Disclamer i don't own avatar or any of its characters
12. Meetings
It had been four days since the attack on Kyoshi had been taken care of; Serj was relaxing lying down on his back on a soft patch of grass underneath a large tree. The days had flown by and the rebuilding was running smoothly since Aang and Toph had erected thirty plus homes out of earth for the villagers giving them temporary shelter until the villagers had rebuilt their homes, most of the villagers preferred to live in wooden houses.
Serj began dosing off when a sudden shock off earth bounced him up onto his backside "Wha…" Serj said in a daze, looking around Serj noticed Toph walk towards him "Sup T" Toph's expression became firm "Ok enough laying around…get off your ass Soulja boy we got a lot of free time so today I'm gonna use my free time to train you so you better not slack off" "Soulja boy" Serj questioned as he slowly got up. "
Actually it's just Soulja but I wanted your full attention" "Soulja" Serj repeated "what… is it like my code name or something" Toph smiled "No stupid it's my nickname for you, took me awhile to come up with a good one tho I usually spit em out when I meet some one for the first time but for some reason I couldn't come up with anything for you so I had to think about it".
"Your not a true member of the gang until Toph give ya a nickname, I must be special or have some sort of meaning because it took her a while what its been like one and a half weeks since we found you" Sokka said as he appeared from behind one of the new buildings. "What are you doing here Snoozles" Toph ordered. "nothing much just wandering around Suki's checking up on the villagers so I decided to take a walk and over heard you new nickname for Serj" Sokka paused "Hey how come he got a awesome nickname and I'm stuck with Snoozles" Sokka complained.
Serj laughed "I think it's self explanatory" he said as he moved in front of Toph getting ready for training, Sokka sulked "Its not my fault I love sleeping" "Hence Snoozles, now shoo your bothering me and disturbing our training" with that said Toph shoved Sokka away.
"Ok lets begin" Toph barked as she began circling Serj "Fall into horse stance" Serj starched his head "What's that" he asked confused, Toph sighed "Watch me, for earth's sake you know how to fight but you don't know your stances" Toph scolded "Hey my style of fighting is different to yours" Toph shoved her hand in Serj's face shutting him up "Copy me" Serj did as he was told "How's this".
"Lower Toph" shouted, Serj groaned he'd been doing the same exercise for ten minutes now and his legs were burning "Good, now I want you to stay like that for another ten minutes but" Toph created a long staff of earth and placed it over Serj's bent legs "don't let the staff fall off" Serj began whining "Come on T my legs are already burning". Toph earth bended a two weights similar to the ones she used when training Aang and put one in each of Serj's hands "Now it's fifteen minutes and you can't drop the weights" Serj groaned again "Your joking right".
Toph smirked oh this is going to be fun she thought to her self and earth bended another weight, this time however she formed it into and over sized necklace and put it around Serj's neck "Now it's twenty minutes" Serj put on a funny face but stayed quiet he had learnt the hard way any complaining and he would get extra work. "Back straight…bend your knees more…" Toph ordered, she picked up any flaw in his stance and made sure he fixed it.
Serj was sweating freely, his legs ached, his neck bruised and his arms felt like jelly but he pressed on, he wanted to get stronger. "So Toph" Serj said as he struggled with the weights "How'd you come up with Soulja" he asked taking Toph by surprise.
"Well" She began "when I watched or felt you fight you reminded me of a Soldier in Sparky's army, you fought ferociously even though you knew you were going to lose, but not just that you are honourable and are loyal to your cause" Toph scratched her chin "that explains the soldier bit but why I used Soul in the nickname was from when I remembered what Twinkles said how your were also strong spiritually and also from when you fought those soldiers who attacked Li mei, you didn't attack in anger or revenge you attacked them in order to bring them to justice for their crimes. So I put two and two together and came up with Soulja"
Serj had completely forgotten about his burning muscles, Toph words had warmed his heart no one had ever said anything as kind and as meaningful as her explanation on his nickname "Wow T that's really deep thank you so much" Toph punched his arm causing him to drop one of the weights "Don't ever tell anyone about this they'll think I'm going soft" Serj dropped the other weight and removed the necklace "Aww but your are soft you big Softy" Serj laughed as Toph shoved him onto the ground.
Now seated Serj stretched his sore muscles "So what lesson am I supposta learn from that".
