a/n Hello again readers! Thank you so much for all of the notifications in my inbox!
This update is pretty long (actually THE longest), so I'm not sure if I should be congratulated or shunned… Maybe a bit of both? Either way, I hope you like this chapter! There is some M stuff in the beginning, but afterwards it's the start of Katara and Zuko's journey for answers.

Chapter 30 ~The Blue Spirit and the Painted Lady~

-Zuko-

She instantly stilled and rolled off him.
"The Painted Lady is a spirit that I may or may not have impersonated…"
"What?" he laughed, "You 'may or may not have?'"
"I was doing it to help the people here." She said defensively, crossing her arms. He smiled and reached over to her.
"No, I get it. I…uhm…" Should I tell her? Yes, but how? "Have you heard of the Blue Spirit?" he asked. She looked confused.
"I've seen his wanted posters. What does he have to do with us?"
"That's me." He waited for her response.
"Oh, I should have guessed that." What?
"Really?" he asked surprised, "How?"
"When you joined us at the Western Air Temple, Aang said you had rescued him from Zhao. I should have realized that you rescued him as the Blue Spirit, which is why the Blue Spirit is wanted."
"Ah." He never counted on Aang ever sharing his identity. "And what did you say when you learned about my other identity?" She looked down, flushed.
"Something I'm not proud of." She murmured.
"Tell me," he said, tipping her chin up, "please?"
"I said…" she sat up straighter and reenacted her line. "'No way! I'm sure he only did it so he could capture you himself!'" After the words left her mouth, she looked down again. She had spoken the truth which ashamed him. He wasn't ashamed that he betrayed his country; he was ashamed of why he did it. In fact, he hated it. At the time, all he knew was that Zhao was denying him the throne by imprisoning the Avatar. To regain his honor, Zuko had to free Aang from the Fire Nation and recapture him without raising suspicion. He was prepared to do all of this just to be welcomed back home by Ozai…
"You were right." He whispered, closing his eyes. "I was selfish."
"Hey," she said soothingly and he opened his eyes, "In the end, it was good that you freed Aang."
"Yeah, I know, but I did a good thing for the wrong reasons."
"It all worked out, I mean… we're here." She glanced around the room, but he sensed she was referring to more than their physical location.
"Yes," he agreed, smiling slightly. They were together. He leaned in closer to her, silently asking for a kiss. She smiled quickly before crushing her lips to his.

He loved her. She always seemed to know what to say and how to say it. Agni he wished he had that ability.
"Lie back?" she asked quickly against his lips. He did so immediately, taking her with him. First, to go was his topknot. She carefully took out the golden piece and set it on the floor. Her hands ran through his shaggy mane and it felt so…right.

They were still both fully clothed, but she started to remedy that. In a blur of arms, kisses, and groans, they were down to just her under-wraps and his flimsy pants, which were now excessively tight. He reached for her, but she grabbed his wrists.
"Tonight is yours." She said, repeating his words from last night.
"Agni." He couldn't help but swear. She grinned at him and slinked down. Her crotch was now right above his and she rocked her hips against his. "Agni." He swore again. Her glowing eyes held his stare as she continued down until her hands hovered over his pants. She tried to inch his pants down, but they caught underneath him. Not wanting her to feel discouraged, he lifted his hips up to aid her. Suddenly he was exposed, freed. Her hands caressed his inner thigh, coming so close to where he needed her. He couldn't help but roll his hips to entice her.
"Steady," she whispered and his movements stilled, but his heart beat faster.
"I-" he started to say, but she pounced. "Agni!" Her mouth felt cool compared to his burning skin. She pulled him into the very back of her throat and slowly pulled him out again and again. At some point, the hand that was not holding his base cupped his balls, massaging them to perfection. His hands found their way into her hair. He pulled it up and his hands acted like a tie to keep it out of her face. He gritted his teeth to keep from constantly shouting out. The cords in his neck tightened after he tipped his head back into the pillow underneath. She giggled after he groaned once which shot wonderful vibrations through him. Just when he thought he'd reach the tipping point she stopped. He groaned in frustration.
"What?" she asked innocently. He could still feel her breath against him and he groaned again. "Hmm?" she asked in reply and started to crawl slowly up his body. Her eyes never shifted from his as she dragged her body over his. When she rocked herself against him, he groaned and she grinned. She was still wearing her under-wraps, but he could feel her wetness through them. His arms wrapped around her of their own accord, loving the feel of her skin.
"Katara!" he moaned, feeling so close to the edge. She stopped moving and stared at him.
"What do you want, Zuko?" she asked, her voice breathy.
"You," he groaned, "Please." He needed more. He needed her.

