327/Mu - A dull patient

Mu - A dull patient
Date of Scene:	02 August 2014
Location:	Njorun Station - Medical
Synopsis:	With Toph safely at Njorun medical, her parents wish to visit her again, all under the watchful eye of Tony, Frederica and Maya. More questions are asked, and possible solutions are suggested.
Cast of Characters:	Maya, 20, 73, 301
Tinyplot:	Mu

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Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It had been easy enough to get Toph to come along with the Union back to Njorun, and she made no resistance whatsoever. But it had been clear that unlike her usual sense of independence, the blind girl had been unable to get there on her own. Her steps were hesitant, as if she was uncertain about where to step, all with a slightly nervous look on her face even as she reached out to hold onto whoever was close, just to make sure she wouldn't stumble and fall.

    The medical examination showed nothing out of the ordinary, though Toph had been slightly dehydrated. That however is easily fixed, and well... she looks slightly less pale today as she sits in her hospital bed. Why, the nurses were even allowed to help her get ready in the morning. And visitors were allowed in small groups too, no more than five at a time, the nurses had decided. Considering that Tony himself /is/ Toph's supervising officer, he had been given special permission to come and go as he needed.

    Most of the day, she's been asleep. She had slept all through the night too, the nurses said, only waking up to go to the bathroom or to fumble for something to drink. And for now the nurses seem to try the strict route as it's dinner time. "Now Toph, you need to eat something. It's better if you can get some nourishment without us having to give you more IVs," the woman says to the girl as she places the tray with food in front of Toph on the nightstand. The blind earthbender blinks, seemingly aware that somebody is talking to her, but it takes a few seconds before she raises her head. "Take the fork," the nurse continues.

    After a few seconds, Toph reaches out and begins fumbling around on the tray, eventually finding the fork.

    There is a knock at the door however, and another of the nurses peeks her head in. "Is this a good time? I believe Major Stark was alerted that her parents are coming," she says, looking around. It would be preferable to avoid disturb meal times, but... some family members can be pushy. Which is understandable in these cases. Behind her in the hallway, it should be pretty easy to catch a glimpse of the Beifongs, who are standing there nervously and looking around them on their first trip to Njorun.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony had told Poppy that he'd be happy to take her and her no-good husband to see their daughter in the hospital, and he's good to his word on that. After getting her hesitant radio call, he comandeered one of the light transport vehicles to go pick them up. See, he didn't even make them ride clinging to the back of the Iron Man suit.

Behind the nurse, but in front of them, he pokes his head into the doorway. "How about we ask the patient herself?" he asks. Yes, he knows she's been fairly unresponsive, but he thinks engaging her has to be better for that than letting her linger in that half-asleep state. "Hey, Toph. Your mother and father are here. Is it ok if they come in for a minute?"

It should be safe, because her /dad/ is here too.

Frederica (73) has posed:
    Frederica has been in and out of Toph's room several times now, just checking in. In her semi=official capability as a nursing assistant that is, not just as a visitor. She's been perfectly polite and reasonably friendly, though it's possible her and Tony have struck a few minor verbal jabs at each other. Nothing outright insubordinate in Frika's case, and perhaps slightly more playful than abrasive. At times though she forgets to be mean to Tony, merely looking after the little earthbender and casting occasional glances Tony's way when she thinks he won't notice.

    It's not that she's keeping an eye on him or anything! Well okay, maybe a little. It's CERTAINLY not that she's interested in seeing how he deals with the situation. How he responds in a situation where he's put in a parental sort of role. No, she's not at all interested in THAT! Well okay, maybe she is, but she'd never admit it.

    Truth to tell, she's got this thing about family. It means more to her than ... well, than anything really. More than the war, even. Having no family of her own, not here at least, certain people in the Union have become a second family to her. And when she sees something like the disturbing situation with Toph and her parents... well, it means something. And it's definitely worth keeping an eye on.

    Besides, maybe she's wrong and Tony Stark really IS going to do something unfortunate. Admittedly if so he's got plenty of opportunity. She's not actually in the room right this moment, and hasn't been there every moment either. But she's on the way! Having heard that Lao and Poppy were coming to see their daughter, she's rapidly finishing up her current tasks so she can just happen to come in and check in on Toph! Oh, what a coincidence!

Maya has posed:
Maya has been coming to check up on Toph, she's been very concerned about it. She knows Toph has been not doing very well at all but there'd at least been some improvement. She'd been keeping watch and notices Toph's partents arriving there's only a polite neutral look onb her face.

"Mr. Beifong, Mrs. Beifong."

