Making Plans

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Rhea sat near the fire ring in the center of camp. She wished she had her hood. She wanted to hide - hide from the people, hide from the world, hide from the decision she had to make. Her heart kept telling her she was stupid for even considering it, but her head was screaming at her that leaving would be better. All she could think about were all the ways she'd complicated their lives. They deserved better. They deserved normal.

Katara walked over from Pakku's tent. They had been catching up on what had happened since the siege at the North Pole. "Have you seen him yet?"

Rhea uncrossed her legs and drew her knees to her chest, staring at Iroh's tent. She shook her head. "I'm not sure I should. His life was a lot easier without me."

Katara sat down beside her. "You really think he cares about that?" She tilted her head to meet her gaze. "If that were the case, he wouldn't have taken you in in the first place."

Rhea dropped her gaze to the dirt. "I know, but... after everything... maybe..."

Katara placed a hand on her shoulder. "He doesn't seem like the kind of person who holds grudges. Talk to him. I'm sure he wants to see you."

Rhea finally turned to look at her.

Katara gave her a reassuring smile.

Taking a deep breath, Rhea nodded. She still had no clue what she was going to say, but Katara was right. She needed to see him.
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Before Rhea could speak, Iroh threw his arms around her in a tight embrace. "You're alive." He stroked the back of her head. "I feared the worst."

Tears sprang to her eyes and she sank into the hug. "I'm okay."

Iroh held her for a full minute before he finally pulled away and met her gaze, placing his hand on her cheek. "I have missed you, my girl."

Rhea relished his warm touch. "I missed you too."

His face fell. "I should've come back for you when I escaped."

"No." She grabbed his hands. "The eclipse only lasted a few minutes. You didn't have time. Besides, I made it out on my own."

He met her gaze.

"Of course, I couldn't help running straight back into the fight and getting captured again." She managed a weak smile.

Iroh placed a hand on her shoulder. "Where did he send you?"

"Iroh..."

"Where?" Rhea noticed the slightest flash of anger in his eyes.

"The Boiling Rock."

His grip tightened.

Rhea put her hand over his. "I'm fine. I've dealt with worse."

He pulled her into another hug. "I am so sorry. You've had to go through so much, so young... because of my family."

"You're right," She met his gaze. "but I wouldn't change anything. I love you, Iroh. I love Zuko. I love the life we had... however short.
"You took me in when you had no reason, when you were dealing with your own loss. A stranger and you brought me into your home. I can never repay you for that."

Iroh cupped her face in his hands. "My dear girl, you never have to."

"Sorry to interrupt." Sokka's voice sounded awkwardly from the tent entrance. "We need to talk."

Rhea met his gaze and heaved a long breath. Back to the war effort. She and Iroh walked out of the tent and joined the others as they sat in a circle around the fire pit at the center of camp.

The task fell to Zuko to explain the situation.

A crease formed between Iroh's brows as he listened carefully. "Even if I could defeat him, and I'm not so sure I could, stopping my brother is the Avatar's destiny, not mine."

"Then what are we supposed to do?" Katara asked.

Iroh stroked his grey beard in thought. "Stop the airships before they take off."

They talked for hours, laying out a plan. Zuko and Katara decided to take Appa and go after Azula in the Fire Nation capitol. The others would get to the launch site and sabotage the fleet.

Rhea stared at the charred remains of last night's fire. "And what will you do?"

Iroh took a deep breath, drawing her gaze. "I will fulfill my destiny and conquer Ba Sing Se... this time, for the Earth Kingdom.

Rhea resisted the instinctual tears that sprang to her eyes. She nodded. "I'm coming with you."

"You will be needed to stop the airships." He protested.

"Ba Sing Se is my home. It's where I grew up. I'm coming with you." She held his gaze intently. "I'm in danger either way. At least this way, you can keep an eye on me."

He studied her determined expression and sighed. "You've grown up so fast... faster than you should've." He took her hands in his and squeezed. "I'm so proud of you... and, I'm sure, your parents would be too."

Rhea threw her arms around him, squeezing her eyes shut to hold back the tears. "Thank you for everything. I love you so much." She pulled away and looked at the others. "Now, we've got a war to win."

A/N:
Well, this one was shorter, but I got it out in less than a month, so I'm satisfied. 😂
Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter. There's like one left. 😐 I have many feels about that.
Thanks SO much for all the support I appreciate it more than you know. ❤️
Until next time,
-Cheshire

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