Undergrowth (Log 12)

**PhoenixAshes**

 She hadn't understood that he meant that they'd try this now, so her honey eyes went wide the moment he started pressing to break the stitches and even wider when they snapped. It was too late to mentally prepare for such a sight after it was already done. His motion that she should move back was obeyed without question. If this worked there was no telling what would happen.

Her breath stilled, counting each drop of darkness dripping from reopened stitches. Like ink it stained the page. One...two...three... Exhaling heavily when she couldn't hold it anymore, she kept counting. Nothing. Why was there nothing? It demanded blood didn't it?

By now the intensity of her gaze had lessened, only to turn soft when Franky's arm dropped. Her heart ached for him. He'd done so much to find out, only to be spurned once again. Shuffling back on her knees, she moved the book aside, barely touching it as she did. Evil thing. Terrible, horrible thing. Stop tormenting him! The thoughts came with a glare at the pages.

She was quiet however when she went to get the needle and stitching thread from the pocket he kept it in. She still remembered from when she'd fixed him up last time.

An end went through the eye of the needle and she measured how much more she'd need and since she had no instrument to cut it with she had to bite through the thick twists--as she had suspected before, that was a difficult task.

**FrankenSoul**

 He was still and didn't react to his loved one's movements. His eyes followed the book as she pushed it away, still waiting for something to happen. Something. Anything. Please. She leaned close to reach inside his jacket, and still he didn't move. She threaded and slowly bit through the material of the stitches, and still he didn't move. His half closed eyes remained on the book, now stained with his blood and unrelentingly normal. He didn't understand. He just didn't understand. He had given it blood, as it instructed. Had he misunderstood? No. No he was sure it would have helped. Then why?

Remaining still, he only just barely moved his hand to offer it to Ciya, sight dull once again as he withdrew into his thoughts. His blood... For so long, he had wondered if it was truly even that. What sort of blood moved with such thickness and color? Others had told him of its stench and strange properties, unlike any living or dead blood. So... So perhaps it wasn't blood at all? Perhaps it was a strange substance, either put there or made from his old, living blood. And the book rejected it, knowing it to be a false liquid and requiring real, living blood to reveal its secrets. Of course. Living blood! His own was useless here.

The temporary rise to his spirit quickly dropped again. He could never ask anyone to do what he had just done. No, even if they agreed to such a dangerous and unknown task, he wouldn't let them. Not for his sake. Such a thing felt... unbelievable selfish of him. And yet, the unfairness to the situation stung him.

Finally he moved, fingers closing around the booklet that acted as the kind twin to the book duo. Using his knee as a prop, he withdrew his pencil and wrote. His writing was far messier than before, but he couldn't force himself to be neat when he felt so emotionally drained. He wrote his thoughts on why the book didn't work. How his blood was surely not real blood, and maybe that's why it wasn't accepted. He stopped afterwards though, leaving the rest unspoken. If he wouldn't ask his friends to do it, there was no point in voicing it. Ah... why did his shoulders feel so heavy? Everything felt so heavy... And his chest, once again over his heart, was so very cold.

**PhoenixAshes**

She stitched in silence, making them close and tight as if to discourage him from ever breaking them open again. Yet, the pixie didn't make it too firm, he still needed flexibility in his hand too tight and movement would be restricted. Her small fingers, the tips of which were now covered in the black, pushed hard through, finishing the last stitch. A knot and it was done, however the needle and the excess thread had to be freed.

At the moment she was glad Franky was writing with such concentration so he couldn't see the look on her face at knowing what she had to do. Last time she'd stitched him she'd been able to keep a far enough distance between herself and the inky blood, and she'd been able to wipe it away and wrap the towel so the smell did not linger, but now she had nothing but her teeth to sever the thread that was thinly coated with it as well.

Steeling herself with a short but deep breath, one hand held the needle while she pinched the thread between the inner side second knuckle of both her index and middle finger and swiped it clean. Bringing his hand up she worked through it, doing her absolute best to hide the uncertain expression she had until it was cut and then needle was free. The tail threads that were left, she tucked under the last stitch. There. Done.

**FrankenSoul**

Finished... His words stared back at him from the page and he stared back at them, oblivious to the events around him. He felt strange tugging at his hand but in his current state he assumed that Ciya had it handled. She had moved to work so quickly, and efficiently. She had also done this before, so surely it wasn’t a big deal now?

Only when he stopped feeling pressure and movement did he look up to see her separating the leftover thread material, a quickly vanishing expression on her face but he was still able to caught it. Disgust. Oh… Looking at his hand, he gingerly closed and opened it to find the stitches were better done than ever before. No further drops of the black liquid squeeze through. But, she had to bite it in order to separate it didn’t she? Oh Ciya… It was a bitter substance to taste, he was sure. But she had done it without pause, and without complaint.

Brushing his palm upon the ground to clear the clinging drops of liquid, he reached for her and drew her close once again, pressing her against his chest and threaded mess of his heart. Humming, the low sound portrayed thankfulness, sadness, and love. Or, so he tried to express through the sound alone and the way that he clung to her so, his writing placed aside and temporarily forgotten. He loved her so much. She remained with him during his task, then helped him after. Was there anything her kind heart couldn't or wouldn't do? Aah and here he had been, taking her for granted.

**PhoenixAshes**

The oliy smell lingered with her, but she bore it along with the faint but odd iron intensive taste that had lingered with the thread. It must have been blood at some point. She was doing her best not to swallow what little was likely causing the flavor resting, but she was also resisting a change in her face. Worried Franky might feel it as insult to him, until he pulled her close.

Immediately she buried her face against his shoulder, feeling the knot of scarred stitching at his heart through the fabric of his clothing and her own. Her arms slipped around him, but one hand turned out so she didn't accidentally get him with the needle still being held. Her closed eyes felt wet, sorry for him and reacting to the sound he made that expressed everything better than words, written or spoken could.

"I'm sorry it didn't work..." She was sure this was almost too hard for him to hear, but she meant it.

**FrankenSoul**

"Hmmm..." He replied, thrumming at her words and feeling a deep appreciation down to his bones. He was sorry too. This obsession to get the book to work was linked to his desire to learn more about his past, which itself was linked to wanting to find a way to become alive again so that he might remain with her. Alive, and happy, and with her for the rest of his life.

He wouldn't give up. Not now. For her sake, and his own. He just... needed time to think and process everything that had happened. His hand moved along her back, gently stroking as if he were trying to play a delicate instrument while his other tangled itself in her hair, pressing at the back of her head. It was going to be okay. Despite everything, they could still hold and love each other. That was important enough on its own.

Holding her like this for a small while. Gently, he adjusted her in his grip so that she could lean against him, his left arm around her waist to keep her steady and the other bringing up his book and what he had written. The explanation to why it hadn't worked. He felt numb to it just then and his chest a bit warmer with her close by. Still, the book lingered at the edge of his eyes, mocking him with its open pages. Adjusting a leg and leaning the booklet against it so that he could write more, he slowly added, 'I'm going to leave the book behind the grave tonight. I've had enough of it for one day. We should probably go back to the cottage now. I imagine they're all wondering what happened to us.'