It didn't take her long to remove her under-wraps and align herself over him.
"Ready?" she asked.
"Please." He whispered his voice so tight he could hardly speak. Thank Agni he thought as she took pity on him and slid down on him.
"Hmm…" she moaned in appreciation. He was flat on his back and Agni she was a beautiful sight. His hands quickly grasped her waist as she rode up and down on his hard length, her hands on his chest. It took all of his self-control not to roll her over and speed things up.
"Faster," he rasped his fingers dug into her sides. She grinned and picked up her speed. The next time she pushed back on him, he lifted his hips to drive even deeper into her.
"Oh! Zuko!" she gasped, now it was his turn to grin. She smiled and bit her lip, closing her eyes. Agni! He was so close he only needed one thing to push him into a glorious release.
"Katara," he groaned, "Look at me, please." Her eyes slowly opened her face sweaty. Her eyes were so blue and full of passion. He moaned again, "So…close… Ka…tara" She moaned his name and he flew over the edge. He felt her core tighten even more and tremble as they finally gave into their release. Then she collapsed in exhaustion on to him.

His heart was still beating quickly. Her head against his stretched out arm, using it like a pillow.
"Whew," he said, letting out a deep breath. Her head popped up and she smiled at him.
"You okay?" she asked teasingly.
"Never better," He replied, pulling her tighter against him.
"You sure?" she asked again, more seriously.
"Yeah, why?" he shifted a little to better see her face.
"It's just…" she sat up so he sat up. Before he could ask her what she was doing, she started to bend most of the sweat off their bodies. Then she collected the water in one hand, pushed him lightly on the shoulder with the other, and knelt beside him. She split the water between both hands and pressed one to his forehead and the other over his heart. The hand on his heart started glowing and the hand on his head was icy. It felt good, but he was confused.
"What are you doing?"
"Cooling you." she said in a clipped and serious manner.
"Why? Are you saying I'm not cool?" he joked. She only scowled.
"Not at the present moment, no."
"I'm a Firebender, our temperatures run high anyways." He shrugged. Why was she making such a big deal out of it? They had just made passionate love, wasn't he allowed to be a little warm?
"This is serious, Zuko."
"Where'd you learn a trick like that?" he asked, trying to distract her.
"Jail." She replied. He gave her a quizzical face and she huffed, "Long story short Toph and I were thrown in jail for scamming people and it was all a set up for Sparky-Sparky-Boom-Man to get Aang. The jail was made of wood so Toph couldn't metal bend us out, so I bended my own sweat to slash through the cage." He smiled. He couldn't help it, imagining Katara scamming people seemed impossible.
"Sokka named him, didn't he?"
"Yes," she had to smile slightly, before the serious expression returned.
"What's wrong with me then?" he asked, slightly annoyed now. "I feel fine."
"Your heart is pumping too fast. I didn't really notice until you pulled me closer… It's probably a side effect of being struck by Azula's lightning." Oh.
"And if my heart beats too fast…?" he almost didn't want to know.
"It will…stop working and you will die." He sunk into the bed a little deeper. So whatever was happening could kill him. Great. His own body might turn against him. He held his breath for a moment to concentrate on what he was feeling. He could feel his heart pounding against his chest, but it wasn't overtly uncomfortable. However, maybe that was because she had started to help him. Then he had an important question.
"Does this mean we can't…" if he wasn't already flushed, he would have blushed.
"This hasn't happened before so that might not be the only factor…" she said thoughtfully as she removed her hands.
"So…does this mean…" he turned on his side and ran his hands along her waist.
"Yes, but we shouldn't." She answered and tugged his hands away to hold them between her slender fingers. "I'm sorry." Why was she apologizing? She'd probably just saved his life, again.
"It's okay," he smiled weakly, "Thank you. Near death experience aside that was really…that was wow." She smiled slightly. "I have to ask you something else." Her face grew serious again.
"Yes?" she responded almost nervously.
"Can I ever be… healed?" Who knew what other repercussions Azula's lightning might have. She frowned, deep in thought before she replied.
"I don't know. Maybe…"
"'Maybe?'" If there was a chance he could avoid his heart exploding, he was going to take it.
"The Spirit Oasis might help." She whispered. He sort of knew she'd say that, but he still didn't like it. There was something very wrong about that place.
"Okay then, we'll go back as soon as we find my mother." He tried to sound nonchalant.
"I don't like that place, Zuko." She admitted quietly. He was just about to suggest they find a different oasis when she continued, "But yes. We should go back and I will try to heal you… properly this time." Her voice was cracking.
"Hey," he soothed, pulling her close to him. "It's not your fault, Katara."
"If I had healed you right the first time…"
"It's okay," he stroked her hair gently, "It'll be okay."
"Maybe we should go see Yugoda…"
"It'll be a long detour. If things don't work out later on…with you… she might be at the Eastern Air Temple." Trying to heal Azula he thought. Katara nodded against him, but still clung to him.