Maya's looking them over politely and well doesn't expect any trouble, not here.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It does seem like the visitor capacity is going to be filled up, isn't it? The nurse at the door looks at Frederica as she arrives, offering her a nod. Well, she sort of counts as a worker, doesn't she? "Maybe you could make sure miss Beifong eats her dinner while you're there? It would be best if there aren't too many people around her, it seems to confuse her. Thanks," she says and offers the psy user a pat on the shoulder.

    For now Toph seems to be getting started on her food, but when Tony speaks her attention is diverted, and she raises her head and looks confused with her lips moving just slightly. The question is tougher for her to understand it seems, but eventually she nods her head twice, rather slow... and then she seems intent on her fork, her right hand clutching it as she feels the prongs with her left hand.

    The nurse opens the door to let all the guests in, and the Beifongs nod to Maya and Frederika before they hurry into the room, and Poppy isn't slow to walk over to the bed, kneeling in front of Toph before she reaches out to touch her face, studying her. Lao follows right behind her, but the man seems... rather drained today. His left hand is up at his forehead, rubbing it even as he looks down at his wife and daughter.

    The IV lines do make Poppy blink, and she reaches out to touch this. "Will this really make her get better...?" she asks, glancing between the three Unionites present in the room as the nurses close the door after them." Toph herself seems to be utterly fascinated by her fork, well... fascinated might be too generous a definition as that blank look is still there on her face as she runs her fingers over the fork. The dinner is forgotten for now.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony gives Lao a searching look as he waves the man in past him. He'd seemed a little quiet on the ride over, too. Could he possibly be coming down with whatever Toph has? Or, maybe he's just keeping his mouth shut because he's afraid Tony will sock him in the face again. Or that someone will tackle him with a knife or try to choke him out. These are all reasonable fears, unfortunately.

Tony follows the Beifongs in and lets them take up the choice positions by Toph's bed if they wish. They ARE her (biological) parents, after all. He gives Maya and Frederica both a casual nod.

"Those are IV lines," he explains for Poppy. "They make sure she gets enough fluids and nutrients into her body even if she's not able to eat or drink enough, herself." Which seems to be necessary given Toph's distraction with the fork rather than the food. "So yes, they'll help her get better. But we still need to find out what caused this, in the first place."

He takes a seat nearby, where he can still reach to touch Toph if he feels a need to. "It doesn't seem to be like any virus or infection I've ever heard of in my world. Someone suggested last night it could be spiritual? Has anything like this happened before to anyone else, that you've maybe heard or read about?"

Frederica (73) has posed:
    Finishing up her duties, Frederica approaches the room in a bit of a hurry. She'll come in after the Beifongs arrive however. If they see her there, they might get the feeling Union bad cops are ganging up on them and turn right back around. If she comes in after though, it's a coincidence!

    She nods to the nurse, one she's no doubt worked with before. She's a common sight around the medical ward these days, and has authorization to assist when care is non-critical. Just not to do actual nursing, of course. She might even be rather hard to recognize for the Beifongs. Gone is the pointy-eared hood, and her long twintails are tucked away. That blue-eyed gaze is distinct however, and she casts it about the room liberally once she enters.

    Before long, Frederica notices that Toph's not eating. As the nurse said, she seems distracted by all the people. "Come now, P... Toph. It's time to eat." Frika cajoles. Her voice ought to be familiar, admittedly, should anyone fail to recognize her nursing outfit. "You wouldn't want me to have to feed you, would you?" she asks, a hint of challenge behind the playfulness.

Maya has posed:
Maya nods slightly and watches as Toph's parents she makes no real moves but she does wathc Poppy's reactions to everything.

"Yes it will help with some of her problems. It's to make sure she gets the water she needs. As Mr. Stark has said. It can I admit seem a bit strange if your not used t to it."

TOny's nod is returtned.

"I was the one who sensed something unatural about it. I do think something occult is behind it in some fashion."

She looks over to Frederica and muses if anytone could get some sort of response from Toph it might very well be Frederica!

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Like yesterday, Lao seems only happy to avoid eye contact with them for now. Yesterday... was not a pleasant experience. And with how two of the Unionites threatened him on his life, well... Tony suddenly seems far more reasonable than he initially seemed. After all, the things that was done to him were far worse than a punch and hurt more than just his pride.

    And Lao Beifong is by far no fighter.

    Frederica's words does seem to make Toph halt playing with the fork, and the blonde girl's voice is familiar to the Beifongs. Wasn't that... the girl who burnt the guards? Pardon Lao for being somewhat nervous. But at least he seems to keep himself together. When the playful comment about feeding is made, Toph does shake her head slightly. "... can... eat." There is a clear look of forced concentration on her face, and she places the fork in her right hand before her left hand feels around for the plate, even getting food on her fingers before she carefully stabs a potato through and brings it up to her mouth.

