Crossroads

AN: Another chapter for my awesome readers. Enjoy.

Thankful

Zuko was grateful for the sunshine, the warm weather, and the large cherry blossom tree that provided them with shade as they talked, ate their breakfast, and drank their teas. It felt great to be out of his mother's house. Fresh air was so welcoming. He felt frustrated being under the same roof as his maternal grandfather. He was constantly voicing his opinion of how much he wanted Iroh to become the new Fire Lord, but thankfully, Iroh was constantly declining.

"Kail, I am old," Iroh would say jovially. "I'm very happy running my own tea shop," Iroh would smile. "Plus, Zuko is doing a great job at restoring our family's name and healing the Fire Nation. He's giving them hope, and a new way of thinking and living," he would say, quickly changing the topic before Kail had a chance to protest.

Last night's conversation continued to play in the Fire Lord's mind. His forehead furrowed, as he continued to replay the conversation Iroh, Kail, Ursa, and him had around the table.

"Zuko?" Toph's voice brought him back to his reality.

"Ha?"

"Are you listening to me?" she asked amused, as she shook her head.

"Yes, love?" he asked, giving her all his attention.

"So, how are you feeling about all this?" she asked worriedly.

"About what?"

"Iroh… being your grandfather?" Toph said, whistling. "That's a lot to take in, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is, but," Zuko said, sighing loudly. "It doesn't change a thing, Toph," he shrugged. "Iroh shall continue being my Uncle Iroh, the man I look up to and admire."

"Yes, it doesn't change much," she replied. "I still, you know. Wow. Iroh," she said perplexed, her beautiful pale eyes narrowed in confusion. "That's hard to take in, Zuko…" she gulped, reaching for her cup of tea from the garden table. "He's your grandfather, Zuko, not your Uncle!" she laughed nervously. "Do you think that he always wanted to tell you the truth?"

"I don't know, love," Zuko sighed, leaned forward on the edge of his chair and overlooked at the pond, keeping a watchful eye on Rae as he played merrily with Katara, Suki, and Aang. "It doesn't change the fact that he practically raised me, watched over me, and gave me the respect, love, and attention that Ozai never gave me." He said with gratefulness and appreciation for the man he'd called Uncle for so long.

"That's true," she smiled at him, and placed a soft hand on his forearm. "He molded you, instructed you on the path of righteousness, and you came out," she paused, unable to continue, because the sudden lump in her throat made it hard for her not to cry. She'd been a witness to Zuko's struggle to do well, and how he changed for the better. She was filled with pride for the man she loved. There weren't words to describe the joy that she felt in her heart.

It was true; the news that Iroh was Zuko's paternal grandfather didn't change the fact that the man had loved Zuko unconditionally.

"I'm glad that you turned out so great," she said, swallowing hard. "He's done a great job with you… No wonder he had so much patience with you." She chuckled, punching him hard on the arm.

"Ouch," he winced, "what was that for?" he asked, as he watched her stand up, and placed her tea cup on the table.

"You, know," she said facing the direction where Rae was playing, "that's how I show affection." She grinned.

"Sure," he chuckled. "Where are you going?" he asked, when she started to move away from the table, and from him.

"Iroh is heading this way," she said over her shoulder. "I just thought I give you two some privacy."

"Thanks," Zuko said, as he watched her further the distance between them.

It wasn't long before Iroh became visible, and was approaching the table where Zuko sat.

"Good morning, Fire Lord Zuko," Iroh greeted him, bowing slightly.

"No need for such formalities, Uncl- um, Grandfather?" Zuko blushed, shifting uncomfortably on his chair. "Please, seat," he instructed his uncle – grandfather.

Iroh nodded, and without delay took the empty seat in front of Zuko. "It's not that I don't want you to call me Grandfather," Iroh began solemnly, as he reached for the teapot and poured himself some tea. "It has always been a dream of mine that you knew the truth about our relationship, Zuko. Would you like some tea?" he asked his grandson.

"No, thank you," Zuko declined, "U-uncle Iroh." He stuttered.

"Well, Zuko," he paused thoughtful, "as much as it pains me… you know why we must continue with the charade that I am your Uncle, right? I hope that I was very clear about the repercussions this secret would bring if it is known that I am Ozai's father," Iroh said sadly, "and your grandfather"

Zuko nodded. "I understand," he said. "I wont tell anyone," he promised. "I've only told Toph…" he trailed off. "She wont tell anyone."

Iroh nodded, and grinned, as he brought the tea cup close to his lips, and took a long, sip.

Zuko watched silently as his uncle spoke about the intricate way the housemaid had made the delicious orange-jasmine tea that morning. As his spoke, the Fire Lord continued to recall the conversation he and Iroh had earlier that morning.

