Crossroads


Hello! I'm glad that this story is liked by many people. I have plenty of Story Alerts and Favorite Story Alerts. That's always a good incentive to make me write faster. Here are some points that I would like to go over. Toph's behavior is, well, let's just put it like this: she's not a child anymore. She's nineteen going on twenty years old. She's a single mother - a fearless and determined mother - and adores her son with all her heart. She'll do anything to protect him. And it has always been them two -mother and child - but here comes Sokka out of nowhere; back in to her life and wants to tell her what's to do. Yes, he is right, but he also has to understand her fears. This is her child and she has her reasons why she chose to keep him a secret from Zuko. She fears that he might take her son from her and that's the biggest fear any parent has. I hope this sheds some light in to the story. Also, a special thanks to missingthepoint, my anonymous reviewer, TT, Twilightlover26, sweetheart100, Opi Uchiha, and everyone that reviewed!

-Serenity


Reunion

It had been a long night for Toph. She could barely close her eyes to sleep. She tossed and turned and adjusted her pillow many times, but it was impossible to get some rest. All she could do is think of what to do next. She was aware that she would soon face Zuko; knowing the Fire Lord, he would probably be spewing fire from his nostrils and ears the moment he knew the truth. She gulped loudly; this was harder than anything she'd ever faced. Why did she have to be nervous about it? She'd come across worst situations and she'd vanquished them all. She'd beaten warriors, brought down legions of soldiers, and fought many countless foes; she'd also seen death's face many times in her short life and it had never been this nerve-racking. Her head hurt just thinking of how he would take to the news of finding out that she'd bore him a son. A rightful heir to the Fire Nation kingdom. She shuddered at the thought of how, the once vanished prince - now the powerful Fire Lord of the Fire Nation - Zuko, would take the news.

"I'm scared," she breathed, touching her son's forehead and held him tightly close to her heart. He sighed dreamingly and snuggled closer to his mother's safe embrace. "He won't take you from me. I promise, Rae. He won't take you from me." she said with determination, a lonely tear strolling down her face.

She could see the outlines of her son's face in her mind. It was dark, but she could see the features of her son's nose, lips, and small face. It was difficult to see intricate details; like the color of his hair, skin and eyes, but she could see him. There were similarities to Zuko. She watched her son lovingly. He was her light. She couldn't see the colors of the world, but her heart saw the light her son cast upon her dark universe. He was her reason to fight, to continue living. He'd given her the strength to face the world, even when she felt so alone and broken. Rae's name had been chosen for him even before she heard his first cry. He became her ray of hope; the force behind her life. She lived for him and that was her purpose in life.

"Rae," she whispered, running her hand on the boy's shaggy hair and inhaled his scent. "I wish it had been different." she said, caressing his pale face with her trembling hand. "I tried telling him about you. I swear that I tried. I had friends write letters to him," she paused and inhaled sadly. "But I ripped them and threw them in the garbage. I was and I am still afraid of what he would do if he saw you. I don't want him to take you from me. He can have many other sons and daughters, but you are all that I have." she wept, her warm tears falling on her son's cheek. "You are all that I have."

She closed her eyes, resting her head on her pillow and stared blankly at the ceiling of her earth tent. Everything was dark to her. The light of the stars or the moon were unknown to her. Only the darkness was her companion; her only friend. She thought of him. Zuko's voice rang in her head. He was still her vanished prince. The teenager that sought ways to redeem himself in front of his father and regain his honor. He was the one she fell in love with. She couldn't remember how it started. Maybe it was during those nights' talks they had when they patrolled or the way he always worried about her safety. She didn't know when she began to love him. All she knew was that he slowly became her favorite person in the world.

The silly crush she had on Sokka disappeared and Zuko silently entered her heart. At thirteen years old, she knew that the brooding prince was the only one for her. She didn't really know if it was love, but she knew that it was closed to it. She'd enjoy listening to the ring of his raspy voice and the rapid thuds of his heart as he spoke quietly in front of the burning fire. He seemed to see in to her soul and she knew that he understood her. They both felt abandoned by their parents; deserted by the world.

They knew what it felt to be set aside and left on your own, to find your way. She knew how lonely he felt, because she'd been in the same position for twelve long years. She silently loved him, and stood beside him as he became the rightful ruler of the Fire Nation. She'd been there for him; she was his friend. She'd been there when he gathered the gang to witness an important event in his life. It was the afternoon when he hosted a masquerade ball; Katara had told her that he'd dressed elegantly. She longed to see him; when he stood beside her and asked her to dance; he'd practically taken her breath away.

