Chapter 6:Crossroads

A/N: Hey guys...or anyone who is reading. Glad I updated? Me too! I was dying to get this chapter out and since I mentioned it quite a few times, it should be pretty obvious. Thank you for being so patient and supporting me. Thanks for those new reviews, follows and favourites. Enjoy this extra long chapter. I do not own Legend of Korra.

Warnings: Were back to violence now.

The non-bender confidently strode to his school with a smirk on his face. The previous fight he had with Lin, was now distant in his memory. Today he was going to make it right. Even if the weather didn't look too promising it wasn't going to put him down. He was going to get his best friend back. Surely a silly argument couldn't destroy their friendship?

Aunt Toph wasn't pleased when he told her what happen. Whereas his Uncle Sokka, who apparently had a lot of experience with girls, told him that he will get her back in no time. Warriors like him just have to use their charm , but Bumi didn't think that would work.

It was clear that everyone liked Lin. Even if she was a bit different , but hey! So was he.

It was then where he saw the earthbender, his eyes lit up with excitement. "Hey Lin!" He called.

The girl looked behind her, but kept walking. Bumi frowned. 'What's up with her? Maybe she's madder that I thought, I can fix that.'

In class. Just like he did months ago. Bumi made a paper ball and threw it at Lin. It landed on her table. Her green eyes widened and for a moment, the young warrior thought she was going to return the 'attack'.

Instead she crumpled it up even more and threw it away, not even bothering to make eye contact.

The lad's hopes dropped along with his shoulders.

"Hey Lin" He whispered loud enough for her to hear. "Lin!"

"Bumi! Is there something you would like to share with the class? Or do you want another hour sweeping the floor?" The teacher turned to face him.

"No." He grumbled, crossing his arms.

The rest of the day passed without any success. The girl completely ignored him, except for the time where she told him to go away. After his day, he tried once again to apologize to her when they all headed home.

"Hey...uh." He started with emotion of hope. He watched her go and it quickly turned to anger."Oh forget it."

Facing the fact that today was a 'failed mission' he turned to Air Temple Island.

"Bumi!" Someone called from behind.

For a moment he thought it might be the earthbender, it was just one of his classmates. "Are you going to check out the fight at the park?" He asked with a tone of excitement.

"What fight?" His blue eyes clearly showed he was irritated and disappointed.

"I heard someone was going to take on Shauzo."

"Who?"

"I don't know her name-"

'Lin!'

Lin's POV

He wasn't going to bully me anymore. Or take my friends away from me. I wasn't afraid of Shauzo anymore.

"Well lookee here." He was smiling when he spoke. "Now that it got a boyfriend, it thinks it can fight."

"I can!" I glared at him. "And I will beat you...bully."

The kids around us 'oohed'.

"Bully? Ha! What does that make you? A weak little- oof."

In my earthbending stance I hit him with a boulder. I know I was better and I liked that way. Shauzo didn't deserve to be better. He got up and ran to me, but I blocked him with a earth pillar. I threw three rocks his way. Shauzo dodged two.

"You look tired." I said and kids laughed. "Who wants their mommy now?"

I shot another boulder at him. The was a crack when I hit his face.

He was lying on the ground and I saw him bleeding. I pulled a boulder out of the ground. I glared his way. 'He is done hurting me.'

"Lin stop!" Someone called and I looked that way. It was Bumi. I remembered he tried talking to me a lot today. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to make sure...you were ok." He said between breathes. Bumi then looked at Shauzo.

'Really?' I shook my head. "Why do you care?"

"Come on Lin stop being so..."

I glared at him and he walked to me.

"'Cause you're my best friend and our fight was...stupid."

"Isn't that nice." Shauzo said, standing up.

Quickly I turned to him. He was faster and punched me hard in the face.

"Lin!"

My cheek hurt and I know it was bleeding, but I will be ok. I was still standing until he kicked me away. Crack! I screamed in pain when I landed on the ground. 'No!' I felt blood coming through my clothes.

"Looks like someone is getting weak!"

Tears welled up in my eyes. 'He's wrong.' I got up...slowly. Shauzo punched my way, staggering back I blocked it. This time I punched him back. Instantly he got angry. Quickly he grabbed my arm and jerked it his way. Everything was moving so fast. I didn't know what was happening. He was forcing my arm the wrong way and I heard it snap! I landed on the ground without saying anything. It hurt too much...to talk...and I couldn't...breathe.

