Zuko recovered enough for us to be able to move him to our new apartment in the upper ring, which meant he could rest and recover in much better conditions than the lower ring. We had real beds, good quality furniture and everything had already been provided for us. There was even food, supplies and medicine waiting for us when we got there, carrying Zuko inside and immediately settling him down. Iroh helped him to take a bath in order to clean off the sweat and to let the steam help drive out the toxins in his body whilst I investigated our new place.

It was very easy to see which room had been decorated for me, as it had very feminine furnishings and decorations. There were flowers in vases, pretty curtains with lace and there was an exquisite vanity table with a three folding mirror, perfumes, cosmetics and everything a girl could ever need. There were already a few boxes of jewellery sat there, ropes of pearls and gold necklaces, set with jewels of all shapes, sizes and colours. I guess my new boss was serious when he said he was going to invest a lot of effort into me. I better not disappoint him, but I can't think about dancing right now with Zuko so sick. At least in the upper ring there were better apothecaries and medicine available, so I went out to buy some more before returning back to our new home.

The air was cleaner and it was far more spacious than what I was used to in the lower ring, but I guess that meant that there would be more rules too. Rules I could deal with, it wasn't too much of a hassle if I just kept my head down and lived quietly. Returning with bundles of stuff in my arm, I prepared some herbal medicine for Zuko and brewed the tea for Iroh before I took a rest, feeling exhausted from all the moving and running around. We continued our routine for several more days, Zuko gradually improving until one morning, he just seemed to wake up completely better.

He'd gotten up before me, apparently going over to his uncle whilst he'd been cooking breakfast and asked for some, despite it being something he'd previously frown on and refuse to eat. I dragged myself out of bed, my hair in a disastrous state and sluggish as I yawned, rubbing my eyes until Zuko suddenly spoke. "Good morning Kayo." I screeched, leaping out of my skin and throwing out my arms as my heart practically stopped from the shock, seeing Zuko sitting at the breakfast table with food. "Did you sleep well?"

"Zuko! What are you…how…what…?" It took a while for my brain to catch up with my mouth and for my heart to recover. "How are you feeling?"

"A lot better actually. You both took such great care of me, I'm really grateful. Thank you." I frowned at him suspiciously as I approached, cautiously poking him in the cheek before tugging at him.

"Are you the real Zuko? You're acting all weird and it's freaky. Go back to being grumpy and taciturn. Right now." Zuko chuckled and waved off my hand, freaking me out all the more.

"I'm fine, I feel better than I have done in a long time. Peaceful. You look hungry, let me get you something to eat. Uncle made jook, it's good." Getting up from his seat, Zuko guided me to sit down and I followed, unable to anything but dumbly sit there as he got me food and even poured me some tea that Iroh had made, though for a while I just stared at it all. "It'll go cold if you don't eat it Kayo. Is everything alright?"

"I'm really starting to question if you've been taken over by some kind of trickster spirit and you're just messing with me." Zuko smiled openly at me, looking soft and approachable, which was a totally new look for Zuko and I wasn't too sure if I was comfortable seeing him like that, being used to his stern stoicism for so long.

"I'm still me, but you need to eat. We've got a big day ahead of us. Uncle's shop opens today and you have your first performance at the dance hall tonight. There's a lot to be excited about, and we're going to need a lot of energy." Pushing my bowl closer towards me as Iroh sat down to join us, a bowl of jook in hand. Still utterly stunned, I slowly picked up my bowl and drank some of the porridge like substance, feeling it warm me instantly. Hm, it would taste even better with a little sugar or honey to sweeten it. "I can't wait to see you perform tonight, you're going to be amazing." I coughed at Zuko's remark, spluttering on the food I hadn't quite swallowed yet.

"W-What? You're coming to watch?"

"Of course, how could we miss your most important debut? We have been given special tickets to watch you from the royal box, the best seats in the house." Iroh proclaimed with a smile, looking so completely fulfilled and happy that I just blinked at the both of them. "You have worked hard for this, and I know that you have also been training other dancers as your apprentices. Zuko is right, you will need your strength so eat plenty. You have grown thin which is not good for muscle tone."

