paved street. She pointed out buildings sitting on different colored clouds. Everywhere they looked they saw people but many wore similar uniforms which consisted of a pair high cut gold boots, short white skirts like things and white shirts under gold chest plates. White fingerless gloves with gold wrists bands with pale blue gems, they each wore a chocker with a gem in the shape of a symbol and they had a gold and silver circlet bands with pulsating rainbow gems in the center. They also had large glittering gold wings.

"Excuse me? Serenity? Who are those people who are dressed so similar?" asked Katara politely as she saw two young girls in those uniforms laughing joyful at the travels.

Serenity turned to smile on the young girl with pretty blue eyes and replied in a low mummer dreamily "They are the Celestial Guardians of the Universe. My family. What you may call "Angels". Come we are nearly at our destination my daughter of water come we must hurry." It seemed when she spoke her voice was coming form all around, like everywhere at once in such a musical tone.

"This all just do bizarre for me! I was just an uncomplicated guy with trouble-free needs! I don't need all this! This is all just too much for me! Flying Bison and Bending I could handle but being in the After Life before I've given up the ghost? This has got to be a dream!" Sokka said as he began to pinch himself, which hurt so he was wide-awake walking across a rainbow bridge to a place above the clouds.

Serenity pointed ahead and said wistfully " To your left you will see the special sanctuary palace we set up for all the Avatars who have every lived called " The Avatar's Abby" (Looks like Notre Dame and the Taj Mahal put together) To the right you see the Celestial Temple of Light where we the Guardians resided. And in front of you is our destination. The Garden of Eden where all life began. You will find the elements, which you have been able to bend came form this Garden as do all living things have come form. Follow me children that includes you too Iroh. We have arrived at the Crystal Gates. I advise you all to take a deep breath and prepare your self for whatever you may find with in these stonewalls. Are you ready?" Asked the celestial creature compassionately

They all looked at each other and nodded. Smiling at them she turn to face t the Crystal Gates which with a wave of her hand glided sideways and they walked in and took an intake of breath for this Garden was even more stunning than the one back on Fire Lily Island. The colors were more authentic and vibrant and the foliage smell sweeter as they all took different paths amongst the Garden. Aang was looking at a silvery white blossom when a familiar amethyst and sapphire butterfly landed on his head and he saw it in reflection of the water pool. "I remember you! But where did you come from he said as it flew away down a path that Aang felt for sure hadn't been there a moment ago. He walk over to the path which look old and forgotten when a new smell passed through his nose. He thought he have a heart attack when he realized what that smell was. "I… know… that…smell. But… But… it can't be! It just can't be! But I know that smell I never forget it even in my sleep of death I know that smell!" he stammered as he began to shake all over.

"Aang? Are you all right? You look like you seen a ghost! Talk to me please, Aang?" said Katara as she came around the bend where she had been admiring some of the patches of hyacinths, delphiniums and chrysanthemums.

But Aang gave no sign as if he heard her; he just tore down the path following the sweet scent. Katara called out to the others and ran after Aang but quickly lost sight of him. Aang was a fast runner even with out Airbending. He kept running till he came to an outdoor bakery. There were picnic tables everywhere below and a water basin to clean dirty dish with three huge wine barrels. He looked up above where you could hear someone baking in the oven upstairs. Whoever it was, was whistling merrily. Aang ran to the stairs and slowly trudge up them with each step becoming harder than the last. His heart beating faster and faster as more sweat poured out of his pores as he reached the top step and turn to face the baker. He could make out a tall old bald man in orange and yellow clothes. Aang caution walked over to the man and when he was five feet from the man he jumped as the man spoke familiar words that he hadn't heard in a century. The whistling had stop as the baker took a cake out of the oven and said "But true secret is in the gooey center." He chuckled as he placed the hot cake on rack with many others and turned to smile at the boy "Hello, Aang. I have missed you so much," said the kindly old Airbender Monk. His worn old gray eyes rested on the young boy who he had not seen in a hundred years.

Aang was speechless for only a moment but then as the tears burst from his eyes he shouted in a chocked up voice "Gyasto! I have missed you too!" he ran into the old monk waiting arms and began to cry so much his tears would have flooded all of the seven seas.

Gasping for breaths was the rest of the gang as they finally managed to catch up to Aang and were all stunned to see Aang in his old father figure arms.