The last thing I saw, was Bumi fighting Shauzo before I closed my eyes. Maybe it will take the pain away. Maybe it will take me away. Maybe...maybe Bumi and I will be friends again.

When I tried to open my eyes everything looked strange. Blurry. I could hear kids screaming and sirens. I think. Everything was getting...confusing. I think I was dreaming because I saw the Police Lady. She looked scared.

"Stay awake. Bumi get your mother!" She yelled, but everything seemed so far away. She looked at me the whole time. If I was a good kid like my Mommy and Daddy wanted me to be. I wanted to be like her. If I was a good kid, but I wasn't.

"I can't."

"Don't talk like that kiddo." She was holding my hand. It felt warm, but everything else turned cold.

"Kid!"

...and dark.

Normal POV

The waterbender exited the room, that she has been spending hours in. Toph shot up from her seat. After the accident, she didn't even bother going back to the station. This was more important.

Katara noticed her worry and stress in her sightless eyes. Things were looking bad enough at the Station. Now it just became worse, her not-student was in a...serious situation. The least she could do was put her at ease...or try to.

Entering the kitchen:"She's going to be fine Toph- but-"

The earthbender nearly shoved her aside and entered the room Lin was in.

After a heavy sigh. Aang noticed his wife's grave expression, but it was Sokka who spoke. "Katara? You ok?"

Almost choking a reply out, she replied with her blue eyes full of fear. "It's Lin"

"You said she was going to fine."

Both men were now at her side.

"Yes, but there is something else." After a deep breath, she met their gazes. "I think Lin is being abused."

Shock tore through the room. "What are you talking about?"

"Katara, are you sure that it weren't injuries caused by the fight?" Aang asked.

Sitting down at the table: "I thought so too, but those injuries happened a while back."

"Kids are a bit wild and reckless, you should know that." Her brother added on a lighter note.

It was clear that the waterbending master was at a loss of words. She just shook her head.

Aang frowned and headed to comfort Katara.

Sokka rubbed his neck uncomfortably. "Is it..." He gulped. "Bad?"

Maybe it was because it was too much to handle. Or because the thought of Lin being abused was something no one wanted to admit. For Toph it was even harder. She got to know the earthbender differently. When the Lin struggled with a stance or attack. Or when she needed a bit of confidence. Toph was there.

To the Beifong, Lin was almost like the daughter the Chief never had. Katara saw it every time Toph brightened up when she was with her. It could also be the reason it was so hard for the waterbender to tell her friend all this.

All though Lin would be alright. Katara knew that some of the injuries that were inflicted, had another history. It had been hard to accept and it nearly broke her heart, but that the reality was that someone was hurting Lin. It had been going on for a long while. Lin is hiding something and the truth is about to come out.

The tension was thick in the air. Everyone's dropped shoulders made that clear. Not even the Water Tribe warrior could lift it. Even if he did try. "Toph, as Chief of Police shouldn't you out of all people be looking in to this?" Sokka asked her when they were all seated in the living room.

"I'm going to do something I tell you that." She said gritting her teeth. "Turn that thug along with his grave into dust.

He knew perfectly well that she could and she would. The Councilman couldn't help, but to cringe at the thought.

Aang looked at his earthbending teacher and spoke up: "Toph I think you should calm down before you do something you might regret." His wife nodded, thinking the same thing.

"Sure." Toph got up, raising her hands for emphasis. "Listen to the peacekeeping Avatar who seems to be missing a fucking spine!"

"Ouch!" Sokka said, but his sister quickly silenced him with a glare.

Now pacing across the room: "Why are you, the Avatar. Against putting scum like that where they belong. In prison!" She pointed to the mountains in the distance, although the group was sure was meant to be Republic City.

"I am not and I agree with you that, that kid did was horrible, but your letting your emotions and-"

Sokka was getting frantic with gestures of 'cut it out', 'time out' and, 'stop'. If the Avatar didn't listen, he was bound to say something that might even anger the Chief more.

Aang ignored Sokka's gestures, what in this case would be lifesavers and continued. "-Pain could cloud your-"

"Pain!"

The warrior face palmed himself, his sister was looking fed up with her brother's so called 'help'.

