Undergrowth (Log 02)

**PhoenixAshes**

As Ciya worked on stitching she read what he wrote to her, replying and asking as it went. The comment about her giggle being adorable made her blush. The last thing he wrote however, made her pause. "About me?"
It felt like an odd question, since she really didn't consider herself interesting or special. Yet, where was she to start? It felt like she had a lifetime of details and yet no narrative point to begin at.

"Um, well..." One stitch, another, and then she finally spoke. "As you know, I'm a pixie. I used to live with my entire family group but..." She sighed softly, another stitch completed. "They tried to stop the wastes from expanding, a while back when there was that really big push of dark force. Then I was too young to help so, I stayed back."

His arm was done now, so she measured out threads for the other places that were less ripped or loose. "That's how I wound up kind of on my own." Feeling like she was being a downer she perked up a bit. "But I met Vivica soon after--she'd fallen into some poison ivy while searching for a specific herb. So I gave her a remedy for it and, that was that. We became friends." One was done and the threaded the needle again.

"She was mostly alone too. Apparently the town where she came from doesn't really take kindly to any magic, so she had to come out here. " Suddenly she went quiet again. "Sorry, I'm starting to babble a storm in here..."

**FrankenSoul**

They tried to stop... He felt the warm sensation in his stomach turn a tad colder. Somehow, he felt like he was at fault for that. Perhaps because he was a creature from that place? He wished to he could he was sorry, at least.

At least she had found a sort of new family. Fallen into poison ivy? He couldn't help but give a chuckle. Oh boy that sounded like tons of fun. Was this originally the witch's home then? And Ciya had arrived and added to it? He could feel his arm slowly being put back together again. Soon enough, he was able to twitch his fingers and move them entirely. It was a relief to have it back.

It seemed everyone here had some sorrow in their story. Such was life. He couldn't help but give a good natured chuckle again as she apologized, and he shook his head. Grabbing his supplies again, something easy since he had use of both hands again, he pulled his blindfold up slightly so he could at least look down fully. Oh his handwriting was awful when he was blinded.

'Well since I can't talk you have to make up for it, yeah?' He turned and did his best to grin towards her.

She smiled softly at that, a quiet laugh coming from her. "Yeah, I guess you're right." One of her hands rested on his shoulder as she leaned back to look at how much further she had to go on the loose line of stitches. "I'm almost done." She assured. "Just three more and you're as good as gold again."

He sure FELT as good as gold. She must have magical hands. And well, she might. But the stitches felt good and neat and tight. She should be a healer, she was great at this. He leaned forward again, pressing his chest against the chair.
He kept his blindfold partially off, only allowing him a very small window at the bottom of his sight to see the paper. Her hands were almost black and stained from that stuff...

Pausing, he wrote something else.

'Thank you.'

She had shown him kindness. He wouldn't forget that. Oh, and... His side smile was slightly playful.

'I'm surprised. You haven't asked a single question yet. Afraid to hurt my feelings?'

**PhoenixAshes**

"You're welcome." The reply was still soft, even though she at that same moment had to shove the needle hard between bits of skin and old stitches.

"A bit." She replied to the other question seriously, even with his smile playing in her direction as she focused on sealing the very last stitch. "Considering what happened outside and..." Her fingers lightly moved to the older scars. "I wasn't sure if it's right of me to ask anything. Since," There was a pause here, a heavy sigh coming from her. "Well, you know how sometimes even old things can feel raw still?"

**FrankenSoul**

Oops had he made the situation serious? Not that it wasn't to begin with, but...
Yes, considering what happened outside he thought they deserved some kind of explanation. To know if they were safe and just what they were handling. The last stitch fell into place and he had never felt better. The strong scent of the blackness, one of the few he could smell, was gone.

He actually almost shuddered a bit as she touched an old scar. He hadn't realized that the area was that sensitive until she ran her finger down it. How strange. Stranger still, he attempted to open his mouth and speak to her before the tugging reminded him what he was doing. Whoa, right. He couldn't exactly do that.

He only nodded, a thin sheet of sadness coming over his expression.

Yes he understood very well.

Turning, he took her hands and clasped them between his own. He smiled towards her as he did, though it was a different kind. It spoke for him.

'Yes. I understand.'

He held her hands there for a moment longer before releasing her, reaching for his 'voice'.

'I just feel that after what happened, you have some right to know some so you and your friend can feel at ease. The last thing I want is to keep frightening you.' For he HAD frightened her. He felt a pang of guilt just thinking about it now, remembering her face during his fit through a glaze.

When he took her hands she held back tightly. That look of understanding eased her along with the contact. Much to her surprise, it didn’t vanish when he let go. When he ‘spoke’ to her again, she nodded. “You were a bit terrifying I have to admit.” She smiled apologetically when she said this, the expression coming through her voice. “But, if you want to tell me, I’m willing to hear.”