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya sighed softly at his motions and embrace. It was a little strange, since it crossed her mind she should be the one soothing him in this way, not the other way around. Still, this was as much his way of being soothed by her as it was calming to her. She did love him for things like this, even when his own world was falling apart he never seemed to leave her out of his reach, at least not intentionally.

Her hold tightened slightly once more before following his adjustments. The shift of the writing booklet caught her attention and she read that messy hand that was so familiar to her now.

Not real blood.... The words hit heavily as the taste was sitting. It had been when he lived, before he was ripped and stitched. So it needed 'real blood', living blood. Living blood. Like hers, pulsing and circulating through a heart that had been continuous in it's beating since first breath.

The pixie nodded, agreeing to the idea of him leaving it behind. " All right." Her hand took the one she'd recently stitched and brought it to her lips again. Softly, she kissed a clean spot on the top of his hand, holding it there even after she'd stopped. "Let's go."

**FrankenSoul**

Inside the cottage, Jozef had noticed how long it has been since Ciya and Franky had gone. He didn't put much thought into it for now, simple thinking that Franky needed time away from them to breath and Ciya was helping him. If either of the other two tried to leave, Jozef would insist they stayed and gave Franky space. He would be fine.

To keep Vivica entertained, Jozef extended a hand and gestured to his library to invite her to read. He had seen the way she had looked at it when she first walked in. She was welcome to read any of the books, and even use the writing desk if she desired. The collection was massive and held a vast amount of knowledge from cooking to magic use. Even he wasn't sure what it was all composed of, as he wasn't the one to collect and put it together.

Slick, in the meantime, made himself busy in the kitchen. Reaching inside the cupboards and extracting various items, he quickly decided on making a stew. It would go good with the bread he had, not to mention is was something quick and easy to make. Tomorrow he would see about a salad... They could use some green in their diet. Getting to work, the pot was already set over the fire and simmering, a rich smell in the air as the contents cooked. Placing a wooden spoon inside, Slick slowly turned and eyed the door as it opened to reveal Franky and Ciya.

Franky was being the woman, and hunching down to look as small as possible. It was rather funny, considering their height difference. He clung to her shirt and tried to press his face against her to mask himself, too embarrassed by his behavior earlier to face them all now. His feet shuffled as they edged inside, whining deep in the base of his throat. Slick tried to hide a smile behind his hand. Hunched up and shuffling like that, he almost looked like an old woman!

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica had been worried when it was clear that Ciya and Franky would be a while, the image of the pixie wandering to find the stitched man who might not stop walking crossed her mind. It was an over exaggeration she knew, but that didn't stop the worry. It took Jozef's reassurance and invitation to the books that finally settled her, although that was also met with a little disbelief at first.

As she expected, each one was beautiful in it's own little way, and the covers felt wonderful under her hands. She was sure the metal man was probably laughing at her awe as she selected one that caught her interest best. She was barely a fourth into it, due to the complex nature of some of the ideas within, when Franky and Ciya returned.

The pixie was surprised at her love's reaction to coming back in. She'd expected him to remain relatively composed. Gently she reached up to his head, which was closer to her due to his hunching, and patted his hair softly. "Franky, it's okay." She promised softly, noting the reactions of the other three around her. "No need to hide."

**FrankenSoul**

No, there was no way he was going to show his face to his friends. Now that he was far away from that book, and after the drama had faded somewhat, he realized he had acted like a child to these people. Sure, his feelings were justified, but still... He had stormed out so suddenly! And what if Vivica was mad at him?

That's right, Vivica. Slowly and carefully he brought his face up to peer over Ciya's shoulder, looking for Vivica. He spotted in the library section with a book in her hand, but he couldn't read her expression. Was she upset for his strong reaction? Easing himself upright, he still lingered close to Ciya, clinging to her hand tightly. He wasn't even sure if they should tell the others about what had happened out there. Would they notice Ciya's hands? Would they be furious at him for trying to do something after two had expressed their dissaproval? Bah... His expression fell and he lifted a small hand in greeting, unsure on how to proceed. At least Slick was smiling at him, as usual.

**PhoenixAshes**

"Glad you're back." Vivica said, lifting her own hand in greeting as she smiled gently at the two. They seemed all right now.

Ciya sent a smile over at the others, tucking a longer piece of hair behind her ear and unknowingly revealing a dark smear that had been hidden from both her and Franky all the way back here.

"Ciya, what's on your cheek?"

At that the pixie stiffened. What? She had...? Oh...oh no. She'd wiped her hands as clean on the grass as she could but it there was still a little bit of a stain to her fingers. Had she gotten some on her face as well. She wiped the back of her hand over it, smearing it enough that it was nearly gone from her face but now it had transferred to the back of her hand. She needed a cover up for what it was.

**FrankenSoul**

Well... that fear was realized far faster than Franky would have liked. His eyes widened at Vivica's words as panic threatened to expose itself on his face. Oh no. He pressed his lips against each other, glancing to the side and mind running quickly. Should... Should they lie? The sudden thought caused him to grimace. No. No, he supposed not. He couldn't lie to his friends like that, even if they would disapprove of his actions. Prepared to take out his booklet and write a message to either Ciya or the others, he paused as he heard Slick tap the side of the bot and swing a spoon in their direction.

"Franky," He said in mildly scolding tone, though his expression was gentle. "Did you get that angry? That you split your stitches? I hope you didn't pull up a tree...."

Ah. Right, of course. He had been very outwardly upset earlier. It was natural for one of them to think that he had gone to release such pressure, though... He didn't think he would ever be prone to a very violent outburst. He'd feel far too guilty if he harmed anything. Taking advantage of the story though, Franky gave a mild shrug and lifted his grey hand to show that there were some dark streaks around the new stitches.

"Tsking", Slick quirked his mouth. "Okay, so no tree but you managed to split open your hand? Aw geez Franky, you're lucky you have Ciya to look after you." Managing to harm himself like that. Perhaps he punched the ground then?

**PhoenixAshes**

Saved by Slick! The pixie eased demurely looking to the smear at the mention of Franky's luck to have her present. Considering how the truth went, and how devastated Franky was at the failure, it felt like false praise.

Ah, that made sense, the witch thought catching onto Slick's understanding of his long time friend. A small twinge of sympathy pinged through her for the stitches one, but it barely entered her face.

From the looks of those two, they should clean up before dinner--their host seemed to favor good manners in his guests.

**FrankenSoul**

This felt wrong. Sure, they weren't the ones outright lying, but by accepting this story... Still, Franky numbly nodded at the story as he caught sight of Vivica's expression and the way Jozef and Slick stared at him. The panic grabbed at his chest like freezing hands, stopping him from protesting. Ciya's seemed to be nervous too, and he didn't want there to be scorned for trying to assist him. Bah. His emotions were all over the place right now. His weariness returned. Too many failures. Too much stress. His shoulders fell somewhat and he turned and moved to a corner of the lounging area. Instead of sitting on the chairs, he took a seat upon the floor and turned his back to them. He laid flat and held still, huffing lowly and closing his eyes. He didn't feel like being social just now.

Jozef, who had remained largely quiet during the ordeal, began to rise into a crouch, careful with his large form. "I must return to the flower garden, as I didn't finish checking the enchantments around them. You're all welcome to partake in dinner without me, and to anything else within this home. I hope it goes without saying," His eyes flashed brighter, "That you will respect it."