"Earth bending is about being grounded to the earth, giving you a strong connection with it, so having a solid stance keep's your posture strong making it hard for anyone to get passed you" She explained. "So what next oh master of mine" Serj joked. "Well since your being cocky about it I'll say you still have plenty of energy left so I'm gonna make you work and work hard".
Oyaji, Aang and Zuko were discussing what their next move should be. They had to take Zuko back to the fire nation, Aang had to find the lion turtle and he also had to See king Bumi and find out what he knows about the sacred earth hammer. "Well considering the fact that there is an entire organisation looking for the weapons you must find out more about them so I suggest you head out and look for the lion turtle first" Oyaji suggested "What about Zuko he has a nation to run" Aang argued "He's right Aang we need to learn more about the weapons and their power so that should be our top priority and don't worry about me I'll go home when the flagship I sent for arrives with supplies and builders" Aang sighed "Ok fine but who will come with me and who will go see king Bumi.
"We will have to discuss that with the others Mayor Oyaji could you please send someone to search for our friends" Oyaji nodded "Of course, Kichi please go and summon the friends of the Avatar and Fire lord Zuko" Kichi bowed "Right away sir". Kichi turned around and ran out of the room.
Two hours passed by and Kichi returned with the others "You called Sparky" Toph said as she sat herself down next to Aang, Serj picked a comfortable spot and leant against the wall the others followed Toph and Serj's example and got comfortable "So what's up" Sokka asked.
Zuko began explaining "We have to change our plans Aang will be leaving Kyoshi tomorrow and will seek out the lion turtle so he needs someone to go with him I will leave that up to him to decide".
Toph spoke up "I'll go with Twinkles" "No Toph" Aang said "I'll need you to go to Omashu with Suki and Sokka and speak with King Bumi you need to ask him about the Sacred earth hammer" Toph jumped up "What why can't I go with you I wanna see the lion turtle" Aang sighed "I know Toph but the lion turtle is out in the middle of the ocean and there will be no earth for you to bend so you'll be totally blind" Toph quieted down "If you say so" Aang sighed he hated seing Toph likt this "Hey i'll make it up to you by Taking you with me when you learn of the hammers whereabouts, how's that sound" Toph smiled lightly "I'd like that".
"I will stay in Kyoshi until my flagship arrives then I'll head off to My palace, so send me a messenger hawk when you finish your tasks I'll see to it that Uncle will take my place as Temporary Fire lord so I can meet up with you later on" Zuko continued "Ok I'll go with Zuko then and help him finish his duties quicker I'll also see if I can find anything in the library" Katara said. "Great idea Katara" Aang said "Hey Serj you up for a field trip to find the lion turtle".
Serj had almost fallen asleep Toph's training Session had clearly taken it's toll "Uhh what" "Do you wanna come with me to see the lion turtle" Serj blinked "Yes actually I do I want to see if he knows the goddesses plans" Aang frowned "Oh I completely forgot about the goddesses" "don't worry Aang I'm sure they will contact us when they have too" Suki said.
"So just to clear things up Aang and Serj will search for the lion turtle, Zuko and Katara will head back to the Fire nation, leaving Suki, Toph and I to meet up with King Bumi and ask him about the hammer" Sokka asked "Yep that's the plan" Aang answered "One thing though whats our time limit we will have to find all the weapons before the Qǐméng yī do and we have to find their leaders and take em out" Sokka added.
"Sokka's right we have to finish our tasks quickly, I say a week tops for Toph, Sokka and Suki, a week and a half for Serj and I and three weeks for Zuko and Katara, oh and we'll meet back here so it give's Zuko time to get Iroh and do what ever he has to do" Everyone agreed with Aang's plan.
"Serj I think you should rest up you look buggered what were you doing" Serj smiled broadly "I got my first earth bending lesson from Toph" "but you cant bend" Katara said "I know but I can still learn the martial arts side of bending plus it will make me a better fighter, so I was wondering when we have time if Zuko, Katara and Aang can teach me the other styles and Sokka can teach me Sword fighting" "Wow Aang some one is actually following in your foot steps" Sokka said sarcastically.
"Anyways" Serj Stretched "I'm going to go now" with that said Serj left the room "To See Li mei No doubt" Toph yelled out causing Katara and Suki to giggle "You forget that I know your Secret to Toph" Serj called from out side "What secret Toph what's he talking about" Aang asked looking at Toph, Katara and Suki stopped giggling and turned to face Toph, Toph turned away from the others to hide her blush "I have no idea I think he's gone crazy from being so tried" she replied.
