"Mm, I've not come across anything like him, no." Slightly dryly spoken, even if he is mostly referring to Mettaton's physical composition. "The world spared no effort in adapting him to a monster's life, even though it would have been far easier just to render him a witch and be done with it."
Inconveniences of monsterhood aside, Emet-Selch was glad that his companion was a monster- as he doubted they would've ever Bonded otherwise, the puca having been looking for a witch of particular requirements.
Elidibus' look of questioning towards him, as though inquiring whether this was typical Mettaton behavior- is met with a faint shrug against the bed, and a fainter quirk of lips. None of it seemed to strike him as at all unusual, and if the puca had taken it upon himself to view the other Ascian favorably, Emet-Selch wasn't about to dissuade him of it. His life in general would be much easier if his compatriots and his Bonded could all get on with one another, though he'd settle for anything greater than active animosity.
(If only they were all the Amaurotines they had once been. Then there would have been no question of them all getting along at least reasonably well. Amaurotine disapproval or dislike had never carried with it the risk of violence, at least.)
Leaving the pair of them to decide on the shearing of what was left of Mettaton's fur to facilitate cleaning, the Emissary's response to the culprit of their fatalities arrived. The stillness on Elidibus' part was telling, and while Emet-Selch doesn't tense at it, he watches closely at this version of his compatriot's anger. So controlled, so... unexpressed, but there. That there was an emotion at all to be felt- he supposed it could be taken as a good sign, though it had been a long time since he'd found any measure of hope in those flickers of sentiment. But that a version of fury was one of those things that yet survived in its way, rather than anything positive or kind... it didn't surprise him, but it did depress him that touch more.
Not that there's any sign of this, just an idle staring as he looks between his fiancé and his fellow unsundered. Calmed anger aside, Emet-Selch didn't think Elidibus would deliberately harm the puca, especially not right in front of him. That would require too much passion, and not enough rationality; it wasn't as though Mettaton had intended to kill him, and any attempt at vengeance would accomplish less than nothing.
Letting Mettaton explain that the complication had been mind control on the puca's part, rather than captivity, he sighs at the reminder of the experience of infection. Even though they'd both died technically of something other than that (hence the ability to have been revived), it wasn't as though the cwyld hadn't played its part. Been responsible, in its way, for this specific pattern of injury.
"You could say that, I was... well infected by the end of it. It felt pointless to have it cured before seeing my Bonded cured with me."
He would've just been reinfected. By the time it had progressed enough to warrant seeing it fixed anyway, Mettaton had been housebound, and the Ascian refused to leave him. And then Elidibus touches Mettaton's bitten ear, causing a sharp, clearly pained reaction, a flinch that has Emet-Selch tensing with the puca, as though to defend him somehow from it. Expression turning slightly drawn, he maintains a focus on his fiancé's face, even though he'd rather look aside. He didn't... entirely remember biting him. Not that hard, not enough to have actually removed a piece from his ear.
It's a dwelling interrupted by the sound of growling, Emet-Selch also only belatedly realizing that Elidibus had suggested that they part (briefly), for the sake of a cleaner bed, and his own response is to nudge closer, protectively, defensively. Considering the effort it had taken to get the two of them placed together and concurrently alive, it was reflex to want to see that maintained. But the rationale arrives some seconds later, along with the imagining of being able to rest on a clean bed, having also been cleaned off... it did appeal. They both valued that sort of thing, and it would probably help with feeling like things were getting back to some sort of normal, which didn't involve lying in a nest of old blood.
"...You could still reach me, couldn't you?" he asks Mettaton first, tone quiet. If he could keep his hand, perhaps... he would tolerate it.
"For a world so desperate for salvation, it seems to have an overabundance of energy," Elidibus offers very dryly. But there is no evidence of surprise. After all, Hydaelyn's own behavior had been similar. Constantly broadcast, throw out Her energy and slowly waning. The problem lay in what similar behavior might mean for those stuck on this world.
Much follows. Conversation, anger, careful grooming, tending of the bitten ear, and mending of the dented metal. A silent exchange of curiosity and bemusement over the puca's mannerisms. But at least this all kept the Emissary from pursuing 'Lidi-darling' overly long. Mettaton will have plenty of chances to try to get him to give up on correcting the nickname in the future.
But while the Emissary finishes removing the mats, Emet-Selch offers insight into those terrible final moments between himself and Mettaton. The puca will feel Elidibus's actions slow, though not stop. The Ascian is giving his fellow Unsundered a look that seems utterly unfathomable in its intent to absorb every nuance that accompanies what was just heard. There was nothing if not madness in the recitation of events or so it seemed. But now was not the time to raise outburst anymore than it would be time to give in to his anger over the demise experienced by his fellow Convocation member.
Elidibus has recovered enough of his usual manner by the time Mettaton growls at the suggestion of being removed from the bed and hardly misses how Emet-Selch echos, in his own way, the sentiment against being parted. And while it is not as though he had suggested that they move to separate rooms, the Emissary does content himself to a certain resigned sigh at this behavior and steps away while the two Bonded discuss the matter.
Not to leave the room but to rearrange the small amount of furnishings in the room. Specifically where a side table by the bed on Emet-Selch's side can be moved away and the chair he intended to set Mettaton- a sturdy, functional seat- is very pointedly placed with one side flush against the bed and backrest against the wall. There would be a means for the puca to reach his fiance and a way for Elidibus to work on bathing and changing bandages.
A little extra time is given as he leaves the room to fetch a second chair. This one, on return, is placed next to the first. Because Emet-Selch will need a place to go when the bedding is cleaned. And Elidibus is going to be drawing the line at catering to their reluctance to part so far as to nest one on top of the other.
"I could reach you anywhere in this room, darling. Haha."
A cocky smirk. That's just how it is, being a robot.
On a more practical level, the Puca watches Elidibus get to work on arranging the room; for that, silence washes over him. In the meanwhile, he sinks closer against Emet-Selch's shoulder, protective and nearly guarding his Witch—from what, he wouldn't be able to say. It's instinctive, really.
