One afternoon while Iroh was working in the tea shop three men approached him.

"So you're the genius behind this incredible brew," said one of the men named Quon. "The whole city is buzzing about you. I hope Pao pays you well."

"Good tea is its own reward," said Iroh.

"But it doesn't have to be the only reward," said Quon. "How would you like to have your own tea shop?"

"My own tea shop?" asked Iroh. "This is a dream come true."

"What's going on here?" asked Pao having overheard the conversation. "Are you trying to poach my tea maker?"

"Sorry, Pao, that's business for you. Am I right?"

"Mushi," said Pao, "If you stay, I'll...make you assistant manager...wait, senior assistant manager."

"I'll provide you with a new apartment in the Upper Ring," said Quon. "The tea shop is yours to do whatever you want—complete creative freedom."

"I even get to name the shop?" asked Iroh.

"Of course," he said.

"Uh, senior executive assistant manager?" said Pao.

Iroh handed Pao the teapot he was holding and bowed to the man who had made him the offer.

"Did you hear, Nephew?" asked Iroh as Zuko walked by. "This man wants to give us our own tea shop in the Upper Ring of the city."

"That's right, young man," said Quon. "Your life is about to change for the better."

"I'll try to contain my joy," said Zuko unenthusiastically.

He walked outside to take a break. As he leaned against the building, a piece of paper floated down and he reached up and caught it. His eyes grew wide when he focused on the image of Appa. He looked around at the sky, and then he climbed on the roof and looked out over the city knowing the Avatar was out there somewhere

Iroh immediately went home to the apartment anxious to tell Chiara the good news and prepare for the move.

"Lin, Lin," he called as he entered.

"What is it? What's wrong?" she asked.

"We're moving to the Upper Ring of the city," he said.

"What?" she asked. "Why?"

"I have been offered my own tea shop to do whatever I wish, even name it."

"That's incredible. I'm so happy for you," she said as she hugged him.

"We must pack. I want to go as soon as possible."

"Where's Prince Zuko?" she asked.

"He wandered off somewhere," he said unconcerned as he pulled out a small chest. "I'm sure he'll be back soon."

They began gathering what few belongings they had, and not long after they started, Zuko returned.

"So I was thinking about names for my new tea shop," said Iroh as he packed. "How about the Jasmine Dragon? It's dramatic, poetic, has a nice ring to it."

Zuko walked up to him and held out the poster. "The Avatar's here in Ba Sing Se," he said. "And he's lost his bison."

Iroh took the poster and looked at it, but Chiara quickly walked up and took it from him.

"Not Appa," she said as she read it. "I love that sky bison."

"We have a chance for a new life here," said Iroh to Zuko. "If you start stirring up trouble, we could lose all the good things that are happening for us."

"Good things that are happening for you," said Zuko. "Have you ever thought that I'd want more from life than a nice apartment and a job serving tea?"

"There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is that you want from your life and why."

"I want my destiny."

"What that means is up to you," said Iroh.

Zuko walked off.

"The Tea Weevil," suggest Iroh. "No, that's stupid."

"I like the Jasmine Dragon," said Chiara softly as she worried about Zuko.

That night, Zuko was getting ready to sneak out of the apartment. He did not notice that Chiara was up.

"You want some company?" she asked him.

"Uh...no. I...I just want to be alone for a while."

He abruptly left. Iroh got up and saw Chiara awake.

"He's never going to let this go," she said.

The Blue Spirit was running down the street and pushed aside an agent of the Dai Li.

"Out of my way, skinny."

He turned down an alley. The Dai Li agent pursued him, and turning a corner, he saw the Blue Spirit standing down the alley. He attacked him knocking off his head making him realize it was not human. Suddenly, the Blue Spirit appeared behind the agent holding a sword to his throat.

"If you don't want to end up like him, you'll do what I say," he threatened.

Later, beneath Lake Laogai, the Blue Spirit opened the door of Appa's cell. Appa stood up.

"Expecting someone else?" he asked the bison. He walked in and drew his swords.

Appa began growling and stomping trying to intimidate him.

"You're mine now," he said.

The door behind him opened. He turned around holding his swords defensively only to see Iroh and Chiara who had followed him.

"Uncle?" said Zuko.

"So, the Blue Spirit...," said Iroh.

"Huh, I always thought the Blue Spirit was really a myth," said Chiara nonchalantly, though she felt the warmth rising in her cheeks.