Serj wandered around the town to kill some time, after an hour he headed back to his room when he bumped into Yi-Min "I'm sorry Yi-Min I did not see you there how are you today" Serj apologised for his clumsiness "I am fine and how are you" "Tired" Serj replied and noticed her carrying buckets of water "Please allow me you shouldn't strain yourself to much" Serj removed the buckets from Yi-Min's hands "Are you sure since you are tired" Yi-Min questioned "I am sure I'm surprised that non of the Kyoshi warriors offered to help you, So where do you live" Yi-Min pointed out the direction for Serj, Serj turned and faced the other way "ok lead the way" Yi-Min smiled to herself she was testing Serj the Kyoshi warriors had offered to help but she had sent them away on purpose to see if Serj would help her himself. She wanted to make sure he was up to her standards, she wouldn't just let anyone court Li-Mei.
"So what has Li Mei been up to" Serj Asked "She is at home looking after Qiao jie" "oh ok…umm I've been meaning to ask what happened to Li Mei's husband" Yi-Min looked at Serj "Oh she was never married she adopted Qiao jie, he was left abandoned at our door step about two weeks ago and she took him in as her own" Serj frowned "what of his real parents isn't anyone in the village his mother or father" "No woman was pregnant at the time someone must have come at night and left him at the door".
Soon they reached Yi-Min's home "well here it is" Serj noticed that the house was still damaged "Yi-Min why hasn't anyone repaired the damage" Serj asked "no need to worry it has only been four days I'm sure the avatar and lady Toph will fix the damage for us" Serj shook his head "I'm afraid not we will be leaving tomorrow and no one will be here to rebuild until the Fire lord's flagship arrives" Yi-Min sighed "that's fine we will have to wait" Serj followed Yi-Min into the house.
"Li Mei we have a guest please ready some tea" Yi-Min called out "Yes aunty" Li Mei replied and got up from where she had been playing with Qiao jie she noticed Serj and blushed for some reason the floor became very interesting "hello, how are you" she said nervously "I'm good" Serj replied staring intently at the wall behind her, Yi-Min sighed and thought that the younger generation was hopeless "Li mei the tea" "Oh yes sorry right away".
Serj placed the buckets of water down assessing the damage to the house, he noticed some Kyoshi warriors walk past the house and he ran out to speak with them Yi-Min watched as Serj spoke to them she tried to listen in but she could not hear what was being said. The Kyoshi warriors nodded to Serj and ran off, Serj walked back into the house.
"Sorry about that I just asked a favor of them they should be back soon." Serj began looking at the damage again "what ever for" Yi-Min asked confused "You will see" was Serj's reply. Li Mei returned with the tea and offered some to Serj he took a sip and was amazed he had never tasted tea like this it was delicious and fresh "wow this is great thank you" Li Mei blushed "it's my families special recipe" "Wow you have to prepare some for the Aang and Zuko I'm sure they would love it" Serj suggested.
Li Mei grew excited "You really think its that good" "Sure do when I'm done with the repairs I will take you to them" Li mei look confused "What repairs" Serj smiled "You don't think that I will leave your house like this" Yi-Min smiled to herself the young man was really proving himself.
Serj finished his tea and began playing with Qiao jie who began giggling every time Serj made funny faces and noises or held him up in the air. Li Mei laughed happily as she watched Serj play with Qiao jie but Yi-Min watched more closely. "So Serj" Yi-Min asked "where are you from" Serj stumbled a bit not expecting to be asked a question like that. "Umm far away" he replied a little to quickly "How far, are you from the fire nation or the water tribes, how about Ba sing Se". Serj swallowed hard "Uhh" Serj lowered his head "Oh well I may as well just tell you the truth" Serj began explaining how he wasn't form this world and how he had been found by Aang and the others.
"I knew something was different about you, I just didn't expect that" Yi-Min said shocked maybe she had pushed Serj a little too hard "Yeah I don't think anyone would have guessed that but it's ok I am a little surprised that no one has asked me about my clothes though they are clearly different from what everyone else wears" Serj Joked Li Mei looked upset. "Li Mei are you ok" Serj asked Li Mei looked at Serj "Umm I was just wondering if I could actually be able to spend t… "Hey Serj where do you want this stuff" One of the Kyoshi warriors asked yelling through the window interrupting Li Mei's confession.