"You… you… You are the statue dude from the Southern Air Temple!" stammered Sokka with his mouth hanging low catch mosquitoes this time.

"You're Monk Gyasto!" cried Katara

"This is Monk Gyasto?" asked Zuko who was stunned.

"We mustn't think lightly of him brother!" snipped Zara

"We should be honored to be in his presence. Be not proud but humble Prince Zuko" said Iroh who was still trying to catch his breath for he was the one most fighting for breath.

"Yes I'm Monk Gyasto. But no ghost, none who dwell in this beautiful paradise are ghost we are flesh and blood spirits. When we are on the Earth or Living Plane like Aang was during the Solstices we are transparent intangibly ghostly spirits but here we are as alive as you are on Earth. Are you still hungry? I made these cakes special for you when I found out you were coming. Here as Aang has told you I'm sure I'm a great baker." He said as they gave them each a piece of cake and they all where talking when Katara got thirsty and went to get a drink from the well when she heard someone nearby splashing and laughing. The laughter sound so familiar but she couldn't remember where from she followed the voice down a path lined with orchids and nurita. Sokka who had also gotten thirsty saw Katara disappear down the path out of the corner of his eye and yelled at her to return but she didn't hear him. Then he felt the irresistible urge to go after her like someone was calling him. He ran and they meet in a fork in the road.

"Sokka I know I heard someone laughing a moment ago but now its stop. What are you doing here?" asked Katara as she kept straining to look back and froth to hopefully hear the sound again.

"I felt I need to come. But I didn't hear any laughing but wait did you hear that its coming from the right lets go. They ran as fast as Aang did just moments ago when the abruptly stopped when they came to a huge marble fountain and found a young woman dressed in blue sitting on the edge playing with the koi fish. She pulled one of her long ponytails out of face and she turned and smiled at the two kids. "Hello Katara, Sokka. Are you all right my children of the water?" asked their mother Tanana as she stood up and hugged her children.

"Mom!" shouted the water siblings as they cried in their mother's arms.

"Katara! Sokka! Where are you?" they heard the others called out to them

"Over here! Aang! Zara! Zuko! Iroh! Over here you must come and see whom we found!" cried Katara happily as her friends came to the clearing and hugged each other. "Katara is this your mother?" asked Aang blushing a little bit.

"Yes Aang this is our mother, Tanana. Mom this is Aang the Avatar, Zara and her brother Zuko and their uncle Iroh." Introduce Katara.

"You were right Gyasto he is quite an excellent young man. Would you children like to play a sporting game of Pi Show? Follow me." Said Tanana who looked like an older version of Katara with pigtails instead of a ponytail.

They reached the game area and spotted two people from a distance playing a game of pi show. Zuko and Zara's heart stopped beating when the saw who had just won the game. She was a beautiful as they remember but she was also happier and looked like the weight of years of evil and abuse had been lift. Even the other they had never seen a more beautiful woman. She walked up to her children hand smiled. "Zuko, Zara, My children, the Scarlet Dragon and Little Phoenix. I'm glad you were given this gift, which the Celestial Guardians have chosen you above everyone else to come here. We have so much to talk about. Come I have waited too long to hold you two in my arms again come." Said Zalika in the most beautiful voice every heard.

After their hug she walk over to the rest of the group so they could have a good look at her and she was something to look at. She was tall with flawless white skin and curves in all the right places. Full naturally rose red lips and almond shape tilted amber eyes with long eyelashes and thin curved eyebrows. Her bright thick rich red hair that was as smooth as satin and soft as silk was pulled back into a ponytail held in place with a real gold clip behind the neck. She wore a gold high slippers a high collar sleeveless red dress with gold wrist bracelets with almond shape red gems. She had a matching gem in the center of her forehead and flowing semi transparent red veil clipped just above her ponytail holder.

"It is most pleasurable to see you all. I must admitted I never dream I see you again till you were even older than this spoke the other woman. She was also dress in a red dress only hers was a one strap on the left, which slit at the legs. And she had a gold armband on her right arm with a dragon around the symbol of the Fire Nation. She could only be Laura, Iroh wife!"