He once again chuckled as she outright admit it. Well, at least she was honest!
She may have noticed something when he had turned and grasped her hands, though he doubted she was looking over his chest. Still, if she had, she would have gained a small peek that more rows of stitches were present with more scars. Stranger still, around the area of his heart it seemed almost deformed with the stitches. They crossed over each other in a mess, with hardly any organization or purpose.

He reached for his jacket. The thing was so old now, ripped, and falling apart. He shrugged it on, fingers doing up the buttons until he was completely covered once again. Aah.. so much better. He had slid the scarf completely from his eyes moment ago, as he wanted to lock gazes with her and felt that this was not a time to hide behind material. He kept his ears sharp though, listening for that human so if she came around he could slam his eyes shut.

He moved his head down to write. His hand paused over the paper, gripping the charcoal tightly. He breathed slowly, before beginning. Yes, there it was. The feeling of old wounds being raw.

'I actually don't remember being alive. Not completely. Just some bits and pieces of memories. I do remember being created though. I was created by humans. Mages, I think. They had robes, and spoke strangely. They kept me locked and bound for a very long time. They did-' His hands trembled somewhat.

'They did terrible things to me. I do not feel pain now, but they made me then. I got away eventually but my experiences with humans just grew worse and worse. Other creatures were kind to me, but humans were vile and vicious.'

He began to frown deeply as he remembered a few of the incidents. No, best not to linger on such memories. He pressed on, handing her the paper without looking and writing more.

'I know I must have been human once myself- I mean I look just like them, just not alive. But because of my experiences, a basic hatred and fear has developed that I have no control over. No matter the individual, something dark swells up and I can't control what I do. I don't wish to harm the innocent, but...'

But he couldn't stop these strange emotions roiled inside him. Looking upon humans, something just snapped inside him and made him want to HURT them. He rubbed at his eyes, uttering a sigh.

'Which is why I stay in the Wastes. Hardly any humans go there anymore, and it's fitting for a creature such as myself.'

**PhoenixAshes**

She pulled up a chair for herself remaining patient as he wrote. There was, quite obviously, a lot. In the silence between, she looked over Franky. She’d only glimpsed for a second the hodge-podge stitches across his chest. The sight of it made her heart seemingly sink. From the way he was pieced together, something told her something bad had happened to him—something that such a kind soul, as he was, did not deserve. The mannerisms he had while writing hinted so as well

The quiet continued as she read what he’d written. As her gaze went over each word, slowly signs of sadness and sympathy appeared across her delicately featured face.

A long moment passed before she could say anything, her slender hand pressed against her lips as if to hold back an outpour.

Then, rather suddenly she moved forward, wrapping her arms around him again. That was all she could think to do—words weren’t enough.

**FrankenSoul**

Damn it, his hands were trembling from forcing himself to write 'humans' so many times. Such was his inability to overcome even the term. They had done him wrong so many times. He had lost so many companions, simply during his time as an undead thing. So much death. He wondered if perhaps when he was alive something had happened to begin this fire that could overtake him now.

Her motion took him by surprise. He had glanced up at her and given a small, helpless smile. She seemed overcome by emotion. Already? He was glad he didn't go into details then. And she grasped him, holding him. He jumped slightly before smiling, moving to pat his hand over her arms as he tilted his head against her. "Hmmmm..."

He squeezed her, closing his eyes as he did so. He almost swore he could smell her scent somewhat. Perhaps he was imagining it, but it was sweet. It went rather well with the warmth of his chest. He held her there a moment longer before giving one of his wry chuckles, releasing her to scribble,

'Hey, come on now, I'm still here so everything's good isn't it? And I got to meet you! That made me very happy!' He turned to gaze up at her, smile widening. 'I just wanted to explain my behavior.'

His smile became somewhat tinted with his own sadness.

'And explain why I need to go in the morning.'

It was kind of obvious. He couldn't exactly stay here with a human around, could he? Not unless he made himself blind forever. Though he might consider that if he could stay close to Ciya.

As he squeezed she felt as if her eyes became wet on their own accord, to hide it she buried her face against his shoulder. After a moment, she noticed that he seemed to be content with her close like this, but it was through before she could really comprehend it.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya smiled gently. "Yes, it's good you're still here." That fact was undeniable. " It was clear now why he'd reacted how he did, but even so, he was still technically a danger to Vivica--even though he didn't wish to be. He would need to go eventually. The thought saddened the pixie. While it was necessary for her human friend's safety, the sadness that she might not see Franky again had it's own bitterness.

**FrankenSoul**

His hand moved to her back, fingers brushing against it as he beamed. Ever joyful, as always. Even with such sad situations, he smiled. What else could he do to comfort those around him?
He glanced around the room, now that his eyes were open for the moment. As he had thought. The inside was as beautