clinic duties with doctor faust ft. unsuspecting soon-to-be patients

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

Who: Faust and literally anybody
What: A strange newcomer is investigating the clinic...
When: January the 4th and onwards
Where: Nari's Infirmary (Ensō, B6)
Warnings: 9'3" lanky boi failing at first impressions



Faust's footfalls begin to slow down, pacing themselves to a more suitable speed as he arrives in front of the infirmary building. It's...he wasn't expecting a bustling hospital, of course, but this is still not quite what he had in mind. There's certainly room for improvement, at any rate, but Faust's not going to start making assumptions when he doesn't even know what kind of resources this strange realm has to offer.

Not noticing anybody else from a brief glance of his surroundings, he makes for the entrance. Perhaps the hustle and bustle of doctor and patient can be found inside, or perhaps they're not currently open for business? Only one way to find out - he steps through the threshold, ducking through the doorway and calling out into the building before he can think better of it:

"Hello? Did someone call for a doctor?"

A classic's a classic.

Comments

feel free to continue using your rp format! i'm just attached to the brackets :P

[crosslaced]

[A blonde on a horse stops in the woodland around the infirmary. He'd been just passing by, considering the option of stopping by, but then he sees some nine-foot cryptid squeeze its limbs through the human-sized doorway and stops short.

Listen. As much as the cast has widened his idea of what a "sentient creature" counts as, even the weird ones were human-sized or smaller. That thing is like nine feet. That's basically Slenderman.

He's not stupid, though, so Faust will only find the blonde hovering outside after he's done checking out the empty infirmary. Laurent waits to see if some commotion starts up inside, in case his help is needed- but he hasn't quite realised that the infirmary's old doctors are all gone. He also hasn't quite realised that Faust is on his side, Faust is just..... like that.]

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

The good doctor emerges some time later, expression still hidden beneath the bag and body language pointedly guarded. He's got a lot to think about right now, and much to consider...
...oh, who could this be? As soon as he realises he's still entertaining company, Faust perks up - he stands tall, relaxes his body and waves airily in the newcomer's direction.

"Hello! I'm new around these parts! I washed ashore...some time ago, I think!"

Wait a minute. Blonde, short-haired, riding a horse...is this some sort of fashion that's all the rage amongst princedom right now? Well then, if he's dealing with a potential soon-to-be-monarch...
Faust makes to approach in as non-threateningly a manner as possible, in the event the young maybe-prince doesn't feel like shouting.

[crosslaced]

[On closer inspection there's a bit more hair than anticipated, tied up in a ponytail to keep it out of the way. But Faust is right on the stereotype- Laurent’s hair has just grown out over several months on this tropical hellscape, where there's nothing worth ruling over anyway.

Enso is lawless and titles mean nothing, but Laurent is technically royalty.

He backs up a few steps warily, then realises the cryptid is speaking Multiverse English.]

Oh. A newcomer.

[He has a slight French accent. The horse frets nervously, because horses are not that smart; but to be honest Laurent agrees with his pony at this moment, and his awkward reply betrays it a little. “What the hell”.]

You're a bit far out. There's not a great deal in this region.

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

...did the king have a second son? No, that's impossible, they required his specialist assistance to have the first delivered...and yet, the resemblance is uncanny. Or perhaps he merely needs his eyehole tested?

"No, I suppose not...not yet, anyway."

He gives a meaningful glance over his shoulder. He really does have his work cut out for him, and he definitely isn't going to be able to manage everything solo...and it is here Faust realises he's forgetting something important:

"Ah, my apologies, your highness!"

Two large steps back, and he is able to humbly bow for the young prince without hitting him nor his horse. He really needs to save all this planning for later if it's going to distract him this much...

"Doctor Faust MD, at your service!"

[crosslaced]

[The blonde is extremely Startled by the very mention of “your highness”. Laurent looks down at himself- he's not wearing any regalia. No one has recognised him (save Damen) in all the months he's been here- is this someone from home? 'Faust' doesn't sound Veretian, but could plausibly be a name from around the reason. No- that's a stupid thought. Just look at his nine feet and paper bag head.]

How'd you know?

[No one wears all-black and long sleeves in this kind of climate nless they had a point to prove, Laurent.]

[prettypurpleparlor]

[So, guess who makes sure to keep the clinic stocked with a little monster food in case of emergencies? Hint: it's Muffet.]

[Turns out that when your baking involves healing magic, it's a good idea to have a cookie or to on hand for... incidents.]

[Even with the clinic seeing relatively little use lately, she's been keeping an eye on the place just for the sake of practicality. The sound of an unfamiliar voice makes her turn around and look up... and up... and further up.]