Following the Emissary as he wanders about the room, Mettaton takes takes stock of his own body even as he's curled close to his Bonded. A body formerly coated in dried blood and matted fur, Mettaton's ears... barely twitch at the sight, a direction toward improvement finally attained. He smiles, too busy staring at himself to notice the second chair.
"That close, I could hold you." Mettaton giggles, leaning into peck Emet-Selch's cheek. To Elidibus: "How sweet of you, darling."
With a chair at Emet-Selch's side, Mettaton determinedly takes his lover's hand as though for stability. But Elidibus arrives to whisk him off for his assigned seat, and Mettaton's not about to deny the assistance to his feet. It's only with a small noise of complaint in his throat that he's made to loosen his grip on Emet-Selch's hand, though Mettaton finally rises, guided by Elidibus' help.
Given that Elidibus is fully capable of supporting the heavy robot, Mettaton sighs, batting his eye at him. "Oooh, so you can hold small hares and voluptuous robots... Most people can't handle this body."
A grin. Mettaton will cooperate, either guided or lifted to his bedside chair—where he'll settle and immediately take Emet-Selch's hand with an affected sigh of relief.
It's a response on Elidibus' part that receives an exhalation that contains a whisper of amusement. "A familiar use of resources, isn't it?" Whatever will this star had, whatever hand was guiding it- if indeed, there was any- certainly put their efforts in a strange, even wasteful direction. The energy bringing them here, denying them their true powers, changing them- it had to come from somewhere, it couldn't be free. Nothing was limitless, not even a god (and they would know, having created one). And yet, they were all made to 'fit in', for whatever purpose, to whatever end.
Not that it mattered, except as an abstract consideration. There was nothing they could do for it but live with it, made to adapt.
Grooming continues, as does the Emissary's form of disapproval at hearing anything there was to say about this recent demise. That there had been madness involved in how their deaths had unfolded... Emet-Selch would have a hard time denying it. But he offers no more in the way of either explanation or defense, only gazing quietly, tiredly back.
But finally there came a time of movement, something practical to think on rather than everything that had led to this particular situation. And so long as he remained in contact with his Bonded, his needs were- if not satisfied, indulged enough that there was little quarrel that Emet-Selch could make. It was perhaps a weakness to show this requirement at all, but- it was met and overmatched by the Ascian's lack of self-consciousness, and a perhaps overly developed amount of confidence; if Emet-Selch wanted to remain in contact with his fiancé, then he was not going to be shy about demonstrating it.
Apart from keeping an eye on proceedings, there's no protest on his part when Mettaton is collected off his side of the bed, and led to his duly-assigned seating. There's not quite a robot-shaped outline of flecks of blood and loose hairs where he had just been... but it's obvious that something unclean had been resting in that spot. Not that the Ascian's spot is likely to be much better, considering how closely they'd been resting.
Hand retaken, Emet-Selch squeezes it, if not terribly hard. "If only you were able to shift to your hare form, all this tiresome maneuvering would've been avoidable." A rabbit could've tucked himself into any number of places around him or on him, and just by virtue of being smaller, any mess he left behind would've been automatically less. But the magic for any of that had hardly had a chance to return; even their physical bodies could barely move as it was.
Emet-Selch couldn't say he looked forward to being shuffled off the bed himself- but then, he didn't particularly look forward to much of anything. Clean selves and clean sheets though... he supposed there was that. He would hold onto that most modest of hopes for the future.
Disapproval is such a harsh word for it. Call it for what it is. An alarm that shifts his ever-growing pile of data to conclude that this is of pressing concern and may need to take priority in finding out more. Whether it was the Bond or the Cwyld infection or a mix of both coupled with the machinations of the Evergreen Circle's brainwashing spellwork may remain unclear for now. Mostly because getting the two clean, bandages changed, bedding refreshed remains marginally more important.
"If you will indulge me for a moment between the trading of wit with Emet-Selch." Utterly. Deadpan. "Are you capable of self-diagnostics, Mettaton? I would be interested in any information you may be able to provide now of your rate of recovery." To be honest, Elidibus is a little interested personally given the hybrid combination of machine and mammal, but he's probably asking primarily for the practical aspects such an answer might resolve.
As a note yes, Elidibus would encourage any effort to walk whether supported or not. But he will for the sake of expediency bodily lift Mettaton in a princess carry if he had pretended any overcomplicated struggle. So perhaps the best of both worlds there, being both supported and carried by a dashing, heroic figure. Pity the Emissary's face shows how plainly disinterested he is in the puca inclusive of largely ignoring the weighted words about how well he handles the robot's body. But it should, perhaps, amuse the bedridden ascian.
Or more like distract. The next bit of time would probably be awkward for both Unsundered. It was one thing when Emet-Selch was unconscious and Mettaton sleeping but quite another matter all told when sensibilities are conscious for both to see and one to bear witness. What will be needed is prepared from the supplies. Fresh water, plenty of towels, bandages, and dressings. It will certainly be a process both in bathing and supporting Emet-Selch when held upright. And of course the whole matter of doing this while stripped of sheets and any fabric that may have been used to clothe the injured form before Mettaton had awakened and effectively shut down the healthcare.
Elidibus has steeled himself. This is just a host body to his mental bias. Mostly. He has firmly shut off the portion of the mind that wonders whether this is more due to the facts brought to light. He presses on because he must. But he's mostly silent and laser-focused on the task.
One might wonder where any change of bedding is come to think. Or how he plans to do that final step. Patience though, that's forthcoming after this awkward moment.
Of course he's going to want to be carried! Only if Elidibus showed some sign of dropping him would Mettaton have demonstrated his ability to amble along, or at least help. It's much more glamorous to be princess carried. He'd say he looks gorgeous in a dress.
"I hadn't even thought about shapeshifting," admits the Puca, gazing ceilingward. And though the thought of becoming a compact hare is now there for the consideration, he dismisses it just as easily. "Oh well. Elidibus here is perfectly capable of carrying me! There are no problems!"