    Nourishment, huh? Poppy nods her head, still seeming a bit nervous about it all. But Toph /does/ look better than she did yesterday. And it doesn't look like she's stressed out either. When Maya and Tony question Lao however, Poppy does look up over her shoulder at Lao, concern on her face. "You haven't been doing well either, dear..." Perhaps it's easier to talk today when there are nobody making threats on his life. When there are fewer people present. Either way, Lao rubs at the top of his nose, the point between the eyes. "My head is hurting," he admits. It might just be stress. Toph isn't well, the Union busted up his home yesterday and threatened to kill him...

    As for local incidents? Lao shakes his head, some slight irritation clinging to his voice. "Not that I'm aware of. Then again, the local banter has never been of interest to us." The Beifongs are the richest people in town, and it's hardly like they wander the area and chat with the locals. Maya's words seem to be something Poppy dwells on, and she watches Toph as she slowly chews the potato in her mouth, as if it was real tough. "You... really think there is something like that going on? But why would that be?" she asks, worry evident in her eyes as she glances between them.

    Lao swallows as he finally moves into his seat, his gaze on Toph where she is sitting on the edge of the bed.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
Tony is ENTIRELY reasonable! God. He does feel pretty shitty about the way his allies got out of control last night though. And responsible, seeing as how he was the ranking officer present. Unfortunately now is not really the time to apologize. Not that ANY time is really going to be good, but... yeah, let's not make things even MORE awkward in Toph's hospital room.

And he's not the person to ask about spiritual ailments. He leaves that for Maya to explain. He does get up, and steps outside for a moment to get some tylenol from the nurse's station, and returns with the pills and a glass of water. "Here," he offers, "swallow these whole with the water. It should help the headache." And if Lao thinks he's trying to poison him, well fuck him. He's the one who got the psychos OFF him last night.

"I'll have to see if I can sneak some spare ribs in here," he offers, half-jokingly not exactly TO Toph, but kind of... across her, if she should care to intercept the comment as he sits down again. "That'd getcha eating more, wouldn't it?"

Maya has posed:
Maya says "As your people are directly tuned to the elements of your world, my people are tuned to the supernatural. I was able to sense something amiss with one of my spells but it's not like anything I have encountedf other than it ddidn't feel right."

Maya is not happy about the death threats being issued aty all she gets why people were so angry but well? That does't pan out well in the long run.

"The big question is why she was targeted, was it just supernatural predatotr from off world trying to extend it's hunting grounds? Was it something else. I'm afraid I have as many questions as you do."

Frederica (73) has posed:
    Frederica studies Toph between covert glances at the adults in the room. She doesn't want to cause trouble, and Tony's order still stands. Hot-blooded as she tends to be, she will offer no violence to Lao. If such is needed, she expects Tony will take care of the matter anyways. He has to be good for SOMETHING right?

    Mostly though she's focussed on Toph, and on trying to make sure she eats properly. That concentration disturbs her. Toph's actions aren't natural. Or rather, they ARE natural only if her mind is totally occupied by something else, leaving little room for mundane matters like eating, talking or walking. Or as if those trivial activities take far more concentration for her now than they would for anyone else.

    Unfortunately Frederica's baffled. She might be psychic, but the mind isn't her area of expertise. Maybe, if this continues, she'll teach Toph Burst Stream. No that'd be just silly... but she wants to do SOMETHING!

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    When Tony returns with the pills, Lao appears to look confused at first, staring at the pills before he looks up at Tony. Perhaps he is suspicious at first, but he does take the pills and the glass of water, offering him a brief nod. It might not be a big sign of gratitude, but at least he isn't throwing any hissy fits over all of this.

    The mention of spare ribs does have a reaction. As she's poking at another potato with her fork, the blind girl pauses, sitting still before she speaks up. "... I like ribs." Then she resumes poking at the potato for a little bit before she seems to realize that there are other things next to it, moving her fork to prod at it, as if testing just what is on the plate.

    "... this isn't ribs."

    After he's swallowed the pills, Lao shakes his head slightly at Maya's comment. "I do not know... spirits... tend to be fickle in our world, and it's matters that most people stay away from." Why was Toph targeted though? He sighs and rubs at the bridge of his nose again. "Do you know /what/ was amiss?" he directs to Maya again since she seems to know about these matters.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"No, it's not," Tony agrees sadly. "But you still need to eat up. I'll see if I can get you something tastier for supper, okay?"