"Laura I have missed you so much! You are still a beautiful as a flower on the first spring day!" said Iroh as he held his beloved wife close to his heart and ran his fingers though her jet-black hair and kissed her.

"I don't understand this at all. Why are you in this Garden waiting for us?" asked Katara

"Yeah this seems to weird. What is going on?" asked Sokka

They all start shouting when Serenity appeared again with Trinity and smiled. "This is the gift I was speaking of. You all have been chosen to spend seven days in Heaven with those you love who are gone. You have one week to learn important lesson that will help you save the world. You all play a part in saving the world from certain doom. For each day you spend here one hour passes on Earth so when you return it will be seven hours later and the eclipse will be over. So enjoy the time you have young ones and if you learn what you need to learn you will be rewarded even greater than now. I must go speak to my brother now. I will be back in one hour. See you all later." With that she vanished in a flash of light!

They spent the rest of the day talking to the loved ones of all that had transpired since they had died. They were eating a fabulous dinner when Serenity joined with a look of fustian on he face that didn't belong so Aang asked what was wrong.

"There is Good and Evil in all living things. But there are a few like the Fire Lord who are beyond of Mortal Evil and we must take swift action to make sure that the ones who Beyond Mortal Evil doesn't spread it to the rest of the world. So we and our cousin down below in Hell we agreed to work to The Twin Horns of Death both my brother Gabriel and the Shadow of Death have each blown their horns and the song has been sung now we need to help you can give us the help we need to collected this condemn soul so he may writher in pain in the bowls of Hell forever." She said as she nibbled on some bread.

"Me? Why must I be the tool for ridding the world of Ozai? And what do you mean the "Song has been sung?" said the child apprehensively as he clung tightly to Gyasto right arm in fear.

"Its ok Aang you are out of harm's way. Please stop gripping so tightly, you are bruising my arm." eased Gyasto to his apprentice as he stroked Aang's head gently

"You are the Avatar child and is your destiny to save the world and restore balance to it. Everyone here in this ideal place knows you can do it as do all your friends do to. Believe the voice inside of you. Listen to it when the time comes face your destiny, I know you will make us all proud. The Song I'm thinking of is Song of Death. This Song is only sung when a person is so evil that they must die or the whole world will die. It was only sung once before. Now the time has come for it to be sung again. I will sing it for you. Do not be afraid it will not harm you."

" An awful, awful Man. Not well bred. No respect for anyone! Not even for the Dead!"

"You just repeat that three times and then the deal is sealed. Come you must sleep. You will find all you need in Aurora Boreal Palace." She smiled weakly and vanished for the night.

The first four days flew by so quickly. But weren't wasted. Aang had many long talk with Avatar Roku and the other Avatars on their experiences and how to bend and what else do. Iroh had many pleasant walks and games with his wife and Sokka and Katara talked to their mom a lot.

Zalika on the other hand was on a mission. She had talked to her children but now she was going to reveal to them something that would shake to the core.

"Zuko, Zara. I have missed you but I think now is the time to reveal the truth to you two. It won't be easy to hear. But here it goes. You both remember quit clearly what happen on the night of a full moon at midnight one week after Zara's accident I had not one vision that night but several vision. The first, which I could never forget, was I was in a beautiful place the perfect place and it was destroyed and blood was everywhere. You had this vision too haven't you Zara?" she asked gently

Zara nodded as he mother hugged tightly. She continued " You were saved by Aang and that set off a chain of events correct?" Zara nodded again

"I saw many things, terrible things. All have come to past. Zuko getting burned and exiled, Aang waking up from the iceberg. The many adventures including you Zuko donning the Blue Spirit guise and rescuing Aang from that ass Admiral Zhao and humiliating me. That I was greatly pleased with. But there was so much evil I witness that I knew if I didn't do something the world would be doomed. I argue and fought with your "father" but I failed. I died before I could save you from his evil. But you must know is I didn't fall mysteriously ill I was murder! " Zalika declared dramatically

"MURDER!" Zuko and Zara cried out in utter shock so loud that the whole Heavens shook form their screams.

"Your father slipped in my tea a bit of powder of pryo tree root. As you both know so well the leaves, flowers and fruit of this tree, which only grow in volcanic soil, have healing powers but the bark and roots are pure poison. Ingested in small amounts it will make you very sick but in large enough quintet it will kill you in a slow agonizing death. He murdered me because I had in his twisted mind become unmanageable. I know you were not allowed to grieve for me. He felt if he gave you enough negative attention you would grow up to be just like him. But I had given you too much of love for you to every be truly evil to the core." Sighing she looked into her children eyes and held them close.