His hand placed itself on the large "door" of a wall, and with a smooth motion it swung outward and allowed bright but dimming sunlight inside. With one leg out, he paused to add, "Ciya, I invite you to join me in the garden after you've had your fill of dinner."

She could surely use some time to decompress and he welcomed help in keeping up the magic of the flowers. With that, he left and closed the wall behind himself. The home at once seemed far larger with the absence of his bulk.

Clicking his tongue, Slick moved to stand and stretched his back. "Well, the food is finished. Ciya, do you want to wash up...?"

There was so much darkness right now. Slick had to maintain a cheerful outward appearance, for the sake of his companions.

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie went to reach for Franky again, feeling that he probably wasn't enjoying this fib about how his stitches had come undone and might need reassurance that ,for now this was something they had to do, but by the time her hand reached for him he'd already moved for the corner. Her worried honey gaze followed him. Poor Franky. He had to be stinging from all of it still.

Jozef's words made both women tense. Vivica had the strangest urge to straiten her posture further and respond with "yes,sir!". She did become more upright and nod.

Ciya watched with fascination at the wall-door only to glance up at the metal man's invitation. "I'll do that. Thank you very much." That was kind.

At Slick's click she turned her attention there. "Yeah, I should." Forcing a smile she held up her stained hands and wiggled her fingers like they were creepy spider legs.

**FrankenSoul**

Hmm... Yes, even Ciya was being affected by this turn of events. Though, it was expected after she was so close to Franky and had been the one to comfort him. Slick had to admit... Even he was disappointed that after all their hard work to get here, with a word Jozef turned them down. It was slightly thoughtless, but Slick should have expected it from the gruff man.

Ushering Ciya off and directing her to the bathing room with a twist of his lips at her finger antics, Slick spared another glance towards the moping Franky who had not twitched since he had assumed his curled position within the corner. Perhaps it would be best to let him rest and come to terms with the recent events. Slick was sure that they could still help him, somehow...

He prepared the bowls and bread while Ciya was away. There was a dining table within the kitchen area, big enough to seat four people if they all claimed a side. He poured two bowls, finding that his own appetite had vanished for the moment. Pausing, he took a seat on the far end and groaned under his breath, touching the base of his spine briefly. The aches of the change were showing themselves again. He would suspect that he would revert either late tonight, or early tomorrow morning. He honestly wasn't looking forward to it.

Gesturing, he invited Vivica to take a seat and offered one of his smirking smiles. "Come and eat. Don't worry about your manners now that Jozef is gone, you can relax a bit. What do you think of him?" He had yet to hear her deeper thoughts beyond her initial impressions.

**PhoenixAshes**

The witch paused before answering, peering where Slick had put his hand to. Taking the naga's motion to his back as a tale-tell sign, or in this case "tail-tell". His question had her flick her gaze upward, but she adressed the likely discomfort he was in. "I might have something to help that--if you'd like." She offered, hoping the response wouldn't embarass him or at the least confuse him, since she hadn't answered his question.

**FrankenSoul**

"What, wha...?" He questioned her, his brows tilting and bunching against each other as he lightly frowned. Following her gaze, he quickly forced his hands away from the base of his spine. Aah that was what she was talking about. He hadn't meant to draw attention to himself like that.

His lips tugged again and he offered a light laugh, seemingly embarrassed. "I've been caught, like an old woman. I suppose I won't turn you down, though I warn that it might not be able to help too much. The pains will only get worse as the night progresses, but it's nothing I haven't experienced before. Hah," He crossed his legs, admiring the strange sensation and then pushing his loose strands back and away from his face. "I'll likely vanish sometime soon to have it finish, so don't worry if you can't find me later. It will probably take a few hours, and I might even fall asleep from the sudden energy drop needed."

**PhoenixAshes**

At his, hesitant, agreement she turned back to go to her bag, still listening as he spoke. It didn't take long to locate what she was looking for, a few finger length strips, bundled loosely together by twine. She took a few and then returned to the table with them. "That's why I said 'might help'." The witch smiled gently, placing the strips before him. "White willow bark." Her tone had changed, becoming more even and clear. "It's the best thing I know for bone and muscle pain." She tapped one of the strips. "Chew on one for a little bit and see if that helps. Unlike some other things for pain it won't make you nauseated, but to be on the safe side you should probably try to have even a little bit of food in you." She was firm on this point, but if it came down to it he was in charge of this. there was no way she could clearly make judgments about what he needed during his metamorphosis. "It may help to chew while you feel more pain coming on...but I'm not an expert on this."

A small smile singled it was all up to him as she came and sat where he'd invited her to. "Anyway, to answer your question," sheepishness crept into her visage now, due to what she felt was a rough transition. "I'm absolutely amazed. I knew magic could do a lot of things but Jozef is..something else." It had crossed her understanding that whoever made Jozef must have been powerful. Getting an inanimate thing to move was one thing, getting it to move of it's own accord with minor guidence was a more difficult task, but to create something with a consiousness laying dorment was a whole other level.

**FrankenSoul**

Oh, yes of course... Might. He replied with a sheepish grin of his own, moving to rub the back of his head. He appreciated her kindness and help in this. He had been nervous even mentioning it to his friends, as he himself found the entire process to be... disgusting. At least, when held to human standards. She held no distain or dislike towards the thought of his returning tail either, and that alone made him feel at ease and accepted.

Tilting his head, he looked at the item she had placed down and mumbled happily, "Well I just keep learning, don't I?" He could use as much help as he could get during this. He glanced at the pot of soup, supposing that he would try to eat at least a little bit in order to fill his stomach for the bark. "Thank you," He spoke, for some reason feeling color return to his face as he smiled in return to her own.

She moved closer and he squirmed somewhat where he sat, though himself leaning closer and propping his face up on the table as she answered his previous question. He couldn't help the low "hee" that he uttered. She was so awed, and he found the expression delightful upon her features. He couldn't hide his own grin of glee any longer.

"I thought you would like him. He scared me half to death when I met him, but of course he 'adopted' me when I needed help. Franky and me both, in fact, though Franky came at a later date." His eyes flickered to the prone form before returning.

"I've asked him about the magic myself a few times, but he won't budge on it. He only replies that he doesn't understand the magic that keeps him alive any more than I understand how my heart keeps beating, and even if he did he wouldn't tell anyone. Apparently, such magic is dangerous and he wouldn't want to spread the knowledge out so it could be abused again."

Slick understood now. If the wrong people grabbed at such secrets, another terrible war could happen in these very lands.

**PhoenixAshes**

That made perfect sense to her give what Jozef had said about his own existance thus far. It was likely boarderline dark or dark magic, cleansed only by who Jozef had become.

"Mm," She nodded taking in Slick's response, as well as the first spoonful of stew. The interest wiped off her face and she looked to her bowl, blinking. "Mm!" Swallowing her attention turned back to Slick. "Okay, honestly, where did you learn to cook? Everything we've eaten that you've made is amazingly delicious!"