He's excited. This is the most Toph's said to him since last night. Maybe she's coming out of it! And maybe... if she is, she can give some clue as to what happened to her. But he's not going to ask directly. He tries a gentler lead-up. "So hey, did you get to meet the badgermoles?" he asks softly, after she's chewed and swallowed something so as not to interrupt the chore of eating. "Were there many babies?"

Frederica (73) has posed:
    Frederica rolls her eyes at Lao's suspicion. "Take them, you big baby." she urges, not quite under her breath. "If Mr. Stark wanted to do something bad to you he'd just hit you." she adds, her tone grudging and too quiet to carry... at least it would be too quiet were this not a medical ward. As it is, probably Tony and Lao both could hear her.

    When Lao does finally take the pills, Frederica nods a grudging sort of pleasure and continues observing Toph eating. The comment about ribs strikes her, causing a pang. Poor kid! Maybe she'll smuggle in something sweet later. All kids that age love sweets, right? Frederica did... and still does, she's just way too mature to be caught indulging. Still, her attitude isn't all whimsy right now. There's something that Lao had said, something that strikes a chord. Spirits.

    Frederica considers that word. Whatever's wrong with Toph, it's not psychic. If it were magic or drugs, they'd know by now for sure. Between the Union's mages and its medical and scientific staff, either would be easy to detect. If it's a spirit though, that might be different. Sure they have spirit experts, but have any of them taken up the task of a medical examiner? "If I were interested in learning more of the spirits of your world, where would I do that?" Frederica asks, sounding thoughtful and somewhat uncertain.

Maya has posed:
Maya says "They tend to be the same in mind, barring few exceptions that are not relvant to here. No just that there's some side out force at work that's left her in a state as you see now. I'm going to have to do some resarch, given every worlds' spirits are different after all. We may have to seek more information in your worlds Mr. Beifong"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    The meat is poked some more, and Toph tiredly brings the piece up to her mouth, chewing on it with as much energy as she can muster. It takes time for her to chew and swallow the meat, but she manages. When Tony asks about the badgermoles though, she turns her head slightly towards him, her pale eyes turned downwards. Her expression is one of heavy concentration. "I... don't know," she responds flatly, then she looks confused, mumbling slightly. "Where did my... my..." She swallows, then fumbles on the nightstand. "Radio..."

    This turn of events does seem to cause worry as Poppy takes Toph's hand. "You shouldn't be talking with many people right now, Toph. You need to eat." With a heavy sigh she closes her eyes. "She was so confused and upset by all the servants and guards... too much noise for her. This place is quiet at least, your headquarters is rather strange," she admits with a weak smile. The poor woman isn't used to technology, and this /is/ her first trip out to the multiverse.

    There are some things you just don't forget, no matter how hard you want to. So when Frederica mentions being hit by Tony, Lao does tense, gripping the glass tighter as his face pales just slightly. "I am /well aware/," he responds tersely, giving Frederica a stern look.

    Spirits... well, that's a tough matter. "There are words about a spirit library, but it's lost somewhere," Lao begins, only to blink when Toph reaches out with her free hand, grabbing at his sleeve. "Sunk."

    "Toph?" he asks, arching his eyebrows.

    "Sunk," she repeats, only to have Poppy gently remove her hand. "Return to your food, Toph..." she urges the girl who blinks her eyes twice. Lao gives a slight shake of his head, all before he turns his attention back to Frederica. "There are few libraries in the southern area of the Earth Kingdom, but there are always tall tales being spread around the villages and towns," he responds while he rubs at his forehead. "You can hardly travel without hearing about spirits. At least that is the feeling I get whenever I leave Gaoling on business." He gives an indignant little coff. "If you want to look for information... then perhaps that might be the best. Local spirits usually have their own tales."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
That is a very good question. Where IS Toph's radio? "Did she have her radio with her when she first came to you?" He asks of her parents. "If she lost it in a scuffle with some... spirit, then maybe we can track that down as a starting point." He pats Toph on the hand. "We're right here, Toph, you don't need your radio right now." But hey, she's actually /talking/ now, and unlike Poppy Tony thinks that's a good thing. "Who did you want to talk to?"

While he gives Toph a chance to formulate a response he turns his head to give Poppy a wan smile. "The giant tree, I know," he agrees. "It's weird to me too. I live in a nice normal house on the beach, myself." Technically a house on a CLIFF overlooking a beach, but why confuse matters.