"Uncle's right, you need to take care of yourself Kayo." Zuko agreed and before I knew it, the both of them were talking about the Jasmine Dragon, Iroh's new teashop, and my performance later. Suddenly I felt queasy, growing nervous at the thought of being on such a formal stage in front of all those dignitaries. It was going to be unlike anything I'd ever experienced before, but I also found that kind of thrilling. If only I were able to have my mom come and watch me too, I know she'd be so happy, but at least I had some family there.

Looking up at Zuko and Iroh as they talked, a single tear of happiness rolled down my cheek. I was so lucky to have them with me, and now that I'd recovered from the shock of Zuko's drastic personality change, I couldn't help but feel grateful for everything. After all we'd gone through, we'd finally made it. We each had achieved our dreams, Zuko had found peace, we had a great apartment and more money than we could ever possibly spend…I just hope it lasts. This was the kind of life I could get used to, so I wanted to hold onto it for as long as possible.

Iroh and Zuko left soon to prepare for the opening of their teashop, so I cleared up the kitchen and washed the dishes before heading into the market district to buy them a congratulatory gift. I found the most exquisite porcelain teapot I could find with delicate flowers painted onto the surface with detailed skill and delicacy before buying the matching cups. I had them wrapped and placed in a box for safety, allowing me to carry it before also purchasing a jasmine plant for the shop. With my purchases in hand, I followed them to the teashop where already it was beginning to draw in customers.

"Kayo! Welcome to the Jasmine Dragon. Would you like some tea?" Zuko greeted me eagerly when he saw me, coming right on over. "Those look heavy, let me take them."

"Wow, it almost looks like you're enjoying yourself. I never thought you'd willingly wear a uniform and apron after your clear distaste for it before." I teased him as he took the plant first and put it down before taking the box. "Careful, it's fragile. A congratulations present for you and your uncle, though I guess your uncle will probably appreciate it more."

"You didn't have to do this." Zuko said to me before calling for his uncle. It was still quiet, so we had some time to talk before they would have to get back to their customers.

"Jasmine! I should have thought to have put a plant or two in the shop. Thank you very much little Kayo, your thoughtfulness is most appreciated." Iroh said to me, rubbing my head and even kissing my hair which made me smile contentedly as he then opened the box to reveal the porcelain teapot and cups. He marvelled at them, admiring the brushstrokes and the high quality material with wonder before deciding that this was his new favourite tea set and it would only be used for personal use.

"I'm glad you like it, but I do have one more gift. Two, actually, one each. Here." Pulling out two handkerchiefs from my sleeve, I handed one to Zuko and one to Iroh. "I know that my first embroidered gifts were lost a long time ago, so I thought it was about time to make some more. Also, I was the one who made and embroidered your uniforms. I made the request to our manager and he let me do everything by hand. Every stitch and pattern was made completely by me. Surprise!" Without warning, Iroh's eyes began to water and he sniffed, becoming overwhelmed but I panicked when he started to cry, alarmed to see him so emotional. "Don't you like it? I'm so sorry, you don't have to accept it if you don't like it…"

Cutting me off as I garbled anxiously, Iroh pulled me into a strong embrace and completely engulfed me in his arms. "Thank you. It means the world to me that you would go through so much trouble just for this old fool. I thought I recognised your embroidery when the uniforms returned, after all, the dragons are magnificent. They are wonderful and I shall treasure them always." Moved by his own emotions, I started to sniff too, smiling with a slight tremble until Iroh let me go and Zuko placed his arm around me, comforting me as I took a moment to pull myself back together. "And such beautiful handkerchiefs, you truly are talented. Don't you think our little Kayo has excellent skills, nephew? Look at this needlework! So fine and detailed." Iroh said as he held his handkerchief up in the air to admire it.

"Of course she is, Kayo has many talents." Rolling my eyes at Zuko, I brushed it off and said that it was nothing special, but he insisted, holding up his handkerchief too. They were similar, but not exactly the same. They both had a border pattern but in the corner I'd sewn something different for each. Iroh had a golden dragon breathing fire whilst for Zuko, I had sewn the symbols of the four nations together within a circle, surrounded by waving streams of gold to represent the sun.