Ciya reemerged from the bathing room her hands and face cleaned and stain free. As she slipped in near silence back into the louge area, the edge of Vivica vanished just passed the wall where the dining table was. Once it was clear the witch was preoccupied and speaking, the pixie moved over to where Franky was turned away from the rest of the room. She knelt beside him and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Franky." The call to him was deliberately soft, so not to startle him if he hadn't heard her or alert the others, barely a room over.

**FrankenSoul**

Hah, she was eager to eat wasn't she? And here Slick was, prepared to debate on the likelihood and usefulness that such magic could be! Still, he had been taking up her time and distracting her, hadn't he? Pushing back his chair and moving to fetch a bowl of his own, he hid a smile at her sounds of delight upon eating the food. Well, he had to say he felt a small bit of pride at her reaction. Flopping down onto his own chair with a lack of grace, his green was open then. "Oh you like it then~? It's just a simple stew, but with the right spices and herbs it really changes the taste. Ah..." He paused at her question to sip at his own bowl, careful not to scold his tongue. His expression had fallen somewhat and turned inward as he reached back and touched upon old memories. His tone was somewhat mellowed.

"Well, Jozef taught me the essentials during my 'lessons'. You know, fire cook’s meat, etc. But with his large hands it’s difficult for him to cook, and it's not as if he needs to eat or taste. No, but there was a man I had the pleasure of knowing for the time I traveled with. A uh..." He paused, suddenly fascinated with the color of his stew to keep his eyes lowered. "Companion, if you will. He taught me the finer ways of human cooking. It's a small passion of mine I'm not able to utilize often."

Franky had been still where he laid. His form moved from breaths, though they were very shallow and more for the comfort of sound and repetition than anything. His eyes closed, the man had been attempting to empty his head so that his emotions might follow suit. It didn't work entirely, but some emotional numbness was present and he was thankful for it. He was absorbed into himself and so didn't openly hear any discussions around himself. The touch on his shoulder didn't rouse him, not at first, though after a moment he acknowledged the touch and tilted his face only enough to peer at her. His eyes were glassy, but still alert and not nearly as soaked in despair as before. Rather, they appeared empty as he tried to forgot the day's failings temporarily.

**PhoenixAshes**

"I do." She replied enthusiastically, waiting until he started his reply she took another bite, figuring she'd have time in between. Ah so, Jozef at first and then... Why was Slick suddenly being so...evasive? Vivica had never taken him as someone to tiptoe around a subject, unless he was uneasy. "You should use it, even if it's for yourself." A gentle smile acompanied this as she tore off a piece of her bread. "If it's something you enjoy then it's somehting worth doing." Companion,hm? The careful choice made it seem like there may have been a little more to that. Still,she had adressed the rest first, unsure if she should open this metaphorical can of worms. "He must have been professionally trained considering how good you are now." That was better, less pressing, less invasive.

The empty look was concerning, but the pixie gave a small smile instead of her usual reaction while also holding up a damp rag. "I thought we should clean off your stitches too." The line of his circulatory fluid she'd rubbed from her cheek to her hand had a consistancy that was a combination of sticky and crusty all at once and likely wouldn't be pleasent to leave as it was. It would be especially bad if it got on Jozef's floor, considering how hard it was to clean. Also, "And the needle, I don't really want the eye to get clogged, incase you need it when I'm not around."

**FrankenSoul**

He should use it? Oh yes, he would cook often if he could but he didn't found much to work with out in the wilds. Starting a fire was hard enough, and then trying to strip meat and season it almost impossible with a lack of supplies and his need to eat large quantities of food. He did rather enjoy using the skill when he had a chance though, and he took her compliment to his cooking with a smile.

He ate in silence afterwards, sipping at his soap as a combination of things had made his stomach uneasy. She asked further, and he could sense her intentions. She was curious then. Well, he had practically danced around certain things, hadn't he? Clearing his throat, his cheeks flushed red. "Yes. He was a healer in a town for quite some time and picked up on how to feed his hungry customers. He helped me after I was harmed by a group of hunters, despite seeing I wasn't human, and after I decided to linger and assist him. Of course, I had to shed my tail to hide, but in this time he taught me the skills used to make such meals. We grew close and when I felt the need to leave, he accompanied me for a time. I appreciated his companionship while I had it." He breathed from his nose, offering a small shrug.

"Of course good things don't last, though. Over a disagreement we split ways and I haven't seen him since. But I hold the memories fondly still."

Franky offered her a few, slow blinks at her words. Wait... clean? Oh, right. His hand was still somewhat stained. Using his free, clean hand to push himself up, he huffed and nodded at her words though his slow head didn't catch all of them. Needle...? Oh, did she want his needle to clean it? His confusion became evident, and slowly he offered her his hand while he had sat up. This whole thing was likely a simple request, but in his state he stumbled over words and meaning temporarily.

**PhoenixAshes**

"We do know our herbs and spices." She shrugged, hoping the joke would lighten the naga's mood a bit. She was sorry to hear he'd lost a friend, or more than? It was hard to tell really with the bittersweet way Slick was speaking about the healer and her familiarity with how the naga had a tendency to be a bit flirtatious. "Although, my grandmother's specialty was tea and broths, not so much food." Maybe a segway to a different topic could help?

Gently she took his wrist in her hand, allowing his hand to rest on her arm as she rubbed away the lines of black. He was so out of it. She held this thought as she worked, wondering what to do about it. Nothing good came to mind, nothing that could really help. Unknowingly, her force became a little harder, getting the black up much easier, although had Franky been alive he might have winced at it.
Letting up, she inspected his hand and the stitches. All looked well. "Can I see the needle?" She asked again, incase he had forgotten.

**FrankenSoul**

"Oh. Oh gosh, I'm sorry." He uttered a laugh, crossing his arms across his chest as he did so. "I didn't mean to bring our conversation down with my tone. Forgive me, I was reminiscing." Woops. He had to be careful, there was enough doom and gloom around for everyone right now and he didn't need to add to it. He tilted his head to the side and eyed her, trying to feel out if he could continue or if it would be rude to brush aside the topic change. Deciding to quickly add, he spoke, "But yes, if your mind is wondering, he was dear to me and far more than a friend. I've recovered from outright bitterness on the topic, I just like to recall the good times. In any case, your grandmother sounds wonderful. I love tea, though of course it depends. What sorts did she brew...?" Bitter, sweet, medical? There was one he had tasted once that was clear and tinted green, and he spat it out at once. It was supposed to prolonged his life, but it wasn't worth the taste!

He allowed the motions, fixating on a strand of Ciya's hair as she worked. It bobbed somewhat from her motions, swaying and glinting in the light. It was so pretty. Everything about her was so pretty. He wondered if she thought he was handsome. Had he asked her that before? He couldn't remember. Aside from his state, was his face attractive to her? What of his body? Surely not, considering she had to deal with the black substance that leaked from him like rotting filth.

Still, she was here now helping with it and didn't flinch... A small smile touched his face. She released his hand, and he put it to use, bringing it up to caressed the side of her face and hold it there in his now-clean palm. He held the pose for a long moment, simple looking at her with as much affection as he could manage just then, before allowing his fingers to fall away and move into his inner pocket to grasp at the needle to turn and offer it to her.

