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

Sound

"Now this one you might have a little difficulty with."

"Try me."

Aang grinned, dressed in a white gi, and spinning through the air to deliver a wild kick, followed by a landing on the ground with a straight punch, an elbow-smash, two knife hands, a back kick, a double-guard, and a finishing arm break. Rather impressive, for such a simple form.

But there was something about the form I couldn't grasp. Yes, it was different from all of the other katas I had learned growing up, but usually I was adept at these sorts of things. I did the kick, the straight punch, the elbow smash, the two knife hands, but then lost my balance, faceplanting onto the platform we were practicing on. I pounded my fist on it.

"Tell me why I can't get this done," I demanded from him. Aang extended his hand and I took it.

"It's Northern Water Tribe style. I didn't think you would be used to it. I'm trying to get you to open your mind to more than Fire Nation styles. If you keep treating it like its Fire Nation, you're not going to get anywhere."

I positioned myself into the stance. I went through the form, and messed up once more, losing balance and falling again.

Aang extended his hand again, and I pushed it away. I didn't need help. I stood up, brushing myself clean. He frowned.

"You know, the biggest lies are the ones we tell ourselves. Keep telling yourself that the form is Fire Nation, and you're going to keep failing."

"I will not," I replied, stubborn. I went through the form again. And fell. Again. I shoved myself up. "Forget this. I'm done."

"The true warrior never gives up," Aang said the moment I turned my back. "He keeps fighting the battle even though he knows the war is lost. He knows the truth is that he will always lose, but keeps faith for the day he will be relieved and win. He does not lie to himself and become a coward."

That stopped me in my tracks. I whipped around, glaring at him. "Are you calling me a coward?"

Aang shrugged. "Maybe. I don't know. You're not doing much with the form, so I guess so."

I marched back up to the platform and went into position one more time. "I will get this done."

And I did.

Author's Note: I feel that this chakra was a little difficult to incorporate. You wouldn't think so, with Azula being the amazing fantastic liar she is, but I liked using the martial arts as a cover. That way, Azula doesn't have to directly confront herself. If she had to, I think that would be just a little jarring. The last thing she needs is another mental breakdown.