At some point, they had both lain down and gotten under the covers. She was still in his arms as he traced lazy patterns on her back. Her back was strong, toned, yet silky. He loved holding her. In each other's arms, they drifted off to sleep.

-Katara-

The next morning neither of them mentioned the incident. She quietly dressed in her new green outfit before throwing on a red outer robe and finished packing the bag Zuko had handed her. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure he wasn't looking before she snuck her Painted Lady costume into her pack.

They bought their supplies from Xu, said 'Goodbye' to the villagers, and took Dock's ferry to the mainland. When they reached the overlook on the plateau, she stopped to look back at the fishing town. Apparently, it was named Jang Hui.
"It's changed so much," she commented more to herself than anyone.
"I don't know what I should do with it," he said behind her. She turned to him.
"What do you mean?" she asked, the village didn't seem like it needed anything 'done to it.'
"Well, it's technically Fire Nation, but the people don't really see themselves as Fire Nation citizens. Plus, there's a Fire Nation stronghold not far away. What do I do with that? Not to mention the various smaller colonies." She didn't respond so he went on, "This whole area has been a source of so many conflicts between the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation. Citizens of both nations have made this area their home."
"Maybe they could share it?" she suggested. He thought about this for a moment.
"But what about the Water Tribes?" he finally asked.
"I don't know," she shrugged. She could see now why he thought something needed to be done. "Maybe Aang would have a suggestion."
"Yeah," he nodded, deep in thought. He shook his head slightly, as if to clear his mind. "Ready?" he asked, reaching for her hand. She smiled and quickly took it.
"Ready," she confirmed. "Are you ready?" They were just about to set off and find out what happened to his mother. It was a pretty big moment.
"Ready." He agreed and they continued walking up the road.