[Dammit. It's bad enough humans all seem to be taller than her, now there's this nonsense. Five feet was considered a perfectly respectable height for a spider in her home, it's not her fault everyone else is gigantic.]

[Clearing her throat slightly, she dismisses the brief flash of annoyance and replies cheerfully, holding up the basket of baked goods:]

I don't know- I suppose that depends on what the doctor ordered. Care to try something?

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

...there's a giant anthropomorphic arachnid inside the clinic. On first impressions, Faust definitely preferred the two before - Knight is significantly cuter, though that's an unfair comparison in general, and Asgore had a sort of regal grace to him. This is just a spiiiii-Those are muffins, never mind.

Wait, why is this creature serving delicious western baked goods - offering them, no less? Why are they inside the clinic? Are they a doctor or a patient? Is this even an infirmary to begin with?

...and why oh why do those muffins smell so rich and divine? When did Faust last eat?

"...the doctor did not order these..."

But he's hungry. He also thinks he might steal this idea for the future - medically-prescribed homemade muffins sounds like a fantastic idea! Stowing such inspiration away for later, the good doctor approaches a little more eagerly than he would like to admit, and stretches his hand out.

"...but the doctor will accept them anyway. Thank you."

[prettypurpleparlor]

[Hmm... definite, visible apprehension at the sight of her, but no screaming and running, doesn't appear to be immediately violent, has shown tentative willingness to accept her presence in exchange for baked goods. Overall, Muffet is going to rate this as a solid 6 on the First Encounter With A Newcomer scale and call it good.]

They're strawberry-flavored, with a bit of lemon.

[She deposits the small basket daintily into his outstretched hands. Judging by the pleasant smell, the contents are fresh and deliciously sweet, still a little warm.]

And might I be so bold as to ask this doctor's name, seeing as we haven't been introduced?

[At least she seems to be a very proper, well-mannered spider. Surprisingly well-groomed for someone who's been living on a deserted island for some time, too.]

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

The good doctor is actually taken aback by being given the entire basket, and for a moment looks unsure of what to do. Such a bounty from the heavens, daintily graced upon him from...right, the Spider-Person. Spider-Doctor? Spider-Baker.

"Forgive me for my lack of manners - my name is Faust, I'm a doctor and...very hungry, apparently. Pardon me!"

And opting to forgo his tact, if only for the moment, he reaches into the basket to embrace this lovely gift. If it doesn't kill him. One not-so-tentative bite later and...

"...mm! Thifh ifh defivhusch! Mmm!"

...his tact can wait a liiittle bit longer. He didn't realise he was this hungry...

[prettypurpleparlor]

[Muffet smiles and gives a brief, polite curtsy.]

A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Faust. I am Miss Muffet.

[The muffins are indeed tasty and non-lethal. Unless you're allergic to lemons. ...Actually, he may find himself feeling slightly more energetic than before, just a little bit of any fatigue and weariness soothed.]

Oh, you needn't apologize- it's certainly a compliment to see someone enjoying my work.

I take it you've arrived recently? We do seem to receive newcomers on a fairly regular schedule.

[hurricane_clown]

No, actually, no one called out for a doctor.

There is someone inside already, though.

Someone grey and gangly and questionably more than four feet tall, but well over five feet with the horns. Someone who freezes immediately when Faust's voice broadcasts over his ears, and plants his bare feet, drawing the first of what could be a great many knives--just in case.

It may be worth noting that 'someone' doesn't actually have any cultural reference for the term 'doctor,' and so 'someone' doesn't know what that is.

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

Gut instinct forces Faust into a combat stance, immediately squatting to the more comfortable height of about five feet and brandishing the comically oversized scalpel with both hands. It's only then that his brain catches up with the rest of him.

"...good golly, you scared me, young one!"

He points the blade downwards but doesn't relinquish it. This creature doesn't seem aggressive per se, but he is in no position to judge how it'll react. Especially as it's first instinct was to draw a weapon on him.

"My name is Faust. I'm a doctor. I didn't mean to make you jump, and I mean you no harm."

The good doctor patiently waits for a response.

[hurricane_clown]

'I mean you no harm,' says the [[total nonsense word]] with a spear-knife bigger than Karako's entire body, horns and all.

"Honk?"

Karako eyes the bag-headed person with obvious suspicion, but his expression is equally clouded with confusion. He doesn't sheathe his knife, but keeps his free hand on the hilt of another without drawing it. He tilts his head to the side.

The part that's throwing him off isn't the bag. Alternia is.... a very different kind of society, and frankly trolls are fucking weird, all of them. It's not the gigantic scalpel either--oversized weapons are as common as dirt on Alternia, where oversized trolls and physical strengths vastly disproportionate to their wielders' sizes (at least to the human eye) are absolutely the norm. Which is why he isn't remotely afraid of that scalpel, either.