"Maybe we can send some scouts into the Earth Kingdom," he suggests, agreeing with Lao for once. "Talk to people. If they haven't heard of a specific spirit story that fits this, maybe they can point us to someone who's made more of a study."

Frederica (73) has posed:
    Frederica cheerfully ignores Lao's stern look, as it only proves she was right. She's much more interested in the rest of it. Toph seems interested in the conversation. Sunk? What could that possibly mean? Well, she supposes if she asks around in their world, she could always ask about the libraries when she asks about spirits. Somewhere, there has to be information on a spirit that could cause symptoms like Toph's. She nods in agreement with Tony's suggestion, and will add her own suggestion about the libraries. Later, of course. She's not really up to discussing plans in front of Toph's parents.

    "We can track that radio, right?" she asks. Assuming it was lost and not simply destroyed. Then again if it WAS destroyed, that would prove malicious intent from someone rather than an illness... right?

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    The radio? Lao and Poppy look at each other, all before Poppy looks over at Tony. "Her bag was full of the things she has brought before... and I do think I saw the radio there when I looked through it." Perhaps they should make sure she gets her bag. The fact that she is talking is a good sign, right? But what if the radio makes her confused?

    Just who does Toph want to talk to? Toph shakes her head a bit when Tony pats her on the hand and assures her that she doesn't need her radio. "... want to listen," she finally says.

    It's a strange thing when Tony and Lao both agree on something, and the Beifong patriarch sighs. "If you need maps and the like, they are at your disposal," he states, then turns to Frederica. "Make sure that she finishes her meal. My wife and I will retrieve her items if that's what she truly wants..." He looks between the people present, then turns to Poppy. "We should leave." All in all, Lao does not feel comfortable being here at Njorun. On the other hand, Poppy doesn't want to leave just yet. But she sighs, reaching out to caress Toph's cheek as the girl is poking at her food. "We will return with your things, Toph." A quiet assurance, as if she's scared that the girl will not understand. But the mother does rise from her seat, giving the Unionites a sad nod before she and Lao turn to head out the door.

    The blind girl halts chewing shortly after, her mouth full of food as if she just realized that her parents left. She drops the fork on her plate, then reaches around the tray. "... dad?"

Frederica (73) has posed:
    "You don't need to tell ME to do my job." Frederica complains peevishly. She does so only AFTER Lao and Poppy leave the room however. That little display of temper is just a release. She had no intentions of being dragged into a fight, but ... well, it's good to let off a little steam. It's not like there's anyone else in the room she could get into an argument with right?

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"I'll get you your radio," Tony doubles down on Poppy's promise. He has a dim recollection of wanting to listen, too, when he was gamma irradiated. He doesn't remember many DETAILS but that does strike a chord.

As he's the Beifongs' ride, he ought to be heading out after them but that last little query makes him close his eyes and sigh. He reaches out to cover Toph's hand with his own, and gives a little squeeze. "I'm here." Tell me what you want, tell me what you need, tell me how I can make this better, he thinks. What he says is, "Are you okay?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It doesn't appear to bother Toph when Frederica and Tony 'argue', unlike the tension that hung over the Beifong estate yesterday. And sure, Frederica could try to have one of her silly arguments with Toph about nicknames and superiority, but... it would be rather futile at the moment.

    She sits still when she feels that hand cover hers, though her face is as impassive as it has been ever since they found her yesterday. "I want to go home," she finally says in a calm manner, though the words sound somewhat less dull. Then, as if she's not expecting an answer she pushes at the plate, seemingly not wanting more of her dinner. It appears you have a job ahead of you, Frederica!

Frederica (73) has posed:
    Dad? I'm here? Frederica's eyes widen at hearing that little byplay. Something that seems a little too private for her really. Sure, she knew Toph was Tony's understudy, that the senior officer was training the junior but... well okay, she's a bit oblivious to such things. Only not THAT oblivious. She smiles slightly, ducking her head so as to not show her reaction overtly. Awwww.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:
"Soon," Tony promises. "We'll get you home soon. And until then we'll be nearby. I need to go out for a little while but I'll be back soon, I promise. Try to rest and see if you can remember any more of what happened back there, okay?"

If he notices Frederica noticing, he doesn't say anything of it. He's had some time to adjust to the idea that Toph thinks of him as a parental figure, and if that's what SHE needs right now, he won't complain.

It's not as if her biological father is filling that need.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Soon? That word seems to satisfy the girl, and she nods her head once. Whatever she is thinking isn't said as she leans forward briefly, resting her forehead against Tony's shoulder before she pulls back, weakly pulling her hand free and then half flopping back into bed. She's eaten, she's tired... and whatever has been said and done is probably forgotten.