Aang explained to his friends about his short trip to the spirit world, the warnings his past lives gave him, and of the impending dangers. No one seemed mad, just frustrated and a little bit annoyed at the fact that all of this could have possibly been prevented. It was getting late but everyone was feeling restless. Azula had caught them by surprise so now they had to prepare. Katara eventually asked Zuko about visiting the catacombs. He agreed and the entire team decided to tag along. There may be some hidden information that may be of use to their current situation.
As they arrived at the catacombs, they immediately noticed how dark it truly is. The broad daylight does not even tinge these caves whatsoever. Zuko and Aang ignited a flame in their palms but even that would not shine bright enough to lighten the dark
abyss. Toph led the way, paying close attention to the Earth's whispers and murmurs that tingled through her senses. It guided her, it guided everyone, into the frigid tunnels.
"These hallways are really old. They hid the Fire Nation's most important things. No one dares to step down here." Zuko explained.
"I remembered hearing stories as a child that these caverns were infested with haunting ghosts of the nations, all seeking revenge for their stolen artifacts and treasures of value. Now as I look back at that memory, I realize it was just another way to make the new generation of Fire Nation children hate the rest of the world. What an evil tactic." Mai recalled in a somber voice.
"Shit, that's messed up. First and foremost, we're here. Behind that door shall be our destination… however, I do wonder… What are we looking for exactly?" Toph asked.
"I'm not sure… anything that may be of use I suppose. Any stolen artifacts from our respected nations should go back to where they belong. So, let's gather whatever we can." Katara rubbed her arms. It was chilly in the grotto. No breeze swooped around them but the bleak temperatures made it difficult to maintain body heat.
They decided to split up in order to cover more ground. It went without saying but Aang and Katara searched together as a harmonious team. Each opened different books and scrolls anticipating a solution for all of their problems. They understood that it was unrealistic but needless to say, they felt a glimmer of hope everytime a new item was uncovered.
Toph wasn't much help considering her disability. She just used her seismic sense to observe the cave walls for any secret hiding spots or passageways.
Mai and Zuko collected an entire barrel of stolen relics from the 3 other nations. They searched through piles of objects but couldn't find anything other than old myths and made-up stories.
Suki and Sokka were making progress. They quickly read through tales and legends hoping to find something worth mentioning but none so far. They did get a good understanding of how spirits think, on the other hand. They learned of ancient spirits like the lion turtles. They even got to read a bit of Tui and La. It made Sokka reminisce in the memory of Yue. He felt as if she would be smiling down at his new and striving relationship.
Hours passed of yawning through books and scrolls. The gang were still feeling restless but their bodies were exhausted.
"We should call it a night. We have all of tomorrow… I mean today… to look for answers." Sokka said with a loud yawn.
"He's right. We're not much help when we can't read without foggy vision." Suki added.
Everyone hummed lazily in agreement and started heading out. Toph got up off of the floor and stretched her arms over her head. As she was about to find her exit, she noticed a rock with engravings on it. She could read those engravings.
She picked up the stone and used her fingers to feel its nooks and crannies. Her calloused hands brushed across the tablet. She didn't understand this language but she did try to sound it out, "The Sireenz." She murmured.
Katara turned around when she heard this and walked back towards Toph, "What did you say?"
"I found a rock. It reads 'The Sireenz. Yold mystic haunted sprits add humans. Feld off of troments…" Toph twisted her words. Katara, with a confused look on her face, tried reading along. The writing was messy and ancient.
Aang noticed the two girls mummering over a rock. He curiously came over and tried reading the slab. As opposed to Katara and Toph, he could understand this language. He read it aloud, "The Sirens. Old myth of spirits who haunted the spirit world and the humans. Feeding off from torment, they grew more powerful. They grew to be so compelling that the Avatar could not destroy them. Rumors have been going around that assemblies of humans have tried to revive this spirit again. If they do come back, don't listen to their majestic songs. It's all a facade. Stay away from their lightning and don't get taken by their breeze of liberty."
Zuko gulped, "I've heard of them before…"
Everyone shot their heads towards him, questioning why he didn't speak up sooner. Before anything could be said, he continued, "Since I've been born, the royal messengers and counselors would always speak to my father of minute rebellions gathering all over the world looking for information about how to enter the spirit world. We always thought of them as maniacs and fanatics, but I have a clue now that it wasn't a coincidence."
"But, we don't know if they are actually looking for these… Sirens." Katara bit her nails.
"That's true… we can always ask them though." Zuko said.
"What? How?" Sokka asked, befuddled.
Mai gave him a stare, "Where did the Fire Nation like to keep people who try to go against them?"
Sokka gave it a few seconds before brightening up, "The Boiling Rock!"
"Hold on… are they even still alive?" Aang questioned.
"They should be… it wasn't that long ago."
"If they were truly desperate about that crap, their sole life purpose should be reviving their god… or in this case, reviving their spirit. They haven't completed their mission so it's highly probable for them to still be around." Toph voiced her thoughts.
"Ok then, ladies and gentlemen. Let's make our way to the Boiling Rock!" Aang tried to sound enthusiastic.
"But I'm tiiiired!" Sokka whined.
"Sokka, this is of the utmost importance. Plus, you can sleep on Appa. Let's pack and we should try leaving in an hour. Does that sound fine to everyone?" Katara demanded.
Groaning in exhaustion, everyone complied.
After packing a few minor but essential things, Team Avatar traveled out of the Fire Nation. The Boiling Rock was 8 hours away from Caldera. That gave the gang 8 hours to rest and plan out their solution. They couldn't do much forethought, however, because they were lacking information.
Hours passed and the previously cool breeze began to heat up intensely. Sokka wiped some sweat off his forehead, "I guess this is our signal that we are getting close to the prison. Prepare yourselves." He shuddered remembering his past experience at this particular island.
Appa finally groaned, making everyone look into the distance. The boiling water and its water vapor scared Appa. He landed on the surrounding rocks.
"What happened to Appa?" Suki asked with concern.
"I think he is scared… he isn't very good with fire or anything hot, as a matter of fact." Aang reasoned.
"Since I am now Fire Lord, we should be able to get in no problem. There's a tram on the other side. It isn't a very long walk." Zuko said as he jumped off of the saddle.
"Ok buddy, Momo will take care of you. Stay here guys and… don't roam close too the water or anything." Aang instructed his furry companions.
Everyone then made their way to the tramway. They carefully moved through the unstable rocks and boulders, very aware that one wrong step could potentially make them slip into the scorching water.
They made it safely to the entry. Guards immediately stood in the way, "State your reason for being here."
Zuko stood tall and they realized who they were speaking to, "Ah, your majesty. We apologize. We didn't notice it was your gracious presence. Were you looking to get into the prison?"
"We are looking for the prisoners who want to get into the spirit world." Zuko stated. The guards looked confused. He rolled his eyes and cleared up their confusion, "The maniacs."
"Oh! Do you need an escort, your highness?"
"Yes, please."
"Of course, follow me." One of them waved over to one of the trams. Team Avatar walked inside and stood there as the transportation moved along the wire holding them up. The tram shook roughly once they hit the ground of the prison.
The glass door opened and they walked out. "Welcome to the Boiling Rock. The Fire Nation's most secure prison for the most dangerous criminals."
