Scandals (ZUTARA)

Chapter 12 : Toph ☘️ | Aftermath

"Katara?" I repeat as Kat moans in her sleep.

"The tournament," Katara gasps all of sudden, scaring the sh*t out of me.

"Go back to sleep," I bark, smacking her face down onto the pillow.

"Ow," she groans, sitting up. 

"Toph, your needed outside," Zuko says, dragging me out of the room.

When we're in the hallway, I spot Aang, Sokka and Suki chatting worriedly amongst each other. 

"When did you get here?" I ask them.

"Just now," Suki replies, and suddenly I'm insecure. How is she so effortlessly pretty? 

"We need to speak to you about Katara," Zuko says, returning my attention to him. 

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, I figured."

"Fire Lady Ursa is talking to the Doctor's since Sokka and Katara's Grandmother isn't here right now," Suki explains. "She's in Kya taking care of somethings..."

"Katara isn't mentally stable," Zuko interrupts. "But not in the way you think. She's just having some trouble processing things."

"Wait, why isn't their Grandmother here?" I ask and I can feel Suki getting angrier and angrier.

 "Toph, I just told you. Weren't you listening?" she asks rudely.

"Not really," I say apologetically. "So, why can't your Grandma make it?" I ask  Sokka.

"Gran Gran's in Kya," Sokka replies, moving closer to Suki, who shuffles away in sync with every step he takes. "We're living with Suki now," he continues and I can't help but pull a jealous face.

"Oh," I say as Fire Lady Ursa, walks towards us. I don't have to be able to see to know that this woman is extremely elegant and beautiful.

"Evening," Fire Lady Ursa says angelically.

"Mum, these are my friends Toph, Aang, Sokka and Suki," Zuko introduces, growing red.

"It's very nice to meet you," she says sweetly. "You all seem like such a nice bunch of kids, I don't know how to say this but, Katara has Vasovagal Syncope."

"What's Vasovagal Syncope?" Aang asks cluelessly.

"It's nothing serious," Fire Lady Ursa begins anxiously. "It's just a condition that makes people faint frequently."

"How did she get it?" Zuko asks desperately.

Ursa wraps her arm around him and sighs. "I think she remembered something traumatic because when she fainted she was overwhelmed." 

"Why did she vomit then?" I inquire impatiently. 

"Probably because she fainted just after drinking some bubble tea. It can cause some digestive problems," Fire Lady Ursa explains. "There is some good news though. Katara is ready to go home!"

"Will she be able to do pro-bending practice today?" I ask eagerly even though I know it's unlikely. "Coach Jha promised I could face a water-bender this week before the try-outs this week."

"I don't think so, but you can practice with Zuko in our neighbourhood stadium," Ursa offers. 

"But-" I begin but Zuko cuts me off.

"Just practice with me, Katara needs some time alone right now," he says strictly.

☘️

"Stop throwing disks at me!" Zuko shouts, dodging my accurately aimed attacks."It's totally cheating!"

"Haven't you played against an earth bender before? These types of attacks are allowed," I protest, recalling my sessions with Coach Jha who is an earth-bender like me. 

"No, I've only ever played against Azula, who is brutal might I add," Zuko pants, shooting fire my way. "How do you even sense my attacks?"

"Seismic sense," I explain as Sokka enters the stadium.

"Sokka, what are you doing here?" Zuko asks, clearly annoyed.

"Oh- your mum let me in," Sokka says, taking a seat on the empty bleachers. "Nice house by the way."

"Go away!" Zuko whines. "We're trying to practice."   

"I just want to talk to Toph real quick," Sokka requests.

"Fine!" Zuko mutters, heading for the door. "I needed a break anyway."

"What's the matter Sokka?"

"I wanted to tell you that I really-" Sokka begins but he's interrupted by Aang, who walks into stadium energetically. 

"There you are!" he exclaims. "I've been looking for you everywhere!"

"Why is everyone looking for me all of a sudden?" I ask, confused.

 "I kind of told your friend Abelia that Zuko poisoned Katara and that's why she fainted," Aang blurts as Zuko bolts into the room.

"WHAT!" he shrieks.

"I'm sorry," Aang cries. "it just happened."

"Who's Abelia?" I ask obliviously. I obviously know who she is but I'd like to know what the guys think of her.  

"Your blonde friend with glasses," Sokka explains. "Actually it's kind of brown-"

"I can't see what colour Sokka, are you dumb or something?" I fluster, annoyed.

"Sorry," Sokka mumbles, slightly hurt. 

"Toph, I'm gonna confront Abelia, but I need you to come with me," Zuko says, heading for the door.

"Why can't you go alone? I mean everyone at school finds you threatening," I suggest, folding my arms.

"No way!" Zuko protests. "If I'm going, you're coming with me."