Toph whirled around, facing the airbender. "I won't be the one feeling pain after this." She said and cracked her knuckles. With that said she stormed out of the building, almost breaking the front door as she shut it.

Aang sighed. His usually smiling and happy expression, replaced by a serious look. Katara looked downcast.

It was almost impossible to read Sokka's expression, who remarked: "She's in denial."

Toph spent the late night hours, chucking rocks at targets in her back yard. She couldn't sleep, but who could blame her? Her mind was in a turmoil. The Chief continued her assault, ignoring the light rain falling from the sky.

'I want to be a good earthbender someday.'

'You'll be better than that kiddo.'

'R-really?'

'With potential like that! Heck! You might even wound up as good as me.'

'I don't know about that...'

When the water droplets became even more. The Chief sat down onto the wet ground. Clothes nearly drenched in sweat and rain her aching muscles, did little to help Toph's condition.

The earthbender hated to admit it, but Katara was right. Not only because she was telling the truth, but because Toph couldn't ignore Lin's frequent injuries and absence from school. Or the young earthbender's discomfort around others. The Chief couldn't ignore the scars, burns, broken ribs, infected cuts and Lin's lack of energy and happiness.

'How blind can you get Beifong?' She buried her face in her hands.

"I won't ignore it anymore." With renewed energy, Toph stood up and continued her attacks. "Those abusers better watch out because I'm coming for you." With one boulder she destroyed the rock target.

With a serious expression, she said:"Toph Beifong is going to kick your ass."

Lin's POV

Everything felt so strange around me. I didn't hear people shouting and I wasn't uncomfortable. Things weren't bad at all. Was it because I was dead?

'Am I in the Spirit place?' I wondered and I tried to open my eyes. It was hard. I felt very tired, but I got it done.

I looked around and saw that I was at Bumi's house. 'No!'

I got off the bed, feeling stiff. When I landed on the ground, pain went through my body. Everything hurt! My arm was bandaged and my ribs, but it was a bit better. I realised and I had to get away. 'They know!' I had to get away or they will ask me questions and I will be in trouble! 'No, no, no!'

Walking took me long, but I got to the door. I was going to go outside when I saw Bumi's mom. She was making food or something, because she was in the kitchen. I quickly got out of sight. Pain shot through my body.

'Have to move...slowly.'

Once again I looked through the doorway. She was leaving! Now I can get out of here. I looked around and saw no one else. I walked to the door, keeping quiet. I had to lean against a lot of things, so getting there took longer.

'Why can't I just walk right?'

I opened to door, looking around. I sighed no one saw me.

"Lin?"

I turned around. 'Ow!'

"Bumi? Why aren't you at school?" I gulped. 'Is he going to get the others?'

"Why aren't you in bed? I don't think you should be walking arou- hey! You are trying to escape."

Bumi looked a bit angry.

"I have to go." I choked out. "I can't be here."

"Why not?" He asked, confused.

"I just can't."I nearly fell when I stumbled, while stepping outside. "Bye." I whispered.

"Wait!" Bumi ran to me. "Where are you going to your parents?"

'I didn't want to tell him or he would tell the others.'

"No. Then where?" He pressed for answeres.

"I...don't know."

"Yeah right. Lin you aren't going anywhere. You're hurt and I don't think your parents would want you getting hurt anymore."

I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. "If you're my friend. You would let me go."

Bumi opened his mouth then closed it again. He mumbled:"...Fine, but I'm coming with you to Republic City."

We got onto the boat without people seeing me. When we came back to the City Bumi said: "You don't have to go away and I don't get why you have to go, it's dangerous. I heard my parents speaking about it."

"I'll be ok."I whispered.

Bumi didn't look very happy. "Promise you would come back."

I nodded, turned away and started walking to my home. I sighed, my heart started feeling heavy.

"Wait." Bumi said again and he caught up with me. He looked more happy now. "I saw you wore scarves a lot and since your other one is lost..." He gave me a red scarf. My eyed widened. No one ever gave me a present before.

"I don't get why you hide you scar behind it. It looks kinda cool." He smiled at me and I smiled back and walked away.

I wanted to cry because I knew I won't ever be coming back.

Clouds became grey when I arrived at my home. I hoped it wasn't going to rain. I wasn't going to stay here...I can't. If they knew other people saw me...I'd get into trouble. So I had to go away. Mommy and Daddy didn't love me anyway...no one loved me.