"You look beautiful, Toph," he whispered in her ear, as they danced. "I need your help tonight."

"What for?"

"It's a surprise," he laughed merrily. "You'll have to wait and see... I mean, hear."

"Idiot," she laughed and punched him on the arm.

Later, his servants had escort them to a private room; she'd been anxious to know what the surprise was. Something great was about to happen. Zuko asked them to remove their mask. Mai stood beside Toph, looking as disinterested as ever. He moved closer to Toph and leaned closer.

"Here comes the surprise," he said, when he got on one knee and asked Mai to become his wife. She didn't respond there, but later that night, asked him to give her time to think. Toph's heart was beyond repair. It'd been shattered in to so many pieces that she'd feared that it would never be complete again. She tried to be there for him. She smiled and faked happiness. She tried to be strong, but it was too much. She couldn't pretend anymore.

"Stupid Sokka," she said frustrated. "Your stupid words had to resurface all these feelings."

She blamed him. Having Sokka near brought forth many hidden feelings and so much confusion. He'd been right. Zuko needed to meet his son. That stupid, moronic, friend of hers was at fault. His words had cut sharply through her soul. She knew that there was logic behind everything he'd said; they were true, but nonetheless, his words still stung her. She knew that her son had a right to meet his father and Zuko had every right to meet his son. She felt guilty for taking that chance away from her son and from Zuko. But she'd been scared! She was frightened of what would become of her son if he was raised in a strict society, warped by their ideas of honor, and traditions of the Fire Nation. Would Zuko use his power to take him from her? No, she wanted to believe that Zuko was the same young man that she'd befriended and loved. She seriously wanted to believe that her fears were wrongly based. She didn't know how long she stayed awake thinking of the many outcomes that could happen.

Rae shifted in her arms and yawned loudly, bringing her back to reality. "Momma," Rae whispered, shifting to his side on the sleeping bag. "It's morning," he yawned, stretching his little arms above his head and smiled at her.

"Yes, it's morning," she said, her worries melting at the sound of his voice. "Did you sleep all right?"

"Yes, you held me." He nodded, aware that his mother could see him with the aid of the vibrations that came from the earth.

"We should pack and get ready to return to Hana, Rae."

"Why?" he asked, sitting up. "Are you coming back with me?"

"No, son," she said, lowering her voice. "I have to help my friends. I didn't think it through," she paused and ran her hand over his hair. "I don't want anything or anyone to harm you."

"No, Momma," he said, shaking his head, a silent tear rolled down his creamy face and he stared astonished at his mother. "You promised that you would never leave me," he whispered sadly. "You lied."

Her insides constricted and her sightless eyes pooled with unshed tears. "I know and it will only be temporarily. I promise that I'll be back, Rae."

"No," he sniffled, wiping his own tears and raised his chin proudly. If Toph could only see his topaz eyes, looking at her. She reached for his shoulder and sighed. "Don't let me go to Hana's house alone." He said sadly. "Let me go with you. We've never been separated."

"Son," she said exasperated with herself and with the world. "What if something were to happen to you? I would die,"

"No, you'll protect me," he said, hugging his mother. He rested his cheek on the crook of her neck and wept. "I don't want to go without you, Momma."

"We'll be together again," she said, pushing him slightly. "You'll be happy playing with your friends. I don't know how long I'll be out, Rae. A good mother would think of the safety of her son."

"No, no, no," he said, shaking his head. "I want to go with you. I want to meet your friends. I'll be a good boy." He said, giving her a knowing smile. "I want to go and meet your friends from the Fire Nation…" he trailed off. "They can teach me how to become a better firebender," he paused. "I can be like you… a pro- pro- pro," he stuttered, his little hand tangled in his mother's dark hair.

"Prodigy,"

"Mmm-hmm," he nodded, sobbing dejectedly. "Prodigy,"

"You are a prodigy, Rae," she said soothingly. "No one in our village can firebend," she said, trying to cheer him on. "It's a privilege to bend blue flames."

"It is?"

"Yes, Rae," she smiled sadly. "You possess natural talents that exceed those of your mother... We just can't tell anyone about your ability to firebend, son."

"You don't want anyone to know," he said, pouting. "What if I am alone at Hana's house and use firebending? I'll get in trouble... but if you are there, I won't. I want to come too. Why can't I come with you?"

"You can't come. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. There's probably going to be danger lurking around us," she sighed, falling back on the sleeping bag. "Who knows what they'll do to us - to you. There are still those that oppose the Fire Lord and the Avatar. There is always danger around them."

