Part 10
"See the broken shards that are glowing at the mouth of the cave? These used to be a complete gem that kept our world from this one. The gem was given to us my the moon spirits and dragon so that the perfection that is contained in this valley could be maintained so that when future generations in this world eventually destroyed everything, there could be a fresh start. But someone broke the gem so that they could take one of the shards and use it for their own devices, so when they took a part of it, our world fell into yours. Now to get our world back, the gem has to be restored."
"So why can't you do that yourselves?" Zuko asked interrupting again.
With a heavy sigh, Zerubelub continued, "I only wish we could, but the gem must be put back together by a daughter of the moon and a son of the dragons. We really had no choice when we sought you out, but I am glad that you answered our calls."
"Wait," Katara said, speaking up for the first time since they had entered the cave, "You couldn't have called us. We were just running away from the fire nation guards."
"Well, you came to that waterfall didn't you? You came out of the caves away from your friends, didn't you? You looked into the cave, didn't you? We called you here, even though you may not have heard it, you certainly answered the call. Now, down to business. You must find the missing shard so that we can return to our world. If our valley stays here much longer, your whole world will be destroyed and all that will be left will be this valley."
After waiting a few seconds to make sure Zerubelub was done speaking, Zuko asked, "So how do we find the missing piece?"
"I take it you would like to help us?" Zerubelub asked with a smile gracing itself on his hideous face.
"I think we would," answered Katara with a smile also creeping onto her face.
"Good. We should start as soon as possible. The shard itself cannot leave the valley, so that narrows down your search considerably, but the valley itself is very large. I should think that you should start right away."
"Zerubelub," interrupted Shealtiel, the monster seated on the right side of Zerubelub, "shouldn't you tell them how to find the shard?"
"Oh, right, I'm getting ahead of myself. You find the shard by looking within yourselves. Thank you for helping us, now Naphoth, you should lead them back to the waterfall entrance," Zerubelub said in a closing tone. Naphoth stood up and walked to the entrance. Zuko and Katara were close behind.
"I'm sorry for their rudeness," said Naphoth when they were halfway through the large cavern. "Sometimes they can get a little ancy when it comes to the gem."
"That's alright," said Katara. "But I was wondering what Zerubelub was saying about looking within ourselves. Do you know what that means?"
"I would tell you, but if Zerubelub didn't then I shouldn't. The both of you should be fine, since you are benders, but if you need help, you can always talk to the forest." Zuko and Katara looked at each other, both thinking that the monsters were extremely unhelpful and crazy.
As the small group reached the exit of the large cavern, Naphoth said his goodbyes, and walked back. Zuko and Katara were left to go through the tunnel to the valley outside alone.