After she took it from him, the energy of the few gestures had once again drained him spiritually and mentally. Within seconds he had turned around once again, his back to the room and curled up with his arms hugging himself. He closed his eyes and his breathing was loud though shallow. He was forcing himself into a fitful slumber now, and he hoped when he awoke his mind would be clearer again.

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica smiled. Oh, good! He talking about this hadn't brought him too far from a good humor. "No, no need to worry. I--" A pause, she'd told him of her similar troubles before, back when she apologized for snapping at him when they were embarking on this journey. "I undersand feeling that way." At the further information she nodded, trying to remain even but her right eyebrow lifted slightly in a quirk of interes. "Ah, I see." So...more than a friend. Hm. Now that she was thinking about it, the jestingly alluring tone wasn't just used on her and Ciya.

The topic change kicked in and Vivica smiled. "She is wonderful." It was hard to explain just how wonderful her grandmother was--is. The witch corrected herself mentally ,not allowing past tense when referancing the woman who raised her, no matter how long they'd been appart. "All kinds." Her expression grew warmer. "Chamomile is her favorite for the benifits and taste. Actually, she kept different infusions of it on hand all the time." Vivid memories came and she breathed like she could smell a particular blend. "When I couldn't sleep, she'd always take out the one with lavender in it. Although, when I was much younger just the smell of it starting to mix would put me to sleep. But as you get older, nightmares and bad dreams become a little more complicated, and life keeps you up." She shrugged at this. "Then it took at least a whole mug." Her smile brightened and she laughed, "but her medicinal teas--uoof." Very strong and usually quite bitter.

The affection caught her by surprise, but by now it was becoming instinct to lean into it and enjoy for as long as she could while she could. His eyes looked so tired, which was strange to her. Staring at bright blue eyes that were tired, the image didn't quite fit but it existed. She loved those eyes, even now when Franky was holding what emotion he could for her.

Her skin tingled when his touch dropped, a small sigh escaping her as she watched him reach for the needle. She took it carefully, making sure not to stick either of them as she did.

By the time he was laying down again she'd wiped it off. The eye still had some hardened stuff in it. A moment more of rubbing it and it was clean. Honey eyes darted from the needle to Franky. How could she ask him to move again? Instead she pinned it on the innerside of the collar part of her shirt, the tip inbetween the fabric so she wouldn't get stuck with it.

From the next room, the other two laughed, but Ciya didn't see the need to go and find out why just yet. Tenderly, her fingers brushed back Franky's hair from the side of his face, lingering gently over his cheek as she leaned close to him. Lightly, she kissed his temple just passed the end edge of his eyebrow. "I love you." Came the whisper before she rose, found a place for the rag and then joined the other two at the table just in time to hear the tail end words about the medicinal tea Vivica's grandmother would concoct.

**FrankenSoul**

The evening passed smoothly after the initial dramas of the day. Slick remained to clean up the dinner and put away what was left of the stew, giving a glance towards the still sulking Franky. The grey man had moved only when Ciya had kissed him, adjusting his weight at the sensation and his hold upon himself growing tighter. Afterwards though, he was as still as... well, a corpse except for his steady breathing. Guessing that he had gone to sleep, Slick encouraged Ciya to go outside and use Jozef's offer to help in the garden. She needed to get away and stop worrying about Franky.

Outside, Jozef was grateful for the help and gave a brisk welcome to her before explaining the situation. The flowers around the home and fields were layered with an enchantment to keep them vibrant year-round and stop any harmful weeds or pests from interfering. However, after so many years the enchantments were running low on energy after the caster, Jozef's father, had passed. Weeds were beginning to pop up all over the place and if she could help him get rid of them or even strengthen the enchantment, he would greatly appreciate it. He was quiet as he worked, his hands strangely delicate as he pulled up only the weeds and left the flowers untouched. Though, he did cast Ciya glances every so often to see how she was faring.
By the time they had finished, the sun had begun to set over the small home and surrounding areas, allowing fireflies in the nearby woods to dance and shine through the night as calls of nocturnal animals rang out. Knowing it time to stop, Jozef opened his door and allowed Ciya to enter through it before following himself, noting that Slick had lit a few candles around the cottage to give them light.

They would need to figure out some sort of sleeping arrangements, but could do so without worrying about Slick. The snake-man excused himself, taking Vivica's bark in hand and telling his friends that he would return sometime the next day. They were welcome to his position on the sofa, though the bedroom's bed was big enough for both women to enjoy if they wished.

Franky remained where he lay, so he was the easiest one to account for.

With Slick's departure, the home grew quiet and warm. Jozef remained in his small spot near his door where he seemingly dozed, his fire growing smaller and smaller until it almost appeared it would go out entirely. The wind gently played across the outside of the cottage and it gave small noises as it settled and the candles began to burn low and darker. All was quiet as time passed. All was still. It seemed, to any outside observer, that tonight would be a night of silence and peace.

**PhoenixAshes**

 Working with the flowers was very cathartic for Ciya. She was in her natural element there and for a moment her slowly building inner turmoil stilled.

The area was quite beautiful in general, but as night started to fall, the pixie remarked how gorgeous it was becoming.

Once inside, and learning of Slick's need to leave for a little bit, the pixie looked slightly crestfallen. The naga had helped kept everyone's spirits up--but he had to do what he had to.

While sorry for Slick's departure, Vivica was glad to see he'd taken the bark with him and hoped it would be of use to him. This she remarked to her pixie friend as they talked while trying to get to sleep.

A few hours on, the witch had dosed and was breathing evenly and steadily, Ciya however was wide awake. Her honey eyes staring at the glint the light of the single candle still lit in the room brought to Franky's needle as she rolled it vertically between her thumb and index finger tips. Sleep wasn't coming here, she was comfortable but not enough for rest. Pinning the needle to her shirt again, she slipped as quietly as she could out of the bead and headed for the sofa in the lounge.

Her small feet tip-toed across the floor so lightly, afraid to wake either Franky, who desperately needed the rest to recover from the stress, and Jozef, who she didn't know the temperament of when woken unexpectedly. Her every move was careful until finally she was eased on the sofa.

She layed there a while, watching the embers in the fire place as she had watched the candle before playing with the needle. Nothing, no rest for her mind. Her gaze went to Franky's silhouette. Franky...her sweet Franky. All this way for nothing.

She sighed and sat up again, giving up on her plan to rest here.

**FrankenSoul**

 Franky did not feel her presence in the room. He had forced himself to sleep at long last, and though it was not nearly as restful as when he laid beside her, it would suffice. He rolled now in his slumber, moving at last to add at least a bit of life to him. Though now his expression was visible and bunched, troubled deeply as he curled further before the strain lessened and he managed to fall deeper into slumber.

Outside, the wind grew in strength. It was hardly a dark night. In fact, the moon was fat and bright to illuminate the world below in a ghostly light that seemed to eat away all color and harsh edges from the world. Slick himself had remarked upon it as he left, mentally chuckling at the idea that he would revert on a full moon. How cliché it was.

The wind itself seemed to have taken a mind of its own, and gradually, the tone of the night had begun to shift. In their lives, human beings found themselves scared of the night at one point or another. They attempted to keep it away through touches and towns, clustering together on such nights to beat away the strange stillness that seemed to swallow the world. Some nights were worse than others, producing stories and horror tales of witches and monsters and consumed and destroyed without mercy, without forgiveness. Tonight was one such night.