"Sokka can protect us," he giggled next to her ear. "He's a warrior,"

"Yeah, sure, don't believe him," she scoffed and ran a hand over her face. "I don't want to be separated from you, either… but as your mother, I have to think of what's best for you."

"You are what's best for me," he said knowingly. Toph wished that she could see her son, but was grateful that she could see details of his profile take shape in her mind. The darkness molded to the magnetic impulses that his breathing and movements created with the ground. "I want to stay with you." He said, crossing his arms before his little chest.

She knew that he was right. Her son would be safer with her. She sighed and touched the bracelet of space rock she'd given him. "Fine," she said exasperated. "You'll come, but you keep this bracelet with you at all times. Don't ever take it off. Got it?"

"Yes, Momma!" he said happily. "I won't ever take it off." The bracelet sent different and more powerful impulses than the ground she sat on did. The sound of his heart was accentuated thanks to the bracelet; making them louder and much easier to detect them from a distance. "I'll be safe with you, Mom."

She knew that her son would be better off with Hana; in a place where nothing would harm him. But her heart would always wonder how he was doing. What if she never got to see him again? She didn't know what this journey had in stored for her. Sokka was also right, Zuko needed to meet his son. She needed to make things right from now on. If it was destined for them to meet, she would not interfere.

Damn it! She thought bitterly. Damn it all! I can't leave him behind!

"Ugh! Get ready, Rae," she said and got to her feet. "We have a long journey ahead of us." She said tiredly.

She'd barely slept at all. She thought about her son, her life, Zuko and Sokka's words and how right he'd been. She hated when people were correct and she wasn't. She knew that she could be petulant and haughty when she wanted to be.

A sleepless night, followed by a long day, she thought bitterly.

Last night had been similar to those other countless sleepless night when she laid on her sleeping bag, or futon, thinking about what she should do. Her son was growing up so fast. He would soon start questioning her about his father. He'd done it once. It was during the winter solstice when the Song village had their annual festival and he saw his friends with their fathers. He'd cried because some kids made fun of him for not having a dad. Toph cried silently, as she held her son in her arms, comforting him.

"It'll be all right, Rae," She'd whispered in his ear, as tears fell down her face. "One day, I'll tell you everything. You'll know about your father... but for now, you have me, son." He'd nodded and fell asleep. She'd touched his tear-stained face and wept, until her own tears ceased for that night.

She sighed softly and helped her son get ready. They packed their belongings and when they were done, Toph made the earth tent walls fall down and she inhaled fresh air. The sound of wood was crackling and the scent of meat being cooked under the fire, completely woke up her senses. She smiled thankful to Sokka. The anger she felt towards him slowly faded in to nothingness. From past experience, she'd learned that Sokka only cooked when he was troubled or wanted to apologize for something he'd done wrong.

"Um, Toph," Sokka said nervously. He kept his distance and looked at Toph and her son. "I made breakfast. It's not as good as what Katara or Suki would make, but I made it especially for you and your son," he said in an apologetic tone.

"Thanks," she muttered and sat her bags beside her feet.

"I'll get our stuff ready, so we can leave after breakfast," he said and walked to where she stood and grabbed the bags and placed them on the ostrich-horses. "There's plenty of food," he said over his shoulders.

"Thanks again, Sokka," Toph said, as she grabbed the plate that Rae had served her. They sat around the fire and ate in silence.

"This is good," Rae said with his mouth full.

"I'm glad that you like it, Rae," Sokka said proudly.

"It's better than Mom's food," Rae said with gusto.

"I'm glad that I cook better than your mom,"

They finished eating and quickly got on their animals and were on their way to the next small town. It took at least three hours, but Sokka could see the small buildings in the distance. Rae was excited too. He'd never been out of the Song village. It was always good to travel, meet the places his mom had described for him. He'd always dreamed of traveling the world. He wanted to meet many people; see the world. He wanted to experience the kinds of adventure his mother was always talking about in his bedtime stories.

Sokka turned to look at the child and smirked. He liked the kid… sort of, only when he was smiling and not brooding like his parents. He was still a little cautious whenever he looked at Rae; he didn't want the kid snitching to his mom. But he had to accept it, looking at Rae was like staring at a vivid portrait of his father, Zuko. The simple thought made him to shiver. Imagine two Zuko's in the world.

"Mom, I can see the city and the big, tall buildings," he said contently, pointing at the horizon. "I, wow! Song village is so tiny compared to this one." He exclaimed, covering his eyes from the sun light. He continued admiring the view, when he saw a dark cloud hovering over them. "Momma, I see a shadow in the sky!" he shouted excitedly. "It's big and it's coming our way!"