He even princess carried him. Mettaton is pleased. He squeezes Emet-Selch's fingers, smiling smugly as though they didn't just spend the last few days dying and whatnot. Mettaton has a knack for glossing over the worst of issues in this way.
Mettaton stares at Elidibus wide-eyed as soon as the other Witch makes his request. Self-diagnostics... For some reason, he hadn't thought such words would escape Elidibus' mouth. It's always hard to gauge how technologically savvy someone is, and the phrasing suggests that he needs to play his role more carefully. It's perhaps a boon to the Puca that his ears are so damaged that they can't emote, for they might have risen in shock then folded back in unease if they could. But they do nothing, and his face is only wide and blank.
A canvas which he uses, morphing surprise into utter emptiness. Incredulity. Then, Mettaton puts forth his best robot impression, gaze vacant and voice tinny and monotonous.
"3... 2... 1... Self-diagnostics: complete." His brow knits, drawing his expression into one of ire that he points at Elidibus. Monotonous quality is lost as he continues, though it's still spoken through a synthesized, robotic filter. "My analysis suggests that your eyes are functioning just fine, sweetheart!! You can see my damage clear as day! Use them!!!"
He clutches onto Emet-Selch's hand with both of his own now, giving Elidibus a smile sharp as knives. His voice returns to normal: abnormally silky and very emphatic as ever, riding the waves of inflection to draw attention to his every word. And though he speaks sweetly, the challenging darkness of his expression doesn't depart, as though affronted that he'd ask him to perform (gasp) a robotic function.
"Or you can ask me how I'm doing. To which I'll reply: splendidly, now that I'm finally clean! Though I have a few repairs to endure, from both my creator and Emmy... I'll be bouncing back before you can count the letters of my name." Which, as anyone true fan would know, is as long as he would like for it to be. "Thank you for the concern, Lidi-darling."
The host Elidibus took was rather strong, the Ascian had to admit to himself. As would be expected from both an adventurer and a former/current Warrior of Light. Emet-Selch knew he would have had a much harder time picking up the heavy robot at all, especially in the ever-dashing princess-carry position (he was normally the one being princess-carried).
The request for the robot to demonstrate a basic robot function- Emet-Selch could feel a bit of the puca's startle and unease through their recovering Bond, but he can't help but permit himself a brief, amused smile at how the ostensible machine chooses to respond. The offense at being asked to do something robotic... yes, this is about what he might have expected from him. He knew perfectly well Mettaton could do nothing of the sort. Even his battery life seemed to be something he only had a general sense of.
And technically, it did count as some sort of diagnostics check, only filtered through Mettaton's particular personality. Content with the solid grip on his hand, Emet-Selch glances back to Elidibus. "I told you he was alive. 'Tis more straightforward to treat with him as such."
Rather than treating the robot as a... robot.
Diversion as it all was, it only briefly distracted from the inevitability of more Washing. There was a bit of steeling to be done between them, he knew. Emet-Selch wasn't shy, nor modest, but he was ultimately more of a private sort, and what was more personal than one's body? Except, of course, this was just a host, no different than a bit of clothing, something fleshy to wrap around the soul. Any body would be viewed that way after so many years without, an object that was his but not him. So in that regard, why did it matter? Even if this was a bit of fabric that could no longer be readily removed and replaced with a fresher piece.
It was both more and less awkward for Elidibus to be the one performing the task. It wasn't as though Emet-Selch weren't already fully aware as to how many others had seen his body. It felt like half the hospital had been involved in his necromancy and healing, and subsequent efforts to both reach Mettaton and ensure that he was likewise resurrected. And why would that bother him, or even so much as register? Any thoughts those people might have (especially considering the amount of older, non-fatality-related markings his body possessed) never occurred to him, because he still didn't see the average mortal as much of a person. If pressed, he might hesitantly agree that they were alive, but it would also be clear that he didn't think of them that way.
Elidibus, though, was one of the very few of the city that he definitely considered as completely alive, a whole entire person (no matter the state of his memories) and someone who he knew besides. That part especially just made it awkward.
But his look, when gazing back upon the other Ascian, is something resolute (and with a touch- only a touch, as it was about all he could scrape up- of performative exasperation, as though this were all just a dreadful hassle, but one which he would stoically be made to endure). He was ready to be washed, handled, observed, and otherwise banded around in a too-small room while his fiancé also observed.
It's also obvious that Elidibus has taken good care of the host body. Good diet, plenty of exercise, and practice at combat. The hyur frame definitely has muscle. Mettaton's frame was not any real trouble especially with such a short distance involved and a willing individual.
And Emet-Selch. Did it occur that your turn to be princess carried by Elidibus will be coming soon?
But first, the distress which a simple query created. Elidibus would need to be blind not to discern the unease despite the lack of real body language in the form of the puca's ears. The Emissary looks between both Mettaton and Emet-Selch. He's listening to the explanation and ire, as well as the defense his fellow Ascian raises for his Bonded's sake.
In response, Elidibus closes his eyes momentarily and his expression is very, very close to an exasperated equivalent of 'Zodiark give me strength.'
He will continue taking care of Emet-Selch because there is a lot to do between washing, cleaning wounds, and rebandaging. But very patiently he offers an explanation. "Yes, I am aware you are a creature with a soul. I trust Emet-Selch's judgment in this and, as it has been pointed out you would hardly be capable of Bonding were it not true. Regardless I apologize for any perceived insult." A glance is given Mettaton's way. Sincerity could be construed if only by the fact the apology is being honestly offered.
"My intention was not to treat you as an object but to determine whether you are capable of accurately calculating the amount of time it will take you to recover from your weakened state and any remaining injury. Given you have both recently returned from the dead and given Emet-Selch's own condition, I would not leave you both in the sole care of one another."
Briefly, he pauses his ministrations of the bedridden Ascian's form and turns to focus fully upon the puca with narrowed eyes. "And before you growl at me again, I would remind you that your desire to protect Emet-Selch and the collective capacity of judgment from both of you while one or the other are compromised has led you to the current state I found you in upon arrival." He glances back at Emet-Selch to include him in this statement. Then he turns around fully to go back to the washing task.