The sounds of the wind, so calm and gentle before, now cut the air outside the cottage to create shrill tones. One could associate them with screaming. The fear of such a deprived night might find itself creeping upon those foolish enough to be awake during the witching hour, creeping along their spines like thin, pale fingers. The worst of such nights were the simple feeling of WRONGNESS that permeated the air. Something off that no one could place, but drove against the physique like a splinter, driving them mad. But this night, one item would spring to mind which evoked this wrongness, this coldness, this late night terror. The book, hidden behind a dead man's grave like a haunting spirit, waiting for one to come to it. Calling, if one could define its allure, for this woman within the cottage to take action. To right the wrong in her world. She knew what she had to do. She was able to. All she required was the bravery to act. The image of the book shuddered, as if laughing. Or did she care so little for the one she declared her love to...? Or was she simply a coward?

**PhoenixAshes**

 The pixie watched Franky move in his sleep, barely marking the change outside. The wind was merely an extension to the whirling in her own mind as she studdied his troubled face. Even in sleep he could get no reprieve. She stood, her steps as she crossed to him silent incomparison to the howling wind.

There was a heavy fact in all of this, by not knowing he bared his pains alone. Yes, yes she could give him reprieve with her touch, her kindness, her love, but it would fade infront of that weight and he'd be as he had been earlier a near husk with mostly pain of ignorance suffocating what he could give.

Kneeling, she brushed her fingers against his face. The weight he carried always, his frustration, had a form and even now it still was bothering him. That bloody book.

A wistling sound came from the wind whisping over a wall crack or window frame, calling from outside. Knowledge came with a price, she knew from her witch friend. Who knew how large a cost it would be to that evil thing--but...

Franky's expression had eased and she sighed lightly, her thumb tracing his cheek. She'd pay anything for to have Franky be happy. After everything he must have been through, he deserved so much more than suffering silence. Like earlier she leaned down again and her forehead to his because she could not kiss him how she wanted to without waking him with terror. She couldn't start him with fear of his lips coming undone.

The pixie held this position for a while, listening to the wind whistling and whipping and for a moment she could swear she could hear pages flapping. She'd decided. Blood it demanded? Blood it'd get.

Again, the pixie stood, each step slow and quiet as she headed to the door. As her slim fingers reached the handle she prayed it would not creak. To have Franky wake would be a problem, but she believed she could explain herself, but if Jozef woke... Her gaze flicked to the metal man. She'd be hindered. Steeling herself and with a held breath she opened the door just enough to let herself slip through and close it behind her. Not a creak, good.

The wind began to whip her hair about her face, tossing it this way and that, she however, remained steady. Moonlight and focus helped her on her way. The house behind did not exist, nothing but what she had to do stayed.

Cold grass came underfoot, chilling her. The unshaking, moon bathed shape of the headstone stood firm against the forces around it. Around the back, the the book sat where Franky had left it. It too was still, unnaturally so. With the headstone for support, Ciya picked up the tormenting thing. The cover was softer than she expected, almost fleshy in it's texture. Somewhere deep, everything tensed, revulsed at the very energy of the thing. Even as she carried it away, she fought the urge to drop it and run, back up to the flowers, to the cottage and inside. Inside to Franky... No, no, she'd decided to do this for him. Backing down was not an option.

The pixie looked between the two landmarks of the cottage and the grave, and found herself equally distant from the two. It felt wrong to do this too close to either.

Down on her knees in the cold grass,she found the page Franky had attempted to give to and opened it there. So consumed with what she must do, she hadn't noticed the eerie stillness that suddenly filled the night. The wind had slipped to nothing.

From her collar she withdrew the needle, it's shine quite clear.

Breathe. The pixie told herself poising the little insturment between her thumb and index finger. A quick move was all it would take, a jab to puncture the skin and for blood to come. Her uncertainty waxed and a small breeze came up again to rustle the pages in the book. The edges rustled and then settled impatiently, the middle section leading to the spine seemed to move like breath.

Do it. The command came soft in the breeze. Do it. Do it. It built, louder and faster in the pixie's mind. Her heart beating as a humming birds. Do it! Do it! DO IT!

Her hand moved back and then forward sharply. "Mn!" Her middle finger on her right hand had been pricked, deeper than she intended. Flinching she retracted Franky's needle, the blood beading immediately to fill the space left. Carefully she pinned the sharp thing to her clothing, not wanting to loose it. It had served it's purpose here, but she knew it might be needed again to put him back together.

The pages rustled again, the edges lifting as if they were reaching. "Open yourself," Ciya stared firmly down at it. "Lift your seal and give Franky the answers he seeks." This was her demand, if it was to take her blood, it better obey. Extending her hand over the page, she pressed against her finger adding more pinhead sized bead of blood resting on her skin. Soon it had grown large enough to slide and drop onto the page.

As the drop stained the parchement, suddenly, it arched! The coveres pressed into the ground and lifting the spine as if to be closer to the source of what it hungered. The pixie gasped, trying to flinch back but found herself frozen in place. She could not move or withdraw her hand. Realizing this, her breath became panicked, her eyes fixing on the small stab in her finger. Another drop was beading up on it's own accord, becoming too large to stay in place and dropping. The book shuddered. Another drop formed faster, then the next in half the time. Down her arm, her veins strained as blood was being pulled from them.

The pixie grit her teeth against it, whimpering helplessly. It needed more than one drop is all...Denial tried to sooth her but her fear knew better.

The tip of her finger was growing deeper in color as the blood followed it's proper paths but was restricted it's escape from the small pin prick. Pages curled and fluttered, impatiently, seeming frustrated. And all at once it beads became a stream, pulling swiftly and unnaturally from her.

In the now windless and silent night, a high and shrill scream pierced the air with her complete terror and the pain that burned her veins.

**FrankenSoul**

A nightmare startled Franky awake, forcing the already restless man to jolt up with a tense body, his mind sluggish as he tried to pinpoint what had startled him so. Nothing was touching him and no one was close by- No, it was a sound that drew him away from slumber. A sound that he recognized without ever having heard it before. A loud scream tore through the air, and he knew it to be Ciya's.

His eyes darted around the room and he saw Jozef's fire beginning to roar and grow as the golemn woke, but Franky didn't linger. Fear plunged him deep in his heart, colder than anything he had ever felt for himself. His body seemed to move on its own, propelling him out the door and turning him to spot a scene that almost drew forth physical pain.

He realized several things as he sprinted towards the dark shapes of the night, his bright eyes frantic.

Ciya, frozen in place with revulsion and terror.

A stream of crimson, flowing forth like rivers from the tip of her finger.

And the book, fluttering as if alive and moving of its own accord, radiating such hunger and vileness that it turned his stomach.

His mind clicked. Oh Ciya. Ciya!

There was no time to ponder on it. Action was needed, and needed now. She already looked so pale. How much had been taken from the time she had begun, and for him to rush here? Throwing himself, the man's foot quickly and furiously kicked the books cover, squashing it shut with all of his strength in a thunderous stomp that caused the very ground to crack. He swore he could hear a sequel emit from its bowels, and red leaked from the things sides. In fact, the entire tome had become slick and red as it swelled and bloated. Jerking his foot away and causing sticky trails to temporarily follow, Franky scowled and felt a shudder run down his spine. Is this the thing that he had carried with him all this time? The thing which he had pinned all his hopes on, and which in some way was connected to him?