No, he just.... really doesn't know what a doctor is. Try introducing yourself with a real word that exists, maybe??

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

...it honks to communicate, he thinks? Unfortunately, the good doctor is painfully aware of his own lack of fluency in Honkish, and as such he's going to have to make do with standard English. Failing that, he has a few types of sign language prepared as well. Here goes nothing:

"...uh, ah...I'm Faust. Fa-au-st. I'm a doctor: Doc-tor. I...help people...who are hurt? My job as a doctor is to prevent suffering, so I heal injuries, offer guidance to those with mental difficulties and offer some positivity to those who are feeling down."

That, Faust thinks, was a terrible explanation. He has absolutely no idea what he's doing, and part of him hopes this horned honker can't understand English, to save him the embarrassment and shame he has brought upon his profession. Even if he was still technically being accurate.

[hurricane_clown]

Well, technically this horned honker can't understand English, but he can understand Alternian, which is what Faust totally sounds like he's speaking to Karako.

So he learns what a doctor is, and in the process learns about the most unrealistic vocation he's ever heard of?

There is very little less Troll-like than healing people who are hurt. Trolls who get hurt are generally left to their own devices, and if their injury is relatively minor or something they can tough out, they live. If they can't, or if their injury impairs them in a way that can't be circumvented, they're culled.

Truthfully, a lot of Trolls with injuries just turn into victims of other Trolls and never even make it to the part where they get culled by Drones.

Of course, a lot of Trolls with injuries have those injuries because of other Trolls to begin with.

Trolls don't... not help other Trolls, it happens plenty, but...

Not to such an extent where doctors would exist in any way.

Anyway, Karako continues to regard Faust with a dubious look on his face.

He does lower the knife, though.

here we gooo

[tokenflavortownie]

A great many things about Nari's infirmary could use some improvement. It's an unfortunate fact that she couldn't finish the preparations for it before her sudden and shocking disappearance. Pyrrha took it upon herself, at least for now, to come to the infirmary every so often. It was important that she guard the area, and make sure that what they had stayed well-stocked.

Having one of the large Tigerlilies with her for companionship helped the oft quiet hours move along. And Yuuri was definitely a good cat, unless she decided that she didn't like you. Might be a bit of Nari's personality rubbed off on her.

Of course, any thought of Nari brings a little ache into Pyrrha's chest. She knows. She knows, and if Nari doesn't show up sooner or later then... she'll have to consider her options going forward. For now, she'd keep doing her part, then-

"Hm?" She turns, hand instinctively reaching for a metal broom propped up in the corner. "Hello? Is... is someone there?"

And did they say "doctor?"

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

Faust wasn't expecting to find a young warrior inside, but it does make sense for someone like that to come here and have their injuries treated. He's not entirely sure why they're in full combat garb inside an infirmary, but then again, he's not entirely sure about the general safety of this island, either.

"That'd be me! My name is Faust, I'm a doctor."

He gives her a cheery wave as he quickly takes stock of his surroundings...where on earth is everyone?

"Please forgive me, but I'm rather new to these parts...you wouldn't happen to know where the medical director is? Or any other member of staff, for that matter? I would like to speak to them."

Part of him already knows the answer, but he won't give up hope just yet.

[tokenflavortownie]

It isn't like Pyrrha always marches around in full huntress gear these days. She actually has a thick hoodie on today to help keep out the January chill. If anyone did decide to really attack her then, well, her Aura was still in working order the last time she checked.

"Doctor... Faust?" She blinked, confusion quickly slipping away as facts became clear. "Oh! You must mean that you're new to this world. Alright, that makes sense."

That's enough for her to relax her grip on that broom. But she keeps it near her, just to be safe.

"...Well unfortunately, we're uh, a little short on doctors right now. And nobody's seen Nar... the woman in charge of all of this for days. I'm sorry you showed up at a bad time."

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

...in hindsight, Faust is not entirely sure why he assumed this young lady was a warrior, or that she was wearing the garb befitting of one. Here's hoping he's not beginning to go senile, he's got so much more he needs to do before he can even consider retirement...
...wait, hold on a minute. The medical director is missing?

"Not at all - if anything, my arrival might be a blessing in disguise! I could try and fill in for the other doctors until the lady in charge returns! Ah, assuming that's even allowed, I mean. Is there any paperwork I could sign, or a note I could leave in your safe custody? Ah, forgive me, I didn't catch your name, Miss...?"

Here's hoping he's not getting too ahead of himself, but this place really does look like it could use all the help it can get.