"I have no particular desire to interrupt your lifestyle but given these developments, I will be at least stopping by from time to time in the near future. How little or much that is will depend on how much thought you put into the words I have just spoken. I would like to think this latest incident has been a learning experience for the two of you."
There is a lot to take from Elidibus's small lecture. For one, pieces of it were directed at one, the other, or both depending on what he was addressing. And another, he was sincere when he mentioned he does not consider Mettaton an.... inanimate thing. But like Emet-Selch, how much of a soul the puca has is up for debate. The important part to take from this is as he did trust his brethren when it came to the claim that Mettaton was... well 'alive'.
Another matter suspect is how Elidibus is upset. Not the briefly frustrated moment of asking for patience from his God but honest distress and concern. For all his lecture had a great deal of sense involved it was also made in earnest. In the frame of mind both seem to have recently experienced and- to some extent- are still in, they seem to be their own worst enemies. And he's balking at the idea of leaving them both to their own devices until they're both fully healed.
This probably isn't doing much for the awkwardness of Ascian intimacy but at least both seem capable of communicating a certain level of resolute determination to the other. The Emissary's bedside manner has improved greatly ever since the last time he treated an injury on Emet-Selch but he seems to be going the extra mile to be gentle. So perhaps this too is a way to determine just how concerned Elidibus truly is under that calm mask.
After all, there was only a touch of magic used on Mettaton. Probably one of the largest pieces Elidibus has reserved for Emet-Selch, though eminently practical, is a flat barrier between the Ascian and the bed. It serves a dual purpose of keeping the body separated from gore-soaked sheets but with minor manipulation can aid in supporting the injured during upright moments. For Emet-Selch there's no suggestion to cut mats out of the tangled hair. Muttered words see it untangled and clean with a burst of magic. Certain bandaged cuts are left uncovered- the ones that are scratches and smaller bites - if these are there - but all of those will be given a blanket spell much as applied to Mettaton's ear. Some might heal completely others only slightly and those will have their gauze replaced. The most serious are treated with a strict regimen of both water and anti-septic and are certainly beyond the Witch's current abilities. But he does what he can. At least he's already aware of what caused the harm.
Once all is said and done on caring for Emet-Selch's body, there is a brief look of inquiry as if to give the Ascian a chance to determine how he'll be carried to the chair while Elidibus takes care of the bed. Or maybe it's an indirect apology since the Emissary will likely insist on doing so.
Why he had not simply used magic for everything involving the cleaning of bedding and person- because as he is about to prove he somewhere gained spellwork and expertise in such daily lifestyle magic- will become clear soon enough. His hand gesture is familiar enough. A hand and fingers outstretched. Though he still requires words; ones which spill out of his mouth in an energy-infused description of the task at hand. It could be likened a little to a program of sorts but to listen to it is to develop an accurate picture of the task performed. For his magic now is as though it sought to establish understanding between a perfect mental picture and the desire for the bedding to be cleansed of the contaminants down to the very bedframe.
It is a pity this world twists all spoken languages to sound like its common native tongue. In Elidibus's heart and mind, he uses the ancient language. Though effective as the gore disappears as though it were never there, there is still something lost in the recital.
And for magic, it seems to be nearing his limits. It is the latter half of the month and the new moon is long past. It's not as if he had expected to do this much today and his technique? Well, it's hardly the most efficient of things after a bare three months of learning. But it is done and at least he hasn't collapsed from the effort. Also, the room is clean, sans the pile of stained towels used to clean both Mettaton and Emet-Selch.
With any luck, they'll have saved their critique- both for his spellcasting and his lecture- until he had reached the end. But he can probably handle it even if neither do.
"Hmm. Even a non-machine would know that my recovery time is entirely dependent on how cared for I am."
At this, he flutters his lashes. He must be Cared For to recover. Just, lovingly and constantly tended to and served... Mettaton smiles sweetly.
Mettaton was never deeply insulted. If anything, he was only behaving snappishly because he had something to hide. There was no duration of time it'd require to recover entirely. As for his battery... He'd been sleeping well enough so as to reduce the possibility of unpredictable power-offs. Because it's true: Mettaton has absolutely no way of handling diagnostics. He could tap into some features of his body, sure, but he was no better than a person piloting around a machine, blindly groping around for dysfunctional parts and using his best guesses to diagnose his issues.
But Elidibus continues, and Mettaton grows momentarily bashful, glancing away. He doesn't mean to growl... He even knows that Elidibus and doctors alike are often tending to Emet-Selch's well-being, not hurting him. But the very moment a shock of pain makes its way through Emet-Selch, the Puca's on the defense, and it's nothing short of an instantaneous reaction that requires higher thought to soothe. It's a quality he's gained as a Monster, he's sure. There was no other explanation.
There's more to digest, though Mettaton's brow begins to knit. This wouldn't be the first time during his stay where he is advised that there's something questionable about his... lifestyle. Or that he and Emet-Selch had a lesson to learn from all of this, but the Puca has a hard time figuring out what that lesson's supposed to be. To express his frustration with this notion, he unconsciously stomps the ground with a furry rabbit foot. It's not as strong as a full kick would be, so its not anything worth terrible concern.
Yet he considers what he's said, trying to find meaning. Elidibus works on helping Emet-Selch, and Mettaton watches patiently. And despite the advice to do anything other than growl... Any time, if at all, Emet-Selch experienced pain, even incidentally—the Puca's upper lip would stiffen, and he would tilt back his chin, stifling his defensiveness. Even though their Bond was weaker than before, it was returning to its full strength with speed. He could see it in his Bondmate's stiffened posture besides, and this was disturbing to him at his core.
But rationally speaking, he knows it's all required. There would be no clean recovery without a bit of pain and discomfort for everyone, including Emet-Selch, no matter how much he wished to protect him from it.
The next time Mettaton's given even a moment where Emet-Selch's not experiencing any shocks of pain, he heaves a sigh. And on his cheery voice, past a mellow smile, he glances away.