When I opened the door, I knew something was wrong. I could hear other people talking. I should leave, but I wanted to know who it was. I walked to the way where the noise was coming from and peeked around a wall.

"-You're the informant? Tsk tsk tsk. Agni Kai's always chose weaklings to do their dirty work. 'Used to be glad to come and take care of their spies, but this? This' pathetic now I gotta waste my time to deal with a non-bender. "

There were five other people in the room. They all looked mean and scary. I gasped. Mommy and Daddy were in trouble. The one who looked like the leader's clothes looked familiar. I think he was a waterbender.

"So what? I'm not worth killing."

'Are they going to kill Daddy?' This time I wasn't sad. Why should I be? All he ever did was hurt me.

"I'd rather watch you being killed."

"Ha! By who?"

"Perhaps your daughter who is hiding behind that wall."

'How did he know I was there?' I walked backwards, trying to hide if her saw me.

"I'd suggest you started coming out." His voice was deep and he also spoke slowly.

I was starting to get afraid, but I went to him.

Everyone looked at me funny. Was it the bandages or my scar?

One of the men looked at the leader and he nodded.

The other guy came at me, but I quickly shot him away with a rock. He landed on the ground. There was a pounding pain near my ribs. Everyone was surprised.

"Looks like she's worth sparing, unlike you." His eyes met mine and I felt cold.

"What you want her for?" Daddy said and I became angry. "She just as pathetic!"

"I am not!" People started laughing. "You're like that! I did nothing wrong so stop being mad at me. Just leave me alone!" I yelled and I stopped my foot on the ground and swung my arm. The ground started shaking, there was a loud snap and Daddy screamed. Now my arm was hurting too.

'Did I do that? Did I hurt him?' I shook the thought away. 'He deserved it anyway, he was always a bad guy.'

The guys who laughed stayed quiet. I turned back to the other man. His eyes widened a little. 'Was he also mad at me? No, he smiled.'

"Looks like we have someone of use."

"Don't listen to him." Daddy said. "You caused enough trouble with the Triple Threats, now I gotta deal with your mistakes. That's all you ever do and will be. "I gave him a glare.

"Why should I listen to you? You don't deserve it. I hate you!" I shot him with a rock and I heard another snap. Daddy landed on the ground without a word.

Mommy looked at me. She was scared.

"I'm s-sorry I didn't mean-" I said to her.

I turned to the other man.

"Did you attack my Triple Threats?"

'Did he mean those other people who came here days ago?'

"I didn't mean-"

"Only cowards feel guilt!" He raised his voice, I flinched and stopped talking. Then I saw him smiling at me. 'Was he happy?'

"They were weak...just like your father. Only the strong deserve to live...Like you."

"Me?"

"Your bending is one of the strongest this world has ever seen...join me. I can make you realise the power you have and your destiny."

"You w-want to have my help?"

"Boss, she won't last a week." One of the other guys said. "Look at her."

"Quiet! Or I'll shut your mouth for you."

He gulped. The rest of them also looked scared.

"Let's put her to the test."

When he wasn't looking. Mommy came at the waterbender with a knife.

Before she could do anything ,she stopped speaking and moving. I think she was trying to say something, but she couldn't and she was floating! The waterbender was doing it!

'But how?'

"Your parents have done a lot of damage to my...organisation." He said looking at Mommy.

"W-what can I do about it?" I asked nervously.

Mommy's screams stopped when all the rocks covered her. I breathed heavily. I was hurting all over again. There was a silence after that. Mommy and Daddy were gone. They weren't going to bother me. I should be glad now, right? With a shaking breath I turned to the leader person.

"Excellent."

My face lit up.

"Let's go. Before Beifong's Force get in the way." He said.

Things were going to be different now. The other people didn't look at me the same. They weren't laughing at me or teasing me.

'That's how it should be.'

Before I left, I went back to grab the scarf Bumi gave me. I caught up with the others, ignoring the pain. From now on, I will have people who want me with them. I will be the strongest and most fierce bender ever! I don't need to be good and I don't need anyone else.

'Yakone was right. This is my purpose.'

A/N: While I wait for your reaction. I will be smiling at my computer, saying: "Toph as Lin's mother? Yakone doesn't think so!"