It was a warm day and they quickly shed their outer robes. He also took down his topknot. As they walked, she kept glancing over at him, more so than usual. When they stopped to rest and get a drink of water she knew she blatantly staring, analyzing.
"I'm fine, Katara," he said, glancing over to find her watching him. She blushed slightly.
"Sorry," she said rather sheepishly. He smiled kindly.
"It's okay, but you don't have to worry so much." Yeah, right. She actually scoffed.
"I always worry about you Zuko." He seemed saddened by the remark. "It's because I love you." she added. That made him smile.
"I love you too Katara. I'm so glad that you're here."
"You don't regret saving me?" she asked him jokingly.
"No!" he almost yelled, jumping up, "Agni Katara… I…you…"
"I was joking," she said quickly, "I'm sorry." What a stupid thing to say. And here she was trying not to elevate his heart.
"Agni Katara," he sighed and sat down next to her. "That's not funny. It was never really a choice, but it was still one of the best things I've ever done."
"What's another?" she asked, trying to change the topic.
"Another what?"
"Best thing you've ever done." He smiled.
"Another best thing I've ever done was asking you to marry me." She grinned at him sappily and reached over to cup his face.
"And accepting your proposal was one of the best things I've ever done."

-Zuko-

It was a rocky and hilly journey. For the most part, they traveled in silence. He didn't really mind. It was just nice to be near her. Besides, they both had a lot on their minds.

Later they would be approaching a small Earth Kingdom village, but he doubted they'd learn much there. It was still too close to the Fire Nation. Mom would go to a small inland town where she wouldn't be recognized, he thought. He tried to push aware the fear that rose up, but it popped unwelcomed into his mind. What if she flees when she hears I'm coming? Then how would he ever find her? Maybe he should scout ahead at night as the Blue Spirit. He was glad he decided to pack it. The dual dao swords were sheathed and he had carefully tucked them in his bag with the mask. Although…maybe he should have told Katara first.

Eventually they walked into a thin forest, but it was a nice change as the trees provided a little shade from the warm sun. It was late in the afternoon when they spotted the small town, resting on the edge of the tree line.
"Are we going to keep going?" Katara asked.
"Yeah, we're not going to find out anything here." He was about to take another step when she spoke again.
"Are you sure?" He stilled and looked at her.
"This seems too close to be… it." He replied, but she looked almost longingly at the town. "Well…" he reconsidered, "I guess this this is far enough…" If they stayed, he could also scout ahead.
"Great," She smiled. "Should we try to find lodging, or should we set up a campsite?"
"Campsite," he decided, "We should probably set up in these woods but off the main road." She agreed.

They ended up making camp at the foot of a small waterfall. The water collected in a little pond before running down stream and into the Jang Hui River. He left to get some firewood for later on while she unpacked some of their supplies. When he got back, Katara was stringing an oilcloth—maybe it once was a small sail for a Water Tribe boat—between a few trees to act as a roof since they hadn't brought an actual tent.
"There," she said as she secured the last knot.
"Nice," he complemented as he let the firewood in his arms plop to the ground.
"Do you want to go into the town now?"
"Uh, sure…" In truth, he was exhausted, but he didn't want her to know. So they walked out of the trees hand in hand.