"I'm afraid I don't know where you think we've erred," Mettaton responds simply. "I was mind controlled. We were sick. We tried to recover... And unfortunately, oh my! My condition took a turn for the worst! The rest is... history."
There was a personal issue in there. The fears of being in love in a place that encourage ephemeral visitors, made manifest. But Mettaton thought this something they could work on between each other. While he speaks, Mettaton watches as Elidibus cleanses the bed in something that resembles transmutative magic... but there were many disciplines that could achieve such a result. Perhaps this was even considered a general pursuit. He'd smile and clap at it, but he's busy reflecting over their deaths, gazing off into the air with his head tilted vaguely down, focusing on nothing. He revisits the memories he could barely remember of their deaths, anyway. It was all so dark, and he felt the only thing he could recall with any clarity was the excruciating sense of loneliness, and the sight of Emet-Selch staring at him, unseeing. It would still his heart, if he had one.
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Date: 27 Mar 2021 16:15 (UTC)Inconveniences of monsterhood aside, Emet-Selch was glad that his companion was a monster- as he doubted they would've ever Bonded otherwise, the puca having been looking for a witch of particular requirements.
Elidibus' look of questioning towards him, as though inquiring whether this was typical Mettaton behavior- is met with a faint shrug against the bed, and a fainter quirk of lips. None of it seemed to strike him as at all unusual, and if the puca had taken it upon himself to view the other Ascian favorably, Emet-Selch wasn't about to dissuade him of it. His life in general would be much easier if his compatriots and his Bonded could all get on with one another, though he'd settle for anything greater than active animosity.
(If only they were all the Amaurotines they had once been. Then there would have been no question of them all getting along at least reasonably well. Amaurotine disapproval or dislike had never carried with it the risk of violence, at least.)
Leaving the pair of them to decide on the shearing of what was left of Mettaton's fur to facilitate cleaning, the Emissary's response to the culprit of their fatalities arrived. The stillness on Elidibus' part was telling, and while Emet-Selch doesn't tense at it, he watches closely at this version of his compatriot's anger. So controlled, so... unexpressed, but there. That there was an emotion at all to be felt- he supposed it could be taken as a good sign, though it had been a long time since he'd found any measure of hope in those flickers of sentiment. But that a version of fury was one of those things that yet survived in its way, rather than anything positive or kind... it didn't surprise him, but it did depress him that touch more.
Not that there's any sign of this, just an idle staring as he looks between his fiancé and his fellow unsundered. Calmed anger aside, Emet-Selch didn't think Elidibus would deliberately harm the puca, especially not right in front of him. That would require too much passion, and not enough rationality; it wasn't as though Mettaton had intended to kill him, and any attempt at vengeance would accomplish less than nothing.
Letting Mettaton explain that the complication had been mind control on the puca's part, rather than captivity, he sighs at the reminder of the experience of infection. Even though they'd both died technically of something other than that (hence the ability to have been revived), it wasn't as though the cwyld hadn't played its part. Been responsible, in its way, for this specific pattern of injury.
"You could say that, I was... well infected by the end of it. It felt pointless to have it cured before seeing my Bonded cured with me."
He would've just been reinfected. By the time it had progressed enough to warrant seeing it fixed anyway, Mettaton had been housebound, and the Ascian refused to leave him. And then Elidibus touches Mettaton's bitten ear, causing a sharp, clearly pained reaction, a flinch that has Emet-Selch tensing with the puca, as though to defend him somehow from it. Expression turning slightly drawn, he maintains a focus on his fiancé's face, even though he'd rather look aside. He didn't... entirely remember biting him. Not that hard, not enough to have actually removed a piece from his ear.
It's a dwelling interrupted by the sound of growling, Emet-Selch also only belatedly realizing that Elidibus had suggested that they part (briefly), for the sake of a cleaner bed, and his own response is to nudge closer, protectively, defensively. Considering the effort it had taken to get the two of them placed together and concurrently alive, it was reflex to want to see that maintained. But the rationale arrives some seconds later, along with the imagining of being able to rest on a clean bed, having also been cleaned off... it did appeal. They both valued that sort of thing, and it would probably help with feeling like things were getting back to some sort of normal, which didn't involve lying in a nest of old blood.
"...You could still reach me, couldn't you?" he asks Mettaton first, tone quiet. If he could keep his hand, perhaps... he would tolerate it.
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Date: 30 Mar 2021 05:11 (UTC)Much follows. Conversation, anger, careful grooming, tending of the bitten ear, and mending of the dented metal. A silent exchange of curiosity and bemusement over the puca's mannerisms. But at least this all kept the Emissary from pursuing 'Lidi-darling' overly long. Mettaton will have plenty of chances to try to get him to give up on correcting the nickname in the future.
But while the Emissary finishes removing the mats, Emet-Selch offers insight into those terrible final moments between himself and Mettaton. The puca will feel Elidibus's actions slow, though not stop. The Ascian is giving his fellow Unsundered a look that seems utterly unfathomable in its intent to absorb every nuance that accompanies what was just heard. There was nothing if not madness in the recitation of events or so it seemed. But now was not the time to raise outburst anymore than it would be time to give in to his anger over the demise experienced by his fellow Convocation member.
Elidibus has recovered enough of his usual manner by the time Mettaton growls at the suggestion of being removed from the bed and hardly misses how Emet-Selch echos, in his own way, the sentiment against being parted. And while it is not as though he had suggested that they move to separate rooms, the Emissary does content himself to a certain resigned sigh at this behavior and steps away while the two Bonded discuss the matter.
Not to leave the room but to rearrange the small amount of furnishings in the room. Specifically where a side table by the bed on Emet-Selch's side can be moved away and the chair he intended to set Mettaton- a sturdy, functional seat- is very pointedly placed with one side flush against the bed and backrest against the wall. There would be a means for the puca to reach his fiance and a way for Elidibus to work on bathing and changing bandages.
A little extra time is given as he leaves the room to fetch a second chair. This one, on return, is placed next to the first. Because Emet-Selch will need a place to go when the bedding is cleaned. And Elidibus is going to be drawing the line at catering to their reluctance to part so far as to nest one on top of the other.