"I wonder who it could be behind that mask," said Iroh.

"Maybe it really is the Avatar," said Chiara, "you know, since he's with Appa."

Zuko sighed and took off the mask. "What are you doing here?"

"I was just about to ask you the same thing," said Iroh.

While they were talking, Chiara carefully approached Appa.

"What do you plan to do now that you found the Avatar's bison?" asked Iroh. "Keep it locked in our new apartment? Should I go put on a pot of tea for him?"

"First, I have to get it out of here," said Zuko.

"And then what?!" yelled Iroh. "You never think these things through. This is exactly what happened when you captured the Avatar at the North Pole. You had him and then you had no where to go!"

"I would've figured something out," said Zuko.

"No! If his friends hadn't found you, you would've frozen to death!"

"Ugh...I know my own destiny, Uncle."

"Is it your own destiny or is it a destiny someone else has tried to force on you?"

"Stop it, Uncle! I have to do this."

"I'm begging you, Prince Zuko, it's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions: who are you and what do you want?"

"Aah!" yelled Zuko throwing down his swords and mask.

Chiara had slowly made her way towards Appa softly talking to him while Iroh had been admonishing Zuko.

"Appa, you are so beautiful," she said. "It'll be okay." She tenderly caressed him. "You must miss Aang, you poor thing."

Zuko looked back, surprised to see Chiara so close to the creature's face and caressing it, yet it did not attack her. He was even more surprised to see that it was nuzzling her. He went around and began releasing its legs from the shackles.

"He's been looking for you," Chiara said softly to Appa.

Once it was free, Zuko grabbed Chiara's hand pulling her away, and then they watched as Appa waved his tail and flew off.

"I just love that sky bison," she said.

They quickly made their way out and emerged from beneath the lake.

"You did the right thing, Nephew."

Zuko looked down at the Blue Spirit mask, and Iroh placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Leave it behind," he said.

Zuko dropped it in the lake, and then they went home.

"You did the right thing," said Iroh as he shut the door to their apartment, "letting the Avatar's bison go free."

Chiara looked worriedly at Zuko who looked weak and pale.

"Are you okay?" she asked him.

"I don't feel right," he said as his vision went out of focus.

He dropped to the ground.

"Prince Zuko," said Chiara kneeling down by his side.

"Zuko," said Iroh as he ran to him.

"He's burning up," she said.

Iroh, lifting him up, carried him to his room and placed him gently on his mat as Chiara followed. She knelt down beside him, and taking some water, she tried to heal him, but he was not responding to her treatment.

"I don't understand why it's not working," she said.

"It's not a natural sickness," said Iroh.

They both stayed by his side trying to keep his fevered body cool with a wet towel.

"You're burning up," said Iroh when Zuko opened his eyes. "You have an intense fever."

Chiara wet the towel again and placed it over his head. "This will help cool you down," she said.

"So thirsty," he said weakly.

He sat up, but Iroh laid him back down.

"Here's some clean water to drink," said Iroh as he offered him some. "Stay under the blankets and sweat this out."

Zuko drank the water Iroh offered, and then drank the water from the bucket. When he lay back down, Chiara covered him.

Later, when he woke again, Iroh prepared some tea.

"You should know," he said, "this is not a natural sickness. But that shouldn't stop you from enjoying tea."

Iroh helped him up, and Chiara held his cup for him to drink.

"Wh-what's happening?" asked Zuko.

"Your critical decision," said Iroh. "What you did beneath that lake, it was in such conflict with your image of yourself that you are now at war within your own mind and body."

"What's that mean?" he asked.

"You are going through a metamorphosis, my nephew. It will not be a pleasant experience, but when you come out of it you will be the beautiful prince you were always meant to be."

As it grew later, Iroh and Chiara had both fallen asleep near Zuko, but he awoke with a yell which woke Chiara who immediately sat up and moved close to him.

"Prince Zuko," she said as she tenderly touched his face.

He touched his scar.

"You're still feverish," she said. "Lie down."

He obeyed, and she pulled the blanket over him and tenderly caressed his head until he fell asleep again.

They remained in their old apartment until Zuko's fever broke. The day after, they gathered their few belongings and climbed into an ostrich horse-drawn cart provided by Quon to take them to the Upper Ring.