"A shadow?" Toph said, raising a questioning eyebrow. A loud, familiar gnarling sound caught Toph's attention and caused her to smile. "Did I just hear Appa?" she said, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She disliked flying on the bison, but she sure loved the hairy beast.

"Yep," Sokka said nervously. "I think they spotted us." He'd wondered how the rest of the gang was going to the news of Toph's son. "Are you okay with them knowing about your son?"

"What do you mean? Why will Mom be worried?" Rae asked questioningly. Toph ruffled his hair and kissed the crown of his head.

"Sokka, please," she said between clenched teeth. She sighed. "He didn't mean anything by it, Rae. Don't pay him too much attention," she said, resting her forehead on the back of his neck. "Are you ready to meet the rest of my old friends?" she asked.

"Yes," Rae nodded and let her help him off the animal.

"Have you heard of the Avatar?" Sokka asked.

"Mom says he's her age," Rae said snootily.

"He is," Sokka said, inclining his head. "They are also friends."

"For real?"

"Yes," Sokka said proudly. "Do you want to meet him?" Rae nodded and hopped excitedly on the tips of his toes. "Well, he is a great friend of ours. We are practically family." He said proudly. Rae listened attentively. "He saved the world from the Fire Nation when they had the old Fire Lord. The Avatar can master four elements, Rae: air, water, earth, and fire."

"The Avatar can teach me how to firebend," Rae said turning to his mother. "He can teach me, right?"

"Yeah," she said melancholic and for a second wished that it was Zuko teaching their son the art of firebending. "He can."

"I have a friend that is a firebending master," Sokka said, crouching to be eye level with the child. "He's one of the greatest and he is the new Fire Lord. He's kind and... He can teach you. I'll bet that he would be proud to teach you, Rae." He felt the tiny earthbender scoffed annoyed. "Your mom can tell you more about him." he said cockily, thinking that Toph wouldn't hurt him.

"For real?"

"Yes, Rae," Sokka said, nodding; he glanced at Toph and felt the ground beneath him crumbled. He fell in to a hole and silently cursed at Toph. He couldn't move. He was stuck under a pile of dirt, only his head was uncovered. "Get me out of here," he demanded.

"Mom," Rae looked down at him and offered him his small hand.

"I can't move my hand, Rae,"

"Mom, can you let him out? He was being nice." He laughed. She did as her son asked and sent Sokka flying a few feet above the ground. Rae laughed loudly and placed his hands over his stomach and sighed. "That was funny, but you tell Kan or the Yong twins not to use their bending to hurt others."

"True, but Mommy wanted to see Sokka fly," she said, walking around her son; feeling the vibration that Appa's landing sent her way. "Come, Rae, let's greet our friends. Hurry up, Sokka!"

The kid took her hand and they walked half of the way. Katara's voice was the first one she heard in the distance. She was excited to see Toph. "Haru, help me down!" She said. "That's Toph! It's Toph!"

"I can see," Haru said quietly. He helped the waterbender down the large flying bison. He dusted himself off and lazily, created a rock-a-lanche and transported the rest of his friends to where Sokka, Toph, and the small kid stood. "Better?" he winked at Katara. She blushed and nodded. "Hello, Toph... um, young man, and Sokka," he said curiously, as he saw a dirty Sokka approach them.

"Hey, Haru, Katara, everyone," Sokka said gloomily.

"Toph, wow, you've grown!" Katara said, ignoring her brother and bringing her friend in to a tight hug. "What have you been doing? You need to eat more. You are too skinny. Where have you been? It's been almost five years, right?"

"I'm perfect just the way I am, Katara. And please, one question at a time," she said nonchalantly and felt her son tugging at the hem of her dress.

Suki ran to Sokka and hugged him. He whined and complained about being in so much physical pain and it was all thanks to Toph. She kissed his lips and the young warrior forgot about everyone around him

"Oh, my, Toph," Suki said stunned, when she saw Rae poking his head from behind Toph's skirt. "Who is this young man?" she asked questioningly, staring from Sokka and then at Toph. "Did you steal him from the Fire Nation? He has..." she trailed off, leaning forward to have a better look at the child. Rae hid behind his mother's legs and slowly peeked at the new people he'd just met. "I won't hurt you, little guy. My name is Suki. What's yours?" she asked, extending her hand cautiously, hoping not to scare the little guy.

"Rae, come on," Toph chuckled. "I thought you manners."

"You taught him manners?" Katara asked, her blue eyes staring questioningly at them.

"Yes, but I don't know them," he said timidly. "I'm sorry." he said softly.

"He sounds so cute!" Katara shrieked and walked over to the kid. "I'm Katara. How are you?"