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Date: 30 Mar 2021 06:57 (UTC)A cocky smirk. That's just how it is, being a robot.
On a more practical level, the Puca watches Elidibus get to work on arranging the room; for that, silence washes over him. In the meanwhile, he sinks closer against Emet-Selch's shoulder, protective and nearly guarding his Witch—from what, he wouldn't be able to say. It's instinctive, really.
Following the Emissary as he wanders about the room, Mettaton takes takes stock of his own body even as he's curled close to his Bonded. A body formerly coated in dried blood and matted fur, Mettaton's ears... barely twitch at the sight, a direction toward improvement finally attained. He smiles, too busy staring at himself to notice the second chair.
"That close, I could hold you." Mettaton giggles, leaning into peck Emet-Selch's cheek. To Elidibus: "How sweet of you, darling."
With a chair at Emet-Selch's side, Mettaton determinedly takes his lover's hand as though for stability. But Elidibus arrives to whisk him off for his assigned seat, and Mettaton's not about to deny the assistance to his feet. It's only with a small noise of complaint in his throat that he's made to loosen his grip on Emet-Selch's hand, though Mettaton finally rises, guided by Elidibus' help.
Given that Elidibus is fully capable of supporting the heavy robot, Mettaton sighs, batting his eye at him. "Oooh, so you can hold small hares and voluptuous robots... Most people can't handle this body."
A grin. Mettaton will cooperate, either guided or lifted to his bedside chair—where he'll settle and immediately take Emet-Selch's hand with an affected sigh of relief.
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Date: 6 Apr 2021 04:50 (UTC)Not that it mattered, except as an abstract consideration. There was nothing they could do for it but live with it, made to adapt.
Grooming continues, as does the Emissary's form of disapproval at hearing anything there was to say about this recent demise. That there had been madness involved in how their deaths had unfolded... Emet-Selch would have a hard time denying it. But he offers no more in the way of either explanation or defense, only gazing quietly, tiredly back.
But finally there came a time of movement, something practical to think on rather than everything that had led to this particular situation. And so long as he remained in contact with his Bonded, his needs were- if not satisfied, indulged enough that there was little quarrel that Emet-Selch could make. It was perhaps a weakness to show this requirement at all, but- it was met and overmatched by the Ascian's lack of self-consciousness, and a perhaps overly developed amount of confidence; if Emet-Selch wanted to remain in contact with his fiancé, then he was not going to be shy about demonstrating it.
Apart from keeping an eye on proceedings, there's no protest on his part when Mettaton is collected off his side of the bed, and led to his duly-assigned seating. There's not quite a robot-shaped outline of flecks of blood and loose hairs where he had just been... but it's obvious that something unclean had been resting in that spot. Not that the Ascian's spot is likely to be much better, considering how closely they'd been resting.
Hand retaken, Emet-Selch squeezes it, if not terribly hard. "If only you were able to shift to your hare form, all this tiresome maneuvering would've been avoidable." A rabbit could've tucked himself into any number of places around him or on him, and just by virtue of being smaller, any mess he left behind would've been automatically less. But the magic for any of that had hardly had a chance to return; even their physical bodies could barely move as it was.
Emet-Selch couldn't say he looked forward to being shuffled off the bed himself- but then, he didn't particularly look forward to much of anything. Clean selves and clean sheets though... he supposed there was that. He would hold onto that most modest of hopes for the future.
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Date: 8 Apr 2021 19:53 (UTC)"If you will indulge me for a moment between the trading of wit with Emet-Selch." Utterly. Deadpan. "Are you capable of self-diagnostics, Mettaton? I would be interested in any information you may be able to provide now of your rate of recovery." To be honest, Elidibus is a little interested personally given the hybrid combination of machine and mammal, but he's probably asking primarily for the practical aspects such an answer might resolve.
As a note yes, Elidibus would encourage any effort to walk whether supported or not. But he will for the sake of expediency bodily lift Mettaton in a princess carry if he had pretended any overcomplicated struggle. So perhaps the best of both worlds there, being both supported and carried by a dashing, heroic figure. Pity the Emissary's face shows how plainly disinterested he is in the puca inclusive of largely ignoring the weighted words about how well he handles the robot's body. But it should, perhaps, amuse the bedridden ascian.
Or more like distract. The next bit of time would probably be awkward for both Unsundered. It was one thing when Emet-Selch was unconscious and Mettaton sleeping but quite another matter all told when sensibilities are conscious for both to see and one to bear witness. What will be needed is prepared from the supplies. Fresh water, plenty of towels, bandages, and dressings. It will certainly be a process both in bathing and supporting Emet-Selch when held upright. And of course the whole matter of doing this while stripped of sheets and any fabric that may have been used to clothe the injured form before Mettaton had awakened and effectively shut down the healthcare.
Elidibus has steeled himself. This is just a host body to his mental bias. Mostly. He has firmly shut off the portion of the mind that wonders whether this is more due to the facts brought to light. He presses on because he must. But he's mostly silent and laser-focused on the task.
One might wonder where any change of bedding is come to think. Or how he plans to do that final step. Patience though, that's forthcoming after this awkward moment.
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Date: 9 Apr 2021 08:35 (UTC)"I hadn't even thought about shapeshifting," admits the Puca, gazing ceilingward. And though the thought of becoming a compact hare is now there for the consideration, he dismisses it just as easily. "Oh well. Elidibus here is perfectly capable of carrying me! There are no problems!"
He even princess carried him. Mettaton is pleased. He squeezes Emet-Selch's fingers, smiling smugly as though they didn't just spend the last few days dying and whatnot. Mettaton has a knack for glossing over the worst of issues in this way.
Mettaton stares at Elidibus wide-eyed as soon as the other Witch makes his request. Self-diagnostics... For some reason, he hadn't thought such words would escape Elidibus' mouth. It's always hard to gauge how technologically savvy someone is, and the phrasing suggests that he needs to play his role more carefully. It's perhaps a boon to the Puca that his ears are so damaged that they can't emote, for they might have risen in shock then folded back in unease if they could. But they do nothing, and his face is only wide and blank.