"Mom that was horrible what he did. He has never been our father. We will avenge your death and I promise when I become the new Fire Lord I will restore true honor and integrity to this lost Nation. I love you so much and I will do anything for you. I have honored my promise to watch over Zara and I will keep doing that till I die." Said Zuko solemnly with his hand over his heart.

She smiled proudly at her son and kissed his forehead. "Wise words for one so young. But I'm afraid you must be test on your soul first before we can determine your next course of action in the path of life." She said sadly as she got up and looked out at the infinity wonders before her.

"Test my soul, Mother what do you mean?" asked Zuko a little nervous as he back away.

"Is Zuko in danger Mom?" asked Zara as she clung to her brother arm in apprehension.

"Maybe, maybe not it will all depended on what is in his heart come you must be test. I was hoping to put this off I little longer but it must be done now I see. Follow me." She said as she began to walk fast in a gliding fashion out of the garden. The children followed not knowing what to expect.

On the other side of the Garden Katara and Sokka where talking about finding love if the war was ever over. Their mom was listening patently as Sokka was talking with bits of muffin falling out of his mouth.

"I want a girl who a good warrior and is funny and caring. She brave and smart and very pretty. I dream of every so often I can hear her voice whispering my name in my ear. I dream we are on a beach and the moon is out and full and it's smiling on us as we hold hands as the gentle surf splash lightly on our bare feet. She leans over and we kiss." He sighed as he envisions a pair of vivid green eyes from a familiar girl in his mind. The only girl he every dreamed about.

"Like who would every want to kiss you beside Garn-Garn? You have never been kissed you just made that up to get on my nerves that day! I dream about a boy with courage as big as the mountains are tall and vivid forest green eyes. He is kind and hopeful and brave. He fights well and he is real not some fantasy!" shouted Katara boastful at her brother. He got a twisted angry look on his face and jumped at her throat when their mom stopped them.

"Katara! Sokka! Quite acting like little kids! You are both way too mature for such juvenile behavior." Sighing as she rubber her temples she continued

" You wish to see the ones you dream about look at the reflection in the pool." Pointing at the water, which began to ripple lightly. They gazed at their reflections, which remain unrippled and standing alone. Then the water calmed and the reflections of Suki and Haru appeared beside the two dreamers of love.

"You got a kiss from Suki!" cried Katara in shock as she looked at Sokka side of the reflection pool.

He nodded at gazed at Haru at Katara side holding her reflection hand. "So that who you dream of? Good choice!"

"Hmm, very interesting. He was right not that he made a mistake before anyway" murmured Tanana with a queer smile creeping across her lips.

"What did you say Mom?" asked Katara "I didn't quiet catch you."

"All I heard was very interesting." Said Sokka lamely

"Well the names of those two you saw in the pool are the names in the Marriage Guardian book. He showed it too me just before you got here." Explained Tanana as she flipped a ponytail out her sweet face.

"Marriage Guardian?" asked Sokka stupidly

"You mean to say there a Celestial Guardian who in charge of Marriage?" asked Katara guess at her mother cryptic words.

"His name is Mushra and he has this huge book with a bag full of red thread. When you are born he looks at the stars and they tell him who your matrimony partner is destined to be. He then ties a thin red thread to these two people and they will get married no matter what happens. When it destined to be a good marriage the thread glows gold meaning only true love and good luck will be found in this marriage. But if it becomes black it will be full hate and misfortune." Explained Tanana clearly as she and her children went to a lake to ice skate.

Zalika had leaded her children to a wall with large arch wooden door. She collected herself for one minute and turn to her son. "Zuko, my Scarlet Dragon you must go in this door. For this test you must go alone. You are strong Zuko I know you can do this. We will be waiting." She said as she hugged him tightly as tears rolled down her face on to his head.

"What is this test Mother? Couldn't you at least tell me?" he asked with fear in his voice. He was pale with fright of the unknown that was behind this door.

"No I can't just go in. Be brave, Scarlet Dragon." She cried to him.