And it was still trying to take from her! Even now it continued to try and soak the blood from the ground, stray drops being pulled towards it as if the thing held a gravitational pull. A hot rage blinded him, and withholding nothing the book was sent flying with a tremendous kick, accompanied by a roar-scream from the deepest parts of Franky's throat. The cursed item flew, but to his dismay did not disappear as it seemed to stop itself in midair and suddenly drop well within the boundaries of the flower field.

Let the damned thing stay then! His thoughts turned and were consumed by Ciya, now freed from the book's effects. Her body crumbled from the shock, and Franky's hands caught and wrapped around her, gently lowering her to the ground as he sunk to his knees. Bright eyes looked at her face, worry tensing every ounch of his form. What should he do?? She looked... Looked so pale... Oh gods, Ciya, Ciya why? Why would she...?

The shine of the needle, nestled within her clothes, caught his gaze. A wave of self-hate and deep love for the woman surface, mingling and mixing like oil and water. Of course. Gods above, if she died... No! He couldn't afford to think like that!

He had to get her inside, to get help. Vivica! Yes, the witch woman could help, surely! As carefully as he could in his hurry, his arms slid under her and he hefted her against his chest as he stood. The world became blurry as he lumbered back towards the cottage, and he didn't realize why until a cold tear slid down. His weakness, like everything else, could wait.

The door to Jozef's home practically was knocked down as Franky kicked it, stumbling inside from the effort of stopping his speed. The golem had finally woken fully and after throwing wood upon the fire to cause sudden, bright light he was posed to push open his door. At the sight of a desperate Franky with Ciya in his arms, however, he paused. "Gods..."

The pixie's hand was hanging down and dripping red, as the color seemed to have stained her limb and Franky's feet. The undead was barely holding himself together, trying to call past the lump in his throat and the stitches upon his mouth. Despite the muffled state of the word, Jozef recognized it as, "HELP! HELP!"

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica had been woken by the sound as well, a chilled arrow of fear confirmed by how Franky ran out the door. It was Ciya. The floor felt harder as she ran for the door, but her hand lifted and the palm slammed to the frame as she stopped herself. There was no good in running out there blindly. She'd be useless without a way to help.

The witch turned back, rushed steps went to the bags and she pulled was well secured bundle from it with shaking hand. Her mind whirled but the eye of that storm held her focus, and what she needed to do at that very moment was her fixation. She was set for the worst when Franky returned. Jozef's reaction made her turn and still at the sight of a slack and pale Ciya. "Bring her here!" Came her immediate response. She'd already made a place, near to the light where she could see.

The pixie barely held to consciousness, her eyes glazed, distant, disoriented. Even though she still bled, it was slow, back to the normal rate that her tiny puncture wound should bleed. Beading up...holding....drip. Yet the effects of what had been done were apparent, not just in the deep color from the tip of her finger and fading off into her veins, but the vine marking on that arm. It had been shredded of all flowers and leaves, leaving nothing but the woody structure. Even then, it had been paled of color and the bark broken and snapped where the vein and wrapped plant met.

**FrankenSoul**

Vivica. She was here, with her equipment already set up. Had she been expecting trouble- well of course she was, she must have heard the scream too and prepared herself. But, was she equip to help with blood loss?

Hoping against hope that she was, quickly Franky moved to the section of the floor she resided and carefully lowered Ciya. Above he saw Jozef lean closer, but he was now quiet as he watched Franky draw back from Ciya, standing and hesitant. He was frozen there, unable to even wipe the moisture from his eyes as he stared down at Ciya's face.

Gently, yet keeping his voice firm, Jozef spoke. "Franky, what happened?"

He already had a suspicion of what had occurred, what with the signs of it, so he held little surprise when Franky's trembling hands shakily wrote to explain briefly, 'Book.'

So Ciya had attempted to give blood to the book, after the others had denied Franky the hope it gave. And some sort of dark magic had lashed out at her, drawing from her the life-giving blood she needed. Moving somewhat closer, Jozef knelt to peer at Ciya's form himself. He continued to keep his voice guarded, but concern leaked through.

"Her magic is somewhat faded, as is her life I imagine. There are trace amounts of darker forces along her fingers and within her very blood. I'm not sure if this will hinder healing. Are you able to help her, Vivica?"

Franky remained where he was, suddenly shocked into numbness as he continued to stare on, his thoughts paused. He couldn't do anything else now. And the possibility that he would lose Ciya... He had to keep that image away, or else he would be useless now if he was needed. Ciya, stay with him...

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivicia examined her friend, unsettled by her state but lack of actual wounds. Gently as she could, the witch examined the pixie's arm. The viens were clearly stressed and darker, but undamaged. What concerned her was the concentration of fluid and color under the skin as it neared her finger. With a cloth she'd wet, she cleared away what little blood was left. As she did, the pixie gasped, seeming to come to out of fear and minor pain. A weak attempt to wrench her hand away from Vivica was paired with a whimpering, "No. No don't let it--don't--"

"Ciya. Ciya, it's alright!" The witch spoke quickly, a comforting hand coming to the pixie's forehead. "You're inside. It's gone. It's gone."

She seemed to ease, but her face still held a look of anxiousness.

Vivica felt on Ciya's other arm for her pulse, then her neck. It was still detectable, but faster, and her breathing seemed normal at least.

"I can't do anything for the blood loss itself," She answered to Josef, "except to get her to drink so her body can make more on it's own. The puncture clotted now so she's not going to loose another drop." As for the dark forces. "She's likely too weak for a direct purification just yet, but there’s a slower one I can use." She reached for her other bag, pulling out a few clear quartz crystals. The smaller ones she placed along both sides of Ciya's arm, evenly spaced on the floor, the largest one at the fingertip and the second above her head. "What did Franky say happened...?" She asked, not having seen what he wrote. However, she was answered by the fire glimmer on the needle, which she gently pulled from the fabric. A stillness came over the witch. Such a one that, if either of them could see her face, they'd know it was not good. Her shoulders were tense.

**FrankenSoul**

A low grunt and whine emitted forth from Franky's throat, and he jumped the same instant Ciya did. Drawn out of his thoughts, he was closer at once, moving to take Ciya's unharmed hand and squeeze it tightly, eyebrows knit up towards one another. She was awake! Relief spread through him, washing away some of his fear. She was awake and talking. Even if her words were those of fear and confusion, Vivica was able to help settle her soon after.

Jozef, not reading or not seeing Vivica's reactions, settled back and remarked, "The book. She attempted to feed it blood, and as I predicted, it reacted violently. I wonder... ah." A needle, one that Vivica pulled forth from Ciya. So that's what was used to prick her finger. Jozef prepared to speak again, this time to Franky himself who was whining and pining over Ciya's good hand, when he noticed Vivica's tenseness. Gingerly, he asked, "Witch-woman...?"

**PhoenixAshes**

She didn't answer Jozef, but extended her hand with the needle out to Franky but kept her head down.