A canvas which he uses, morphing surprise into utter emptiness. Incredulity. Then, Mettaton puts forth his best robot impression, gaze vacant and voice tinny and monotonous.
"3... 2... 1... Self-diagnostics: complete." His brow knits, drawing his expression into one of ire that he points at Elidibus. Monotonous quality is lost as he continues, though it's still spoken through a synthesized, robotic filter. "My analysis suggests that your eyes are functioning just fine, sweetheart!! You can see my damage clear as day! Use them!!!"
He clutches onto Emet-Selch's hand with both of his own now, giving Elidibus a smile sharp as knives. His voice returns to normal: abnormally silky and very emphatic as ever, riding the waves of inflection to draw attention to his every word. And though he speaks sweetly, the challenging darkness of his expression doesn't depart, as though affronted that he'd ask him to perform (gasp) a robotic function.
"Or you can ask me how I'm doing. To which I'll reply: splendidly, now that I'm finally clean! Though I have a few repairs to endure, from both my creator and Emmy... I'll be bouncing back before you can count the letters of my name." Which, as anyone true fan would know, is as long as he would like for it to be. "Thank you for the concern, Lidi-darling."
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Date: 10 Apr 2021 11:16 (UTC)The request for the robot to demonstrate a basic robot function- Emet-Selch could feel a bit of the puca's startle and unease through their recovering Bond, but he can't help but permit himself a brief, amused smile at how the ostensible machine chooses to respond. The offense at being asked to do something robotic... yes, this is about what he might have expected from him. He knew perfectly well Mettaton could do nothing of the sort. Even his battery life seemed to be something he only had a general sense of.
And technically, it did count as some sort of diagnostics check, only filtered through Mettaton's particular personality. Content with the solid grip on his hand, Emet-Selch glances back to Elidibus. "I told you he was alive. 'Tis more straightforward to treat with him as such."
Rather than treating the robot as a... robot.
Diversion as it all was, it only briefly distracted from the inevitability of more Washing. There was a bit of steeling to be done between them, he knew. Emet-Selch wasn't shy, nor modest, but he was ultimately more of a private sort, and what was more personal than one's body? Except, of course, this was just a host, no different than a bit of clothing, something fleshy to wrap around the soul. Any body would be viewed that way after so many years without, an object that was his but not him. So in that regard, why did it matter? Even if this was a bit of fabric that could no longer be readily removed and replaced with a fresher piece.
It was both more and less awkward for Elidibus to be the one performing the task. It wasn't as though Emet-Selch weren't already fully aware as to how many others had seen his body. It felt like half the hospital had been involved in his necromancy and healing, and subsequent efforts to both reach Mettaton and ensure that he was likewise resurrected. And why would that bother him, or even so much as register? Any thoughts those people might have (especially considering the amount of older, non-fatality-related markings his body possessed) never occurred to him, because he still didn't see the average mortal as much of a person. If pressed, he might hesitantly agree that they were alive, but it would also be clear that he didn't think of them that way.
Elidibus, though, was one of the very few of the city that he definitely considered as completely alive, a whole entire person (no matter the state of his memories) and someone who he knew besides. That part especially just made it awkward.
But his look, when gazing back upon the other Ascian, is something resolute (and with a touch- only a touch, as it was about all he could scrape up- of performative exasperation, as though this were all just a dreadful hassle, but one which he would stoically be made to endure). He was ready to be washed, handled, observed, and otherwise banded around in a too-small room while his fiancé also observed.
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Date: 11 Apr 2021 04:08 (UTC)And Emet-Selch. Did it occur that your turn to be princess carried by Elidibus will be coming soon?
But first, the distress which a simple query created. Elidibus would need to be blind not to discern the unease despite the lack of real body language in the form of the puca's ears. The Emissary looks between both Mettaton and Emet-Selch. He's listening to the explanation and ire, as well as the defense his fellow Ascian raises for his Bonded's sake.
In response, Elidibus closes his eyes momentarily and his expression is very, very close to an exasperated equivalent of 'Zodiark give me strength.'
He will continue taking care of Emet-Selch because there is a lot to do between washing, cleaning wounds, and rebandaging. But very patiently he offers an explanation. "Yes, I am aware you are a creature with a soul. I trust Emet-Selch's judgment in this and, as it has been pointed out you would hardly be capable of Bonding were it not true. Regardless I apologize for any perceived insult." A glance is given Mettaton's way. Sincerity could be construed if only by the fact the apology is being honestly offered.
"My intention was not to treat you as an object but to determine whether you are capable of accurately calculating the amount of time it will take you to recover from your weakened state and any remaining injury. Given you have both recently returned from the dead and given Emet-Selch's own condition, I would not leave you both in the sole care of one another."
Briefly, he pauses his ministrations of the bedridden Ascian's form and turns to focus fully upon the puca with narrowed eyes. "And before you growl at me again, I would remind you that your desire to protect Emet-Selch and the collective capacity of judgment from both of you while one or the other are compromised has led you to the current state I found you in upon arrival." He glances back at Emet-Selch to include him in this statement. Then he turns around fully to go back to the washing task.
"I have no particular desire to interrupt your lifestyle but given these developments, I will be at least stopping by from time to time in the near future. How little or much that is will depend on how much thought you put into the words I have just spoken. I would like to think this latest incident has been a learning experience for the two of you."
There is a lot to take from Elidibus's small lecture. For one, pieces of it were directed at one, the other, or both depending on what he was addressing. And another, he was sincere when he mentioned he does not consider Mettaton an.... inanimate thing. But like Emet-Selch, how much of a soul the puca has is up for debate. The important part to take from this is as he did trust his brethren when it came to the claim that Mettaton was... well 'alive'.
Another matter suspect is how Elidibus is upset. Not the briefly frustrated moment of asking for patience from his God but honest distress and concern. For all his lecture had a great deal of sense involved it was also made in earnest. In the frame of mind both seem to have recently experienced and- to some extent- are still in, they seem to be their own worst enemies. And he's balking at the idea of leaving them both to their own devices until they're both fully healed.