Serj stood up "In here thanks guys" Serj was completely oblivious to the fact that Li Mei had wanted to spend time with him. "Li-Mei I'll start repairing the house you can relax leave everything to me". Li-Mei frowned she had wanted to speak with Serj but he was busy repairing the house, Yi-Min noticed Li-Mei's situation and dragged her out of the room "Spit it out dear what is bothering you" She asked Li-Mei began whimpering "I…I really like him aunty but is it worth the risk, I… I mean what if he get's teleported back to his world" She began fidgeting "You will tell him how you feel and you will spend time with him whenever you can, do not worry about the what if's and just focus on being happy and everything will fall into place" Yi-Min said sternly.
By the time Serj was finished the sun had completely set "wow" Serj said as he wiped the sweat from his face "It got late real fast" Serj began packing the tools away. "Serj" Li Mei called out "are you hungry I can prepare some food for you" "Leave the food to me I still want to introduce you to my friends I'm sure we can put something together" Li Mei walked out side "A…are you sure" Serj smiled "Of course it will be like a date" Li Mei blushed if you say so let me get ready I have to look my best if I am going to meet the Fire lord and the Avatar".
Ten minutes later Li Mei was ready, she wore a beautiful green dress and she had let her hair fall down past her shoulders Serj's mouth dropped "Wow Li Mei you look stunning" She blushed "Thanks". Serj looked at what he was wearing "well at least one of us looks good" Yi-Min laughed "Ok you too go have fun".
Serj led Li-Mei back to where everyone was staying, Li Mei grew nervous "Don't worry they'll love you come one" Serj grabbed her hand.
They finally reached the newly built Town hall and the gang were already there waiting for dinner to be served "Hey Guys" Serj called out from the front door "Sorry I'm late but I was with someone" Serj pulled Li-Mei in side "This is Li-Mei" "G…go..od evening everyone" she stuttered bowing deeply. Katara, Suki and Tylee squealed with delight and rushed over to say hello "Oh wow what a beautiful dress". Serj smiled and whispered into Li-Mei's ear "I told you they'll love you" "Now come on I want you to meet everyone else "Zuko this is Li-Mei".
"It's a pleasure to meet you, please sit and enjoy yourself" Li-Mei bowed again "It is an honor Lord Zuko" "This is Aang" Serj continued "Hello" Aang said as he smiled "Avatar Aang" Li –Mei gasped bowing again "Please just Aang"
After everyone had introduced themselves Serj and Li-Mei sat down "So fill us in Serj how'd you to meet" Tylee asked excitedly. Serj began telling how they had met and how Toph had to save his ass after it. "Wow how romantic" Tylee sighed.
The conversations had split the girls began talking amongst each other talking about Li-Mei dress and other things. Serj watched as Li-Mei laughed and chatted with the others "Oh I almost forgot" he said suddenly and began whispering in Li-Mei's ear. Li- Mei nodded and stood up "If I may be excused for a few minutes" she excused herself and walked towards the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later carrying a large pot of tea.
"Guy's I wanted you to try Li-Mei's tea it's really something special" Serj began pouring tea for everyone, Zuko was the last to get a cup he took a sip "Wow this is delicious, amazing" Li-Mei blushed "Thank you lord Zuko" "Wow I must introduce you to my uncle he's looking for someone talented with tea".
The hours passed quickly and soon it was time for Li-Mei to return home "Thank you so much for the lovely evening It was an honor to meet you all" Li-Mei bowed and walked home with Serj "I'll back soon" "Take your time we'll wait for you" Toph called out smirking, Serj shook his head and laughed and Li-Mei tried to hide her reddened cheeks.
Walking hand in hand Serj and Li-Mei finally reached Yi-Min's house "Thank you for tonight" Li-Mei said as she opened the front door "I was my pleasure" Serj replied "Umm…" Li-Mei began shuffling around "What's wrong" Serj asked "Is it true… are you leaving tomorrow" Serj sighed "I'm afraid so but don't worry I'll be back in around ten days" With that said Serj cupped Li Mei's cheek and kissed her "I will see you Soon my beautiful Rose" he whispered.
R&R
Shout out to -TOPH14- for giving me the idea of Toph's description of Serj's nickname