"It's to remind you of your uncle's lesson about drawing strength from different places. Not just yourself." I told him bashfully, blushing slightly as he gently rubbed his thumb over the patterns which I had laboriously stitched until I had been satisfied that they were absolutely perfect. Zuko looked at it a little longer before then turning to me, actually stepping closer in order to wrap his arms around me and embrace me tenderly.

"It's perfect. Thank you Kayo. I'll treasure it." Feeling a little flutter at his words, I embarrassedly made a few excuses and played it off as if it were nothing before noticing that they had more customers, so I prompted them to get to brewing and serving tea for their grand opening. Of course I was going to work there too on the days I wasn't performing at the Grand Emerald, the dance house I was now working at, but today I had dress rehearsals so that meant I couldn't stay for long, unfortunately. Wishing them both good luck I hurriedly left in order to get to the hall, knowing that it was better to be a little early to show a good work ethic.

Everyone was very welcoming, already having accepted me as another member of the crew since I'd been teaching the younger dancers for about a week now, since the dance hall was also a dancing school. It taught many art forms, mostly to ladies of high rank so I was careful to mind my manners and ensured that I always looked presentable. Makeup was something I'd never really worn before because it was expensive, but after a few lessons from some of the other girls I was able to properly apply it myself for a day to day basis, though I didn't wear much.

It was different for when we were one stage performing. We had makeup artists, hair stylists and costume designers practically coming out of the walls, the more popular dancers and solo acts having their own teams. I was one of those people as I'd been singled out as a specialty due to my water dancing. I had my own dressing room, my own costumes and team to help me get ready. We rehearsed all day, running through the show and focusing on fixing any problems. We were overseen by the stage manager, Mr Sho, who was snappy and authoritative in order to keep us working on schedule, but very kind and understanding.

When one of the girls twisted her ankle she'd burst into tears, panicking that she wouldn't be able to go on stage later he'd consoled her, assuring her that it wasn't her fault and that we had reserves for just these kind of situations before I'd timidly spoken up. "If you'll let me, I might be able to help."

"You? Well, if you think you can do something, by all means." At first Mr Sho was sceptical, still a little wary of me since I was so new, but when I'd used my water bending to heal the girl's ankle, he'd blinked in surprise as she then rolled her foot and tested it.

"It's all better! I don't feel any pain at all, how did you do that?"

"Oh, it's just a little water bending trick I learned. I'm not sure exactly how I do it since nobody ever taught me, but I'm glad you're feeling better. Just to be sure you should probably take a rest for a while and if it starts to twinge, send someone to come find me. If it hurts a lot again by later, then we'll see if you'll need to sit tonight out." Nodding her head eagerly, she got up and tested putting her weight on her foot, but finding no issues, she thanked me again then turned to Mr Sho who waved her away.

"Do as she says, and try not to break anything else before tonight's show."

"Yes sir!" Dancing away happily, I looked away awkwardly. This guy was so hard to read, it was a little unnerving but when I finally looked back to see him grinning, I blinked in surprise. "You really are quite extraordinary. I see Mr Quon was right about you. A jewel among pebbles, that's what he said." I blushed at the compliment.

"Mr Quon is too kind, I just love dancing, that's all, and I happen to be a water bender." I waved humbly before clearing my throat. "I should get back to rehearsals." Bowing respectfully to Mr Sho, I returned to what I had been doing before until we finished for the day, allowing us some time to rest before the actual show. I was a little nervous, but standing in the side wings I was able to see Zuko and Iroh already there as the seats started to fill up. Mr Quon was with them, treating them like royalty and I sighed with relief. I feel much better knowing that they're out there. Now, on with the show.

The acts and performances were all spectacular in their own way, entertaining the audience who all applauded in appreciation at the end of each set until we came closer and closer to the final dance. My dance. The stage had been completely remade in order to create the perfect scene for me, the ground opening up to allow streams of water to circle around the stage, several earth benders quickly creating several pillars and mounds from which water burst forth to make a waterfall, everything moving quickly as the audience oohed, mesmerised by the changing scenery. Ugh…I feel like I'm going to throw up.