This probably isn't doing much for the awkwardness of Ascian intimacy but at least both seem capable of communicating a certain level of resolute determination to the other. The Emissary's bedside manner has improved greatly ever since the last time he treated an injury on Emet-Selch but he seems to be going the extra mile to be gentle. So perhaps this too is a way to determine just how concerned Elidibus truly is under that calm mask.
After all, there was only a touch of magic used on Mettaton. Probably one of the largest pieces Elidibus has reserved for Emet-Selch, though eminently practical, is a flat barrier between the Ascian and the bed. It serves a dual purpose of keeping the body separated from gore-soaked sheets but with minor manipulation can aid in supporting the injured during upright moments. For Emet-Selch there's no suggestion to cut mats out of the tangled hair. Muttered words see it untangled and clean with a burst of magic. Certain bandaged cuts are left uncovered- the ones that are scratches and smaller bites - if these are there - but all of those will be given a blanket spell much as applied to Mettaton's ear. Some might heal completely others only slightly and those will have their gauze replaced. The most serious are treated with a strict regimen of both water and anti-septic and are certainly beyond the Witch's current abilities. But he does what he can. At least he's already aware of what caused the harm.
Once all is said and done on caring for Emet-Selch's body, there is a brief look of inquiry as if to give the Ascian a chance to determine how he'll be carried to the chair while Elidibus takes care of the bed. Or maybe it's an indirect apology since the Emissary will likely insist on doing so.
Why he had not simply used magic for everything involving the cleaning of bedding and person- because as he is about to prove he somewhere gained spellwork and expertise in such daily lifestyle magic- will become clear soon enough. His hand gesture is familiar enough. A hand and fingers outstretched. Though he still requires words; ones which spill out of his mouth in an energy-infused description of the task at hand. It could be likened a little to a program of sorts but to listen to it is to develop an accurate picture of the task performed. For his magic now is as though it sought to establish understanding between a perfect mental picture and the desire for the bedding to be cleansed of the contaminants down to the very bedframe.
It is a pity this world twists all spoken languages to sound like its common native tongue. In Elidibus's heart and mind, he uses the ancient language. Though effective as the gore disappears as though it were never there, there is still something lost in the recital.
And for magic, it seems to be nearing his limits. It is the latter half of the month and the new moon is long past. It's not as if he had expected to do this much today and his technique? Well, it's hardly the most efficient of things after a bare three months of learning. But it is done and at least he hasn't collapsed from the effort. Also, the room is clean, sans the pile of stained towels used to clean both Mettaton and Emet-Selch.
With any luck, they'll have saved their critique- both for his spellcasting and his lecture- until he had reached the end. But he can probably handle it even if neither do.
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Date: 14 Apr 2021 03:51 (UTC)At this, he flutters his lashes. He must be Cared For to recover. Just, lovingly and constantly tended to and served... Mettaton smiles sweetly.
Mettaton was never deeply insulted. If anything, he was only behaving snappishly because he had something to hide. There was no duration of time it'd require to recover entirely. As for his battery... He'd been sleeping well enough so as to reduce the possibility of unpredictable power-offs. Because it's true: Mettaton has absolutely no way of handling diagnostics. He could tap into some features of his body, sure, but he was no better than a person piloting around a machine, blindly groping around for dysfunctional parts and using his best guesses to diagnose his issues.
But Elidibus continues, and Mettaton grows momentarily bashful, glancing away. He doesn't mean to growl... He even knows that Elidibus and doctors alike are often tending to Emet-Selch's well-being, not hurting him. But the very moment a shock of pain makes its way through Emet-Selch, the Puca's on the defense, and it's nothing short of an instantaneous reaction that requires higher thought to soothe. It's a quality he's gained as a Monster, he's sure. There was no other explanation.
There's more to digest, though Mettaton's brow begins to knit. This wouldn't be the first time during his stay where he is advised that there's something questionable about his... lifestyle. Or that he and Emet-Selch had a lesson to learn from all of this, but the Puca has a hard time figuring out what that lesson's supposed to be. To express his frustration with this notion, he unconsciously stomps the ground with a furry rabbit foot. It's not as strong as a full kick would be, so its not anything worth terrible concern.
Yet he considers what he's said, trying to find meaning. Elidibus works on helping Emet-Selch, and Mettaton watches patiently. And despite the advice to do anything other than growl... Any time, if at all, Emet-Selch experienced pain, even incidentally—the Puca's upper lip would stiffen, and he would tilt back his chin, stifling his defensiveness. Even though their Bond was weaker than before, it was returning to its full strength with speed. He could see it in his Bondmate's stiffened posture besides, and this was disturbing to him at his core.
But rationally speaking, he knows it's all required. There would be no clean recovery without a bit of pain and discomfort for everyone, including Emet-Selch, no matter how much he wished to protect him from it.
The next time Mettaton's given even a moment where Emet-Selch's not experiencing any shocks of pain, he heaves a sigh. And on his cheery voice, past a mellow smile, he glances away.
"I'm afraid I don't know where you think we've erred," Mettaton responds simply. "I was mind controlled. We were sick. We tried to recover... And unfortunately, oh my! My condition took a turn for the worst! The rest is... history."
There was a personal issue in there. The fears of being in love in a place that encourage ephemeral visitors, made manifest. But Mettaton thought this something they could work on between each other. While he speaks, Mettaton watches as Elidibus cleanses the bed in something that resembles transmutative magic... but there were many disciplines that could achieve such a result. Perhaps this was even considered a general pursuit. He'd smile and clap at it, but he's busy reflecting over their deaths, gazing off into the air with his head tilted vaguely down, focusing on nothing. He revisits the memories he could barely remember of their deaths, anyway. It was all so dark, and he felt the only thing he could recall with any clarity was the excruciating sense of loneliness, and the sight of Emet-Selch staring at him, unseeing. It would still his heart, if he had one.