Taking a deep breath he pushed on the door and a blinding white light flashed with rush of cold wind and he was pulled in and the door slammed shut.

"What is going to happen in there Mom?" asked Zara but her mother remained silent.

"Ugh… I feel like I got bashed in the head by a stampede of ragging komodo rhinos! Uhh? Mirrors? What is going on? Uh!" he said. He was in a room complete made out of mirrors and he watch as they didn't reflect his image they reflected his past to him each mirror showed him a moment from his past. From when he was born, to singing Zara to sleep, growing up to his mother's death to his banishment to the past two years to what had happen during the Avatar hunt to what had happen when Zara came.

He saw all the good and bad things he had done. All this time he focused on the image growing in front of him. It looked like a shadow so red it was almost black with a shallow hollow face its eyes like a predator getting ready for the kill. It spoke in the most sinister voice. "You have been accused of doing unspeakable and unforgiving acts of evil! How do you plea? Prince of the Flames?" asked the shadow

"Not guilty" said Zuko through clenched teeth.

"If that is true than why do you see me when you look at your soul. I'm the Shadow of Evil I only follow those who are condemn to rotting in Hell. You have done evil and you loved it! What proof do you have to show you belong to the Skies when your time comes?" asked the Shadow, as it grew bigger and more ominous.

"Everyone has done some evil. There is good and evil in everyone. But I'm not evil. I have done things evil yes but I plan to redeem myself. You are not what is in my soul. When I look in my soul I see something else someone who worth-wild!" he shouted.

"What is in your soul than Son of Fire?" asked the Shadow as it grew bigger and looked ready to attack.

"I'm Prince Zuko son of Zalika, brother to Zara, nephew to Iroh and friend of Aang. I'm the heir to the Fire Nation throne. I'm the Scarlet Dragon. No matter what else happens to me in my life that is who I am and I am not evil. I come from my mother heart and she is nothing but good. So you are not apart of me! So leave!" he shouted

"Lets see if you speak the truth!" screeched the Shadow as he sprang from the mirror surface and lunged at Zuko.

Zuko threw up his arms in defenses as something burst from his chest with a roar!

"Huh? Asked Zuko as the light dimmed back to normal level and protecting Zuko was a beautiful large dragon of most noble perorations made out of scarlet flames! It was the Scarlet Dragon!

"Scarlet Dragon? You are what is in my soul? Does that me I've done what Mother's candle told me to do so long ago?" he remember as the words echoed around him in his mother voice "Shine a light from your heart, it will banish evil and fear, with its bright light of warmth and love. Remember courage means heart!"

"You have done well Prince Zuko. You have proven you are a good man of a very pure heart. Your soul is an immortal one. You have earned passage into the Light of Heaven. Now for your reward. I wish to bestow up on you something you have wanted for a long time." Spoke the Scarlet Dragons voice in his mind. He suddenly felt an intense sensation on the side of face and he screamed in pain as he fell unconscious.

Outside the door Zara had been clutching her mother dress so tight her hands had gone colorless with anxiety. Zara had always worried about her brother but now she was most afraid. She had not like the cryptic way her mother had been speaking. What was in this room that she dared not utter the name?

"Mother? Please tell the reason you called out to me. Why did you bring me and everyone else here? What do we need to learn?" asked the scarlet hair beauty in a timed voice.

"There is no easy way to tell you the truth my child. But I had to tell that wasn't sick but murder. I need to help you deal with your abilities and I need to test Zuko. I also wanted to meet the Avatar who was going to save us. Through his child gray eyes he has helped those who are blind by hate and other poison to see the light of hope. With the love of his heart and the hand of friendship he has set those who were trapped free. You have help too by making people believe in the voice inside of them. You are defiantly my daughter, the Little Phoenix. I love you forever. I only hope that the vision of death does not come to past. Do you understand that just believing in someone you can give them the strength they need to believe in themselves? You never gave up on Zuko or on yourself. You have done me proud daughter. You shall be rewarded by this act of incredible selflessness and purity of the heart." She said with her right hand on Zara shoulder and her left stroking her hair and face gently

"You were always wise as kind, and kind as you were beautiful. I love you more than ever Mother. I never forgot you. I still carry Avatar and I have the Eye of Ember around my neck as it once was around yours. I feel the love of your heart flowing in my very veins. Because of you I know what love is and I feel it too. I felt it since Aang rescue me in the nick of time. I still can't believe he gave up a small bit of his Avatar's spirit to save me from certainty of death of the Blue Flame. He is the most amazing guy every. I want to marry him and have children with him after we get rid of Ozai." She said as she pumped a fist in the air.