The book, that dark, bloody book. That's what did this? Her mind flashed the chain of events involving it since they'd arrived here and the beat of her anger began to rival the fire a good foot from her back.

How stupid could the pixie have been?! She knew magic, especially dark magic came with a cost! And Franky, he couldn't take no for an answer. His moping had likely lead to this! Ciya was too kind hearted to take someone she cared for in pain.

The witch's breath was even, nothing but the bodily tenseness showing her state. Considering where Franky was now she couldn't go off on him but she wanted to and might still. "Take this back." She was referring to the needle but there was much more meaning behind the dam of her tone.

**FrankenSoul**

Ciya... Ciya, was she...? She was awake not but barely so. It would probably be best for him to leave her alone then. Perhaps even get out of the way. Should he leave? To let Vivica work? Whatever could help bring Ciya bac-

He was so drawn into his thoughts that only when the needle was thrust towards him did he look up and catch both what it was, and the expression of the one that held it. At once, his face went slack and then was pulled by guilt. He sniffed, tensing at her tone and moving to rub his eyes with the back of his hands before carefully taking the thing from her. It still held some red on its tip.

That tone of hers... He felt a strange emotion rise up inside his chest. He didn't know what it was, but it was confusing. It was similar to that of the outright fury from before, but twisted by deep loathing and guilt. It was even worse than what she said had before. She blamed him for all of this, didn’t she? But… It wasn’t as if he had asked Ciya to do this! He didn’t want her to get hurt! But he was hating himself right then more than she ever could anyway. Or, so he told himself.

He reconsidered leaving, and instead pushed his back to a wall, bringing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. He kept his gaze low and he remained silent. Of course, he was always silent but naturally now did his true silence. Jozef gingerly asked about the book and its whereabouts. Franky shrugged and simply pointed outside. It was there, somewhere. He hated the thing, but... But some part of him wanted to go and find it. After all, Ciya had almost DIED to open it. Shouldn't he see?

He was saved further dilemma as Jozef used his large door to exit, excusing himself and explaining that he was going to try and find it to make sure it didn't cause any more trouble. As the wall closed, a heavy silence remained save for the sounds of the fire crackling.

**PhoenixAshes**

The obvious emotion from Franky barely swayed her. Was this his fault? Logically, no, but Vivica was not thinking logically not after all she could do was done.

She sat next to Ciya protectively, like a stone guardian that would spring into action if any threatening force dared encroach on the weakened girl.

After Jozef left,she was silent as Franky for a long moment. Stewing on what had happened, her dark gaze fixed upon and reflecting the tongues of flame. It was slow going but her fury simmered. Taking a deep inhale, she looked to Franky, having only one thing to say to him now. "Don't waste her blood." Her expression was tight-lipped but no longer like she wanted to take a seam-ripper to his stitches. When that book cames back, she expected him to pour over it and find out everything he could. That was what Ciya had given him, he could do that while she recovered.

**FrankenSoul**

So she wasn't going to say anything either. That was fine... He supposed he understood her emotions and even appreciated how protective she was of Ciya. Still, his ego was at once bruised but he tried to stuff it away. Not important. Not important.

He once again had to wrestle himself to not scoff at her words. Don't waste her blood she said. How easy it was to command that of him! As it was, he turned his face away and gave a small shrug. He wasn't sure if he could. Part of him wanted the damn thing destroyed and burned for hurting his most loved one. Gods Ciya... Why? Ugh. He KNEW why. He just... He just struggled to accept the gesture when she had suffered so terribly for it.

Jozef returned soon after, and sat heavily with a fist closed around what Franky supposed was the book. The golem was, surprisingly, cursing lowly. Franky had never heard such foul language from him before, but here it was.

"Entire patches of the flowers, dead! I doubt they will regrow either. And this- THIS," His hand opened to reveal the book. "Is an abomination. I'd destroy it if I could and if Ciya hadn't already paid its price."

The book was... hardly the same. No one could have recognized it if it wasn't the events didn't point to it. It was twice or even triple its previous thickness, new pages having sprung into existence and filling the bound tome. Its cover was now a strange texture that would surely send shivers up one's spine, and it the leather-y covers held a strange red hue. A likeness of a skull was etched into its front, grinning at them evilly. A strap contained it but it could easily be undone to peer inside...

Franky's eyes widened as he stared and almost felt bile rise. Again, he thought, THAT was what he had carried with him for so long. Jozef himself was very displeased, the fires of his torso at full heat and making the small space warmer.

The golem paused, and added gruffly, "I say we do destroy it. Trouble or no trouble, this thing reeks of evil magics. No good can be born from this..." He eyed Franky, knowing the undead likely still held a desire to look. In return, Franky lightly frowned, unsure of what to do now and casting a quick glance at the side of his eyes towards Vivica. Did she still hold the same opinion from only a short time before?

**PhoenixAshes**

The hair on the back of the witches neck stood and goose bumps rose across her arms as she bristled at the sight of the accursed thing. She put herself between it and her friend. That thing was horrible to behold. It was clearly far more evil now in visually as well as an aura.

Still, knowing it wouldn't just hop off of the golem's hand she turned her attention to Franky finding his eyes on her, from the corner anyway.

Suddenly she found herself unable to speak. This...this was not on her.

**FrankenSoul**

So... She had nothing to add. No advice. No commands. Hah, of course, right when he wanted them. Breathing heavily through his nose, Franky ran his hands over his head a few times to brush away the stray strands. No, he supposed he couldn't have anyone else decide this for him. He had never been one to decide such things though...

On one hand, Ciya had been harmed to get this for him. On the other, it had turned into something he didn't want to look at, let alone touch. Would her actions be in vain if he wanted to do away with it? Jozef spoke that no good could come of it. So, then... despite what Ciya had done... perhaps it was best to have it be gone. He didn't want it to be around if that meant keeping those he loved in danger. Jozef's voice solidifed such beliefs, mumbling, "I feel it must be done."

With a heavy heart, Franky rose his hand and made a waving motion while at the same time ducking his face and covering it with his free hand. Let it be done then, before the temptation of selfishness in regards to his past overwhelmed him.

Giving a curt nod, before anything more could be said Jozef undid the grate of his chest. The hot fires blazed and without hesitation, the book was thrust into the inferno. There it landed among the orange and yellow, and with a feeling of dread Franky watched and waited for the paper to curl. But... He frowned.

Why wasn't anything happening...? No, in fact the book remained whole as if to defy them. Minutes passed and Jozef uttered a low groan. The smoke from his head was now turning thicker and darker. He felt sick. Unable to bear it, his hand moved into his torso and removed the book, thrusting it down harshly onto the floor. It landed with a heavy thump, and its surface was still cool with no traces of the heat it had been exposed to.

"Bah!" Jozef yelled, frustrated. "Damned magic is protecting it! I don't think it can be destroyed. Not normally, anyway. I didn't consider that. Phah!" His arms clanged as he folded them across his chest, casting quick lookes at the crystals around Ciya.

"Miss Vivica, do you think it possible that you can seal it away for now? On the writing desk perhaps, out of the way until I can find a way to be rid of it. I don't want it to extend any influence out to harm anyone else in the meantime."

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