"I'm fine," Rae said, his eyes cast downwards. "Momma," he whispered and rested a hand on Toph's knee.

"Momma? Did he just call you Momma, Toph?" Suki said surprised. "This is a joke. He wants his mother, right? You aren't his mother, Toph. Who is his mother?" she asked, looking around the perimeter. "Where is your mommy, little guy?" she asked, glancing at Rae.

He stepped back and walked around Toph. "Mom, she's scaring me," he paused, tugging at his mother's long skirt. "Can you carry me, please?" he asked, raising his little arms to Toph. "Please?"

"Sure, kid," Toph said, a serene smile on her lips, as she scooped her son in her arms and kissed his cheek. "Better?"

"Yes," he said softly near her ear. Rae wound his arms around her neck and hid his face behind her hair.

"Guys, this is my son." She said nonchalantly, but inside, her heart was beating hectically. She wished that she could see their faces. She knew that they'd dropped their jaws at the news. They were silent, only the sound of the wind could be heard and also of their heartbeats. "What? No one is going to make a comment?"

"Your son?" Katara was the first to speak.

"Yes, my son,"

"Are you for real?" Katara asked, taking a step back, her hands flying to cover her mouth. "How? When?" she stuttered. "How is it possible?"

"Ugh, not you too! You are just like your brother. Haven't you done it before with Aang or Haru or with anyone, Katara?" Toph said exasperated.

"Done what, Momma?" Rae asked inquisitively, looking from his mom and then at Katara.

"Well," she said, biting the inside of her cheeks for her blunder. "You see," She'd almost said something very naughty in front of her son. I'm a horrible mother, she thought worriedly. "Well, you see, Rae, when a boy and a girl love one another… J-Just cover your ears, Rae," she stuttered. "I'll tell you about it when you are much older."

"Okay, Mom," he said obediently, his hands covering his ear.

"The kid follows instructions better than you ever did, Toph. He's not your son. And, and I do know about how babies are made," Katara said irritated. "I'm not as stupid as my brother," she said indignantly.

"Hey, you are the one that said it. I never said that he was stupid," Toph said mockingly.

"Hey! I have a right to... and you were thinking it!" Katara said defensively. "Just tell me how it is possible that you have a son... how did it happened – No, I meant, who is the fath-"

"Katara, please," Sokka interjected loudly, pushing past Suki, so he could stand between his sister and Toph. "She'll explain later. Just give her time, please. We had a rough night and are tired and hungry… We'll talk about it later." he said tiredly, placing a hand on his sister's shoulder.

"See, he's not that stupid. Thanks, Sokka," she said thankfully and kissed Rae's forehead. "I'm tired and hungry, guys. We can chat later. Can we get in to town? I'm exhausted and hungry and I need a nap. Rae does too." She said coolly. "Are you tired, little guy?"

"Yes," he said, resting his head on his mother's shoulder.

"Toph," Sokka leaned closer.

"Yes?"

"This is the town where he'd been seen," he said gravely.

"Oh," Was all that she'd managed to say.

Toph held on to her son. The hour of judgment was slowly approaching her. She tightened her arms around her son's small body. He was her personal stable ground; he kept her strong. He was like her element; constantly giving her strength when the world seemed to be tipping out of balance. He was her anchor in the tumultuous sea of insecurities and uncertainties. She was thankful that he'd convinced her to bring him along. She knew that her friends were going to ask many questions. She was ready for them. They didn't faze her… they didn't impose any threat to her son. She gulped hard, as she thought of Zuko. He was probably in this small village. She knew that they would soon meet. Rae would finally know about his father. She feared the Fire Lord. She no longer saw him as a friend, but as a threat. He had the political and economical power to take her son from her. She walked stoically, strong as marble on the outside, but her insides were twisting in agony. She had to be strong for her son's sake. She would fight anything or anyone… until death if she had to, but her son would remain with her.

She continued walking, leaving behind the hushed comments of her friends behind her. "Hey, Twinkle Toes," she said, passing Aang, who was comforting a tired Appa and Momo.

"Hey there," He nodded at her and stared questioningly at them. "How are you, Toph and, um,"

"Rae," she corrected coolly. "My son's name is Rae. Rae, that's the Avatar."

"Hello," Rae said in a singsong voice and wave at over Toph's shoulder. "He's got big ears, Momma, and he's bald. You are taller than him."

"Am I? I can't tell," Toph said, shrugging and continued walking.

"Yes," Rae said and turned to look ahead. She shrugged and continued trudging the path that led to the city. She was ready. The world was her battle ground.