[tokenflavortownie]

It's an honest mistake to make, but Pyrrha always did give off an aura of being a person skilled in combat. So he isn't completely crazy, hopefully. There's all kinds of people across the multiverse. She's seen that much.

"...Pyrrha. My name is Pyrrha." Best intentions first. Pyrrha isn't scared to introduce herself, at least. This man has a bag on his head. Surely he's not... threatening... right?

And they are in serious need of doctors around here...

"No, no there's no paperwork for you to sign. But, um..." She didn't expect to be having an interview today. "Could you tell me your credentials? Or, what kind of doctor are you?"

NOW IN THE RIGHT PLACE WOW wildcard

[catpiper]

[The clinic is a place she's avoided since it was established. She didn't bother learning where it was and ignored the general, vague directions she had been given from time to time. It was unnecessary because she wasn't going there, wouldn't send anyone there, felt zero need to worry about its placement.

All she knows is that this random building is lacking graffiti and she can't believe it's taken this long to get her attention. The little scratches are probably easily heard from the inside, as she creates small flowers and cat faces and pizza slices on the outside of it.

It might sound like a mouse is trying to gnaw its way in, but it's actually just a goblin. No need to fear.]

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

The good doctor exits the clinic, mind running a mile a minute from the prior conversation...he needs to sit down and properly process all of this. But first...is that a rodent trying to burrow it's way in? Perhaps one of his first orders of clinical business is calling to him.

"Now just what are you do-"

He turns the corner, expecting some sort of bizarre mouse devouring the exterior of the infirmary. Instead he finds a small child providing some delightful décor for the walls! How wonderful, he thinks to himself, as he instinctively folds his legs to make himself resemble something a little less towering. He's scared enough young patients with his height as is.

"Ooh, what are you drawing?"

He makes no effort to hide his sincerity. This building is many things but decorative isn't one of them.

[catpiper]

[It could have been anything-an aggressive stream of paper, centipuppies, the ocean creeping up, a fustercluck, and she would have been able to handle it. She can't handle this. The bag on his head, unnatural as that is, doesn't grab her attention. It's the white of his coat that keeps her gaze. That's all it takes for all thought to halt and a blind panic to take its place.

Had it not been for the trial she went through, where she stood up to some of her crushing fears, she wouldn't be sitting here at all. She would've darted for the woods the second the realization hit-the moment she saw the stethoscope around his neck and-

The tension in her body makes her go completely still and her eyes fix on him. If he moves again, she'll probably run, but for this moment, she's plastered to the spot.

Her mouth feels dry and it's hard to answer, but it might be some kind of mistake. Maybe this guy found these clothes in the temple? She's never met a doctor with a bag on their head. Never met anyone with that accessory, for that matter.]

Cats.

[wanderingdoctorfaust]

Ah. Latrophobia. He's not even going to joke about the possibility of another type of irrational fear; Faust has seen that same look and same body language many, many times before.

He's listened to the stories told by those who were brave enough to approach him, of all the doctors in the world. He has yet to hear one that doesn't break his heart and chill his soul to his very core. And yet, there is one particular detail that always remains consistent:
The people they fear are monsters, vile creatures masquerading in human skin who exploit innocent lives for their own sick, twisted curiosity. They are not doctors. They have never been doctors and never will be.

But enough of that, there's a terrified young child needing reassurance...and the good doctor thinks that maybe he has an idea. Slowly, he starts to awkwardly scuttle backwards, patient and gentle in his movements. He says nary a word as he gradually retreats further and further, until...here! About thirty feet away. Hopefully this'll make things at least somewhat easier...

Whispering all too familiar words to himself, he reaches into his coat and produces the bizarre stone he woke up with. It's not exactly his first choice of magical communication, but he has a strange feeling he knows how to operate it...and sure enough, with a few seconds of fiddling around...
If the young girl has a Stone of Farspeech of her own, she'll hear a faint crackle before a gentle, elderly voice whispers to her:

"That's a beautiful cat. You're a really good artist."

[catpiper]

[That's quirky enough to add another point to accidental clothing theory. The way he shifts back makes her more curious than nervous and she stares at him until he settles, making eye contact with the hole in his bag instead of his clothes.

The grip on her chalk loosens and she uses her free hand to shuffle through her pocket for the rock when it starts to make some noise.

There's a quick, internal struggle on whether she should answer, if she should call someone else to deal with this, if there's anyway to reverse her being here to begin with and avoid this thought process entirely, but-

She's able to relax her shoulders and some of the tension in her body starts to vanish, now that running doesn't need to be the immediate course of action.

If she can just-

Slowly push herself back with her feet, pulling the bag with her to hide behind the other side of the house, where he probably can't see her, it's fine. Out of sight, out of mind and she can respond with a quiet-]

Do you like cats?