"This is so exciting," said Iroh. "My own tea shop in the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se."

"I'm so proud of you," said Chiara who was sitting across from Iroh and next to Zuko. She looked up at him. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired."

She tenderly touched his cheek and forehead, her soft touch making his stomach flutter.

"You feel a little warm," she said. "When we get there, you just relax. I'll make you some tea."

As the cart was moving through the streets they heard someone singing outside. Chiara looked out and saw the man who tried to rob her and Zuko.

"Lee, look!" she said.

Zuko looked out and laughed when he saw the man singing.

"Stop the cart," she said.

Iroh called to the driver to stop, and Chiara pulled out some coins and held them out the window. The man walked over and took them from her. His eyes grew wide when he recognized her and Zuko.

"Thank you for the entertainment," she said.

He bowed to her, and then they continued on their way.

"A friend of yours?" Iroh asked them.

Zuko and Chiara looked at each other and shrugged.

"Not really," said Zuko.

When they arrived at their new apartment, they stepped out of the cart, and Chiara picked up her bag and then quickly grabbed Zuko's as he reached for it.

"I've got it," she said.

"I can carry my own bag," he said.

"Just follow Father," she said not relinquishing it.

He sighed, but obeyed.

"Look at this kitchen," said Iroh in awe. "It's perfect for making tea."

The apartment was enormous compared to their tiny Lower Ring flat, and they would each have their own bedroom.

"Pick a room and go to bed," Chiara said to Zuko as she set her bag down.

He started towards the room closest to where he was standing. "This can be our room," he said.

"I heard that," said Iroh as he was placing his teapot collection in the kitchen.

Chiara was giggling as she followed him into the room.

"You're going to find yourself in trouble if you keep that up," she said as she set his bag on the floor.

He smiled. "With who? The Dragon or the Dragon's Daughter?" he asked as he sat on the bed and started taking off his shoes.

"Both," she smiled. "Now lie down." She started pulling the blanket back allowing him to lie underneath.

She laid it over him and then tenderly caressed his head.

"I'm going to make you mint tea. It might help perk you up."

He grabbed her hand before she could walk away. She had always been there for him since the day they met, but ever since she returned from traveling with his uncle, she had taken care of him—in the caldera after he became prince, on the ship during his banishment, in the Earth Kingdom during his exile. She was always there for him and never stopped loving him. He had always seen it in her, but too often blinded by his own ambitions he did not always appreciate it the way he did at that moment.

"Thank you, Chiara," he said softly.

She smiled at him. He kissed her hand and then let her go. After making his tea she brought it to him and then unpacked his bag for him putting his clothes away.

"We're going to go over to the Jasmine Dragon to see how the decorations are going. You'll be okay here on your own?"

He nodded. "I'll be fine."

"I'd like to say we won't be long, but...you know..."

He laughed as he understood Iroh's excitement about his new shop. "Yeah, I know."

That afternoon, after returning from the tea shop, Chiara made lunch serving Zuko's in his room. She did the same with dinner, and she also kept him company playing cards and Pai Sho with him while Iroh drew up his menu and pondered various new tea concoctions.

For the next couple of days, Iroh and Chiara were in and out of the apartment preparing the tea shop for its grand opening. Chiara continued serving Zuko his meals in his room and keeping him apprised on everything going on.

On the morning of the grand opening Zuko walked out of his room.

"What's that smell?" he asked as Chiara had been cooking.

"It's jook," she said.

"I'm sure you wouldn't like it," said Iroh as he had been helping her.

Zuko walked over to the stove and smelled the aroma coming from the pot.

"Actually," he said, "it smells delicious." He picked up a bowl. "I'd love a bowl."

Iroh and Chiara looked at each other.

"Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow," said Iroh.

Chiara served him the porridge.

"It's a new day," said Zuko. "We got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle." He took a sip of his porridge.

Iroh smiled.

After breakfast, they all went to the Jasmine Dragon for the grand opening.

"Who thought when we came to this city as refugees that I'd end up owning my own tea shop?" said Iroh. "Follow your passion, Zuko, and life will reward you."

"Congratulations, Uncle," said Zuko.

"I'm very thankful."

"You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city."

"No," said Iroh. "I"m thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know."

Zuko hugged him.

"Now let's make these people some tea," said Zuko.

"Yes, let's make some tea."