Zalika leaned forward and kissed her forehead and smiled. It was a blood-chilling scream could be heard from inside the chamber! It was the worst sound you had every heard. Something you never forget even in death.

"ZUKO! Zuko! Mother help me get this door open! He in pain! He sounds like something is killing him from within! Mother help me!" pleaded Zara with tears in her eyes as she rammed the door again and again but it would not give way. She pounded and kicked her feet but nothing would break the door down.

Zalika stood silent. She stared intensely at the door and at her daughter's efforts to get inside to save Zuko. She just stood there watching when everyone else appeared.

"Zalika! Zalika what is all the noise? Aang and me were in heated game of double team pi show with Iroh and Laura. We were one move away from taking the pot!" said Gyasto in an annoyed voice.

"Not true Airbender it was Laura and I who were going to win the pot!" snapped Iroh gently as he stroked his beard.

"We all heard screaming! It was unlike anything I every heard! It chilled my blood and bones to the core. What is going on Zara?" shivered Aang as he rested his hand on that of his girlfriend.

"Mother took Zuko and I here to this door and told Zuko to go inside. That was over an hour ago. Then just a few minuets ago a scream came from inside and now silence. I don't know how to open this door." She said sorrowfully hanging her head.

"You put Zuko up to the test!" cried Tanana with her mouth opened wide and hand to it in horror.

"Yes I put him to the test." Zalika said.

"Well what is done is done. Lets hope he passed. I don't want to think about what would happen if he fail the test." Said Gyasto

"Yes the price of failing such an important test is one no one would like to pay. But it all depended on him." Said Laura in voice that seemed to be fearful and concerned at the same time.

"Ok could you all stop talking in cryptic language? Its hurting my head!" pouted Sokka as he look like he was going to throw a hissy fit.

"Oh Sokka grow up! But I to wish you would all explain to us what you are talking about what test are you talking about?" asked Katara with half a frown on her face and her arms crossed.

"Should I tell them what going on?" asked Zalika out loud to the skies.

"Yes! Zalika I hereby give you permission to tell them all what was one of the reasons for their pilgrimage to this place. Take your time there is no reason to rush." Said the musical voice of Serenity as she materialized in front of them. They had not seen her since dinner on the first night so this must be important for her to show up.

"You all know that there is good and evil in us all. There is more. Trinity has many parts of life but the three most important of for a human is Mind, Body, and Soul. Your mind is where the beautiful dreams of your heart dwell. Body holds your heart and all here have one that is pure and good. But the part of humans is Soul. For good people they have something called an immortal soul that means it will rise to Heaven and live forever in comfort and love. But there are some people souls that must be judge first before they can decide where it will end up when the body as died. Zuko has just gotten a chance to look within his heart and soul and see what's in it. We will now see if he is good or evil." Sighed heavily Zalika as she slowly walked over to the door and glanced over at the ground then at the people around her. Serenity smiled at her and nodded.

Taking a deep breath she slowly turned the knob and the door creaked slowly open and for a moment they where all blinded by the light reflected intense of the mirrors.

After a few minuets the light dimmed and they one bye one enter the room and looked around. Despite that lights had dimmed they still need a few more minutes to adjust to low level of light.

"What is this? I never seen a room like this." Said Aang as he and Zara were holding hands as they walked down a narrow hallway to a center room.

"What this room made of? Asked Sokka and Katara at the same time. They ran their hands along the wall and the slip right off so quickly it was if they had touch at all.

"Mirrors. You know how the saying goes "The eyes are mirrors to the soul?" "Well how would one look within their own soul to its deepest dept? With mirrors of course." Said Zara as she began to figure out what this room was.

"Very astute child. Your very smart for someone so young." Said Gyasto kindly as he helped Tanana along the narrow passage.

"Well are person soul and being is determined by three common factors. 1. By how they were raised, 2. Choices the make, and 3. Most importantly our experiences through life. That determines who we are and what is in our hearts and souls." Said Zalika wisely as she hurried along the smooth polish glass floor.