Once the stage was set, the lights were darkened so everything was plunged into blackness, all candles and lights being snuffed or reduced to a tiny glimmer so that I could step onto stage in my performance outfit. It was very similar to what I used to wear for dancing before, a simple top that exposed my midriff and puffed bottoms made from exquisite material with crystals sewn into the belt. Parts of my costume glittered when I started to water bend, catching the light as a spotlight fell on me and a louder awe sounded from the audience as I took a long, steady breath. I guess this was it. I'd made it. Mom, cross your fingers for me wherever you are. This one's for you.

Dancing with everything I had, I poured all of my emotion into every single movement, holding nothing back as I used the water like cascading ribbons, spiralling on my toes before leaping into the air with such explosive power I practically flew, rising over eight feet in the air whilst extending my legs so that they were parallel to the floor, arching backwards gracefully as the water followed my hands before they curled downwards whilst I landed, turning with me and wrapping around me like twin dragons soaring around me before I combined them into one and continued with my water bending motions.

The music thrummed and everything started to simply fall into place, surrounding me in such a state of euphoria that I completely forgot about the audience and danced purely for myself. With a leap I surfed on a wave before rising up the waterfall to stand upon the peak the earth benders had made, dancing joyfully and unable to contain my smile as I then danced from peak to peak with spins, twirls, leaps and bounds before we began to reach the end of my routine. The fast paced yet graceful movements displayed the power and beauty of water bending, the flowing grace of its art form as I began to create ice structures which arched and curved around the stage, catching the light and glittering until I pulled all the water that remained on stage and formed a veil around me, letting it swirl and cascade with spiralling swiftness before I tilted my head backwards and lifted my hands up, fingers opening and the water followed.

It bloomed into a water flower, the petals opening before freezing into solid form whilst I emerged from within, standing upon an ice platform on the tip of my toe with one leg extended upwards behind me whilst I gripped my foot with both hands. It was a difficult pose to hold, especially on ice but I cheated slightly, allowing the ice to encase my foot to help me maintain the pose as the music ended and the stage was left with a giant frozen flower and me standing at the centre. The routine received the loudest and most extended applause of the night, allowing me some time to catch my breath before I swiftly dispelled of all the ice and water, draining it away down the pipes that had been laid under the stage before I could bow.

When the curtain finally dropped the noise dulled and for a few moments, I was left alone on stage. It was a moment of perfect clarity, sweating from the strenuous dance, my heart racing whilst the applause continued to thrum in my ears, leaving me in a tranquil trance as I soaked it all in. Finally, my dream had come true. I had danced upon one of the grandest stages in the world, to an audience that exceeded the thousands, with a full orchestra and the most dazzling lights I had ever seen. I don't think anything else could happen in my life that could top this moment, it was…phenomenal.

"Kayo! Kayo you were incredible!" Suddenly I was swarmed with people, the stage crew and other dancers rushing to meet me as I turned around to face them, that moment of pure serenity now lost as I returned back to reality. There were so many people that I hardly knew where to look or what to say, however when Mr Quon arrived with Iroh and Zuko with him, everybody broke away and quickly returned to their duties when he gave the order.

"Well my dear, you are most certainly going to have a long and prosperous career here. If you stay with me, I will ensure that you dance on only the best stages all around the world. Even the king himself will not be able to look away from you once I secure an invitation to have my company perform for him at his next banquet." Still a little overwhelmed by everything, I was barely able to utter out a thank you before Iroh quickly suggested that I should get some rest. "Of course, of course, although I it was just the one set tonight, you did very well. Next week we shall have to start work on you joining others in their routines and creating more of your own. I have great plans for you, young lady, great plans." He promised before snapping his fingers, summoning his entourage and leaving in order to take care of business.

"You should be proud Kayo, you were amazing out there." Zuko said to me as I finally exhaled. "Let's get out of here, we should celebrate. Today marks the day our lives finally changed for the better."

"You're right, my nephew. Come little Kayo, you should get changed and we can return home where we can have tea. You look like you need something calming and refreshing." Blinking I finally recovered my senses and my voice, smiling as I reached out to take them both by the hand and letting the overflow of happiness wash over me until I could barely contain it.

"Tea…sounds wonderful."