The weeks following the grand opening were busy ones as the Jasmine Dragon was very successful and popular. Iroh had been elated over its success, and Zuko and Chiara were happy for him. Chiara worked with them during the afternoons when it was busiest, and she spent the rest of the day at the apartment preparing dinner and doing other chores. In the evenings after dinner, as well as on days Iroh gave him downtime, Zuko would take Chiara out and they would explore the Upper Ring together.

One evening after closing, Iroh set two cups of tea on a table. Zuko walked out of the kitchen ready to leave when he saw Iroh sitting by himself with the two cups.

"What's that for, Uncle?"

"I wanted to speak with you before we go home," he answered.

Zuko was puzzled, but he sat down across from him.

"Zuko, I know you were not happy starting a new life here in Ba Sing Se, but we have come a long way from being poor refugees."

"Yes, we did, Uncle."

"You've been a great help to me in the tea shop, but now I think it's time for you to take the next step."

"Are-are you firing me?" he asked worriedly.

Iroh laughed. "No, no. I just think you should get out more. You're a young man. You have your whole life ahead of you, a new life, and it should be filled with family. A...a wife and children."

Zuko was stunned by Iroh's suggestion. He was not sure what to say. "Are-are you saying I can marry...Chiara now?"

"What?!" asked Iroh. "No, not at all. I was suggesting you go out, but with other lady friends."

"Why not Chiara?" he asked. "I don't understand. You told me as prince I couldn't marry her, but I'm not the prince anymore."

"I've had a few young men ask for her hand...," said Iroh thoughtfully.

"Really?" he asked worriedly.

"Yes. But I did not believe any of them were worthy of such a treasure...well, Shoza came close..."

"Shoza?!" he said angrily, his fist hitting the table harder than he intended causing the tea cups to nearly tip over. "He asked to marry her?"

"Yes. I was quite impressed with him..."

"What do you mean impressed? Impressed how?"

"He...well...he didn't have a problem with her linea..."

"Neither do I! You know I never cared about where she came from."

"I know, but under the circumstances, I could not allow you to marry her."

"But that's changed now. I'm never going back home. This is my life," he added a bit sadly. "So why can't I choose her now? Do...do you not think I'm worthy?"

"Certainly not..."

"Is she already promised to someone?"

"No."

"She's not...," started Zuko not really wanting to ask, but needing to know the answer. "...she's not your real daughter from...some Earth Kingdom...you know...concubine?"

Iroh started laughing loud and hard.

"Is she?" ask Zuko annoyed that he found it so funny.

"You know," he started as he was wiping the tears from his eyes, "that is a distinct possibility..."

"Come on, Uncle! Are you serious?"

"Some of these Earth Kingdom women...they've got quite the build for making babies..."

"No! Stop! I don't want to hear that!"

"If you insist," said Iroh laughing at his reaction.

"You didn't answer me," said Zuko.

"I was trying to explain..."

"All you had to say was 'yes' or 'no'. I don't need a graphic explanation."

Iroh was still chuckling at Zuko's question.

"No, Nephew, she's not a blood relative," he finally said.

Zuko felt relieved, very relieved, to hear it.

"She has been a precious gift to me though," he continued. "I guess I'm not ready to let her go."

"But it's not like she'd be going anywhere. We'll still live with you. And Chiara really loves you. She'll never leave you."

Iroh smiled as he thought about it. "I have watched you two grow so close over the years, and it's been...difficult to force you apart. I suppose then it's time to allow her to express her feelings for you."

"She...wait...you know how she feels about me?"

"I have known for a while."

"Since when?"

"When you confined her to her quarters for allowing the Avatar to escape, she confided to me her feelings for you knowing she could never tell you."

"Why...why did she tell you that?"

"Because she would never deliberately do anything to hurt you, but she feared you were becoming like your father."

Zuko considered Iroh's words.

"She told me how she felt before I went off on my own," he said softly.

Iroh was surprised to learn this.

"She told me she wanted me to know that whenever I felt alone, someone somewhere loved me and was thinking about me."

Iroh was impressed.

Zuko looked up at him. "So we can get married now?" he asked feeling the excitement in his chest.

"No," said Iroh. Zuko suddenly felt let down. "There is a test you must pass first."

"A test?"

"Yes. You will see, but you must say nothing to Chiara until I give you my blessing...if, of course, you pass the test."

Zuko was curious about the "test," but he was a bit worried as well.