"You were always the wise of us all, Zalika. You deserved better in life." Said Laura

"Do we have to keep walking? Can't Serenity fly us or something?" whined Sokka when his mom lightly slapped him upside the head.

"Sokka! How many times do I have to tell you? It's the journey itself not the destination that important. What we learn along the way when we strive to achieve our goals not reach the goal its self that important." Said Tanana

They came to the room Zuko had been in. It was completely dark. But the could make out a shape lying unconscious on the floor. It was Zuko and he was not moving!"

"ZUKO!" Cried Zara as she broke out of Aang hold and ran to her brother side and start to shake him.

"Zuko! Zuko get up! Please open your eyes. Please wake up, Scarlet Dragon it's the Little Phoenix don't leave me. I didn't leave you so don't go back on your promise. Zuko." Her voice breaking as a tear fell on his right eye.

His eyes began to twitch and then he woke and said "Zara?" weakly

"Zuko?" she said as she hugged him.

Serenity smiled at the children she clasped her hands together and blew a small gold light in to the air and the room light up. Then Zara the only one who could see Zuko face gave a cross between a gasp and a squeal. She looked in awe at her brother face and whispered in too Zuko and he looked at the mirror in front of him and gave the same sound.

"What's going on? What are you two so in high spirits about?" inquired Sokka irritably.

Zuko laughed heartfelt and helped Zara up and than slowly turn around to face the people who had become his friends. They and their parents gave involuntary gasp of shock and surprise.

"Zuko? Your scar it's… its…" stammered Katara

"Gone!" shouted Aang

And it was. He had a full head of thick black hair and he was one handsome son of a devil! He was very cute. Even Katara was impressed!

"This is how I looked before Ozai burned me. Mother I passed the test. When the Shadow of Evil attacked me the Scarlet Dragon protected me. He lives within me, doesn't he? He not just stuff of legend. The Little Phoenix lives within Zara doesn't she?" asked Zuko as he hugged his mother tightly

"I will not say yes nor will say no. That will be told when you return to Earth. But I'm glad you will be joining me here. Here are two things I think belong to you." She said as she placed a zircon dragon shape pendent around his neck and gave him a large red and gold candle on a gold stand.

"I thought I had lost them! Forever! Thank you for returning them to me Mother." He wept for joy.

"Little Phoenix its is time for your reward for never giving up on Scarlet Dragon. Here what you have always desired" cooed Serenity placing a hand on her right one and it glowed softly then she removed the glove to revel a real hand!"

"My hand! Thank you!" stuttered the stunned child.

The rest of the week went by fast before it was time to return everyone was given a gift of something they had lost. Aang got Gyasto beads and a fair well cake. Iroh got his anniversary present back. Katara got her necklace back. Sokka got the one his father made back. With one last kiss and hug they said good-bye. They went back to Cloud Sanctuary and Serenity waved her hand in front of the mirror.

"Remember what you have learned and what needs to be done. You will not be able to remember but in your dreams what you seen. But you have proof that you have been here. Now go and do good." She said as she kissed each one on their foreheads and the walked through the mirror.

They fell down the same pitch black hole and came to back in the burial chamber on Fire Lily Island. The eclipse had passed but the knew it had all happen for they had their gifts.

"Well we better get going before the Fire Navy finds Appa." Yawned Aang

Everyone walked slowly out of the chamber and retrieved their shoes. They took one last look at the island 's beauty and sighed.

"Momo! Appa!" cried Aang as he ran to them but they were makings so much noise that he didn't realize that their were trying to warn them. Out of now where smoke bombs went off and the Firebenders were tied and had bags put over their heads. When the smoke cleared there were seven people. Five they had never seen before. The other two had saved their lives back when the old Zuko had tried to capture Aang at the Azam village.

"Crimson! Luke! What are you doing?" asked Katara unsurely

"We have orders from our leader the Red Spirit to bring you to our headquarters. But because of trust issues till the Firebenders prove themselves they will be unaware of where going." Explained Luke with his sword ready for any violent protest.

"Come you can follow us on Appa. But don't fly! Its too dangerous!" said Crimson as she motion with her glaive to follow.

Then they all disappeared into the night.