It was a very small Earth Kingdom village. Even though it was near the trees, the town was void of color and life. Only one shop had its windows open and they approached. A gentle breeze made the wind chimes that hung off the stand sing.
"Hello?" he asked, peering into the booth. There wasn't much for sale except for some traveler cakes and moldy fruit.
"One moment," a voice said from behind a curtain. Then a middle-aged man with a wispy beard appeared. "How can I help you?"
"Just these please," Katara said, picking up two of the cakes. They didn't really need the food, but that wasn't the point.
"You guys from outta town?" the man asked in a polite way as Zuko dug in his pocket for a few coins.
"Yeah," Zuko answered handing the man the money, "We're actually looking for someone."
"Oh? Who?"
"Jinzuk." He couldn't help but hold his breath while the man mulled over the name. If he could find Jinzuk, perhaps he could find his mother, Jinzuk's daughter.
"No, I'm sorry. I don't know a man by that name."
"Well, thank you anyways." Zuko turned to leave, but Katara remained at the booth.
"Where is everyone?" she asked. The town was very empty.
"Sick. Most of the town came down with something nasty not long ago."
"But not you?"
"No, it's strange. Some have it some don't."
"Dad," a boy said coming out from behind the curtain, "I got some more mushrooms." He held up a cloth bag.
"Good, Lee. I'm fresh out and they'll be needing more for the soups." He took the bag from his son and pulled out the contents.
"Wait." Katara said, panic in her voice, "You eat those?"
"Yes, they're quite tasty and plentiful in the woods."
"They're poisonous! You shouldn't be eating them!"
"Darling?" asked a weak female voice from beyond the curtain.
"Just a moment, dear." He called back.
"Dad, who are these people?" Lee asked.
"They're travelers, but they were just leaving."
"But-" before Katara could continue the vender closed the shutters in her face. All was quiet for a moment. Then the left shutter opened just enough for the boy to poke his head out.
"We've been eating these mushrooms for years. They're okay."
"No, they're not 'okay.' People can get very sick from them."
"Here," Lee stuck his hand out and gave her a mushroom, "try them. They're tasty." She turned the mushroom over in her hands, staring at it. If it was poisonous, she wouldn't possibly eat it to prove a point, would she? Two nimble fingers split the mushroom in half. She broke off a piece and before he could stop her, she ate it.
"Katara!" he cried, forgetting that they were trying to lie low and not use their real names. Katara turned to him quickly and held out her hands.
"It's okay," she told him, but he was still worried. "Hold this." She said handing him the rest of the mushroom.
"See?" Lee smiled at Katara, knowingly.
"Lee, can I have another one, please?" Katara asked, turning back to the boy. He looked over his should quickly before he nodded and handed her another mushroom. She inspected this one just as carefully and compared it to the one Zuko held in his cupped hands. Then she took both mushrooms up, one in either hand and presented them to Lee. "Lee, do you see a difference between these two?" she asked slowly. Lee's brows furrowed and he shook his head, glancing behind him once more. "Are you sure?"
"Yes…"
"You were right, this one," she raised the mushroom she had sampled, "is very tasty." Then she raised the other one, "But this one is very bad. Can you see how this one has bigger dots on it?" Lee nodded very slowly. Zuko squinted forward at the mushrooms in her hand, but could hardly tell. "You don't want to pick these anymore, okay?" Lee frowned.
"Is mommy sick because I got the wrong mushrooms?" he asked.
"No, it's not your fault, Lee. I guess nobody recognized that the mushrooms were different."
"Is she going to die?" Katara crouched to his level and looked him in the eye.
"No, Lee. She is not going to die."
"Promise?"
"I promise." She said and Lee smiled.
"Lee?" the same weak female voice called out.
"I got to go." He said quickly, "Bye!"
"Okay, bye." The shutter closed only to be quickly reopened.
"Thank you." And he was gone.

The two of them stood outside the closed booth for a moment.
"You shouldn't make promises you can't keep." He said quietly.
"What?" she asked, pulled out of her thoughts.
"Lee's mom. You promised him his mom wouldn't die."
"Oh." Was all she said. An uncomfortable silence stretched between them.
"It's getting late." He sighed. The sun had already gone behind the horizon, casting shades of pink and orange into the cloudless sky. "Let's go."

He didn't like fake promises, even if he understood why they were told, yet he didn't want to yell at her. So the silence followed them back to the campsite; it hung over their dinner and separated their sleeping furs. Katara lied wrapped in her furs as far away from him as the roof would allow. His arms felt empty without her in them. To distract himself from thoughts of Katara he planned how he would hike to the next village and poke around for any clues. When he was sure she was asleep, he crawled out of his furs, and stuffed his clothes under the blanket. He slung his swords on his back, tied on his mask, and changed into the Blue Spirit.

-Katara-

If she told him her plan, he'd probably try to talk her out of it or something. So she remained silent. She hated being so close to him, yet not in his arms, but it was better this way. It'd make sneaking away easier. Once she was sure he was asleep, she crawled out of her furs, and placed the contents of her pack under the blanket. Using some mashed berries as paint, she transformed into the Painted Lady.

a/n Sooo...will I be shunned or congratulated or something else? Please let me know in a review what you thought :)