According to Iroh, Ozai's mother had been a beautiful earthbender colonial he met during his early days in the Fire Nation military. She had a very energetic and adventurous spirit, something that caught Iroh's young eyes. Soon, his curiosity for her had turned into affection. Their courtship had been brief, but memorable. She died during labor, and Iroh couldn't bear the thought of abandoning his defenseless son. He returned to the Fire Nation with the child, only to find out that his mother Fire Lady Ilah had given birth to a stillborn. She had been depressed by the loss her second son's death, that she begged Iroh to give her the child. With a heavy heart, he declined. It was his child, his responsibility; he couldn't do such a thing to the baby. He'd promised his son that he was going to raise him. But soon after, Fire Lord Azulon interceded on his wife's behalf, and extorted Iroh into giving Fire Lady Ilah the child to be raised as their own.

A few months later, by the decree of his father, Fire Lord Azulon, Iroh had become engaged to the daughter of a noble man from the Fire Nation. After the wedding, Iroh rarely saw his son Ozai. He was kept in a different part of the palace, where he was educated, and spoiled by Fire Lady Ilah. Iroh got married on the fall of that same year. He soon returned to his military training, but was constantly coming home to visit his wife, whom he began to love. When she gave him the news that they were going to be parents, Iroh became ecstatic, and loved her even more.

As Ozai grew, it was evident that he thought that Iroh was his older, lazy brother. Iroh wanted to tell his son their true relationship, but Azulon forbade any contact between the 'brothers', unless there was someone with them at all times. He only saw his son, Ozai, from afar, and he didn't like what he was becoming.

The months passed, his wife had Lu Ten. Iroh feared that his father would also take away this child, too. He moved his small family to the outskirts of the Fire Nation Royal palace, and raised his son. He still served the Fire Nation military, but was constantly coming home to be with his wife and child. With Lu Ten in his life, he found peace, and he loved his wife and his child with every fiber of his being.

Ozai came of age, and soon married a lovely woman named Ursa. Iroh, his wife, and Lu Ten were invited to the wedding, and several family functions. On the day of Lu Ten's seventh birthday, Ursa gave birth to Zuko.

Iroh loved the prince, just as much as he loved his own children. One night, after visiting the newborn's room, he overheard the conversation Ozai was having with Fire Sage Kail regarding the lack of 'spark' in the child's eyes. Apparently, he feared the embarrassment that it would cause if his firstborn was not a firebender, and because of that, he tried to cast Zuko away from the palace. Worried that his grandson, Zuko had inherited from his paternal grandmother the ability to earthbender, he besieged Ursa and the other Fire Sage to convince Ozai not to abandon his child. Thankfully, Ozai reconsidered, but it was obvious his distaste for the child. Iroh made every attempt to be there for Zuko, even when his duties as a General for the Fire Nation kept him away in Ba Sing Se for extended periods of time, he would always send Zuko letters, to remind the child that there was someone out there that always thought of him.

Lu Ten had followed in his father's steps, and also joined the Fire Nation's army. He excelled in everything he did, and was loved and respected amongst his service men. One night, during an attack in Ba Sing Se, Lu Ten was killed. The loss of his son impacted Iroh. He'd lost two sons in his lifetime. Iroh to return home, brokenhearted, and empty. The first few weeks were the hardest. His wife grew weak, due to her grieving. Shortly after, she too passed away. Iroh was alone, so he spent every minute with the Crown Prince Zuko.

At an early age, Zuko knew that his uncle would never betray him. He would sneak out of the palace to visit his uncle. The child would teach Iroh what his firebending masters taught him in class. Iroh could see the dedication and commitment in the child's face to become better. He wanted Ozai's approval at all cost, and it pained Iroh so much. Iroh would give Zuko pointers on how to perfect his firebending and breathing techniques, whenever Zuko would ask for them. Firebending brought them closer. Zuko's presence made the pain of losing Lu Ten bearable.

The day of the Agni Kai between Ozai and Zuko had been a bitter day for Iroh. That was the day he vowed that he would never abandon Zuko. No matter which path the Banished Prince took, Iroh would be there, to steer him in the right direction. He vowed that Zuko would be the healing balm his family and nation needed.

Iroh's vision became a reality, Zuko thought bittersweet.

"Why so thoughtful, Lord Zuko?" Iroh asked.

Zuko shrugged and smiled. "I don't know how to thank you for all you've done, Uncle," he paused, as he blinked back the tears that threatened to fall.

"You've done well, son," Iroh said, his voice strained, as he looked away. His eyes rested on Rae, as he practiced his bending and called out to Zuko.

"Look, Papa!" Rae shouted to his proud father. "Look, I can firebend!"

Zuko chuckled merrily. The joy in his gaze was indescribable. Iroh could see that his grandson was the miracle his nation was waiting for, and his legacy would continue through the child that was beckoning for his father's attention.

"You'll continue to do well…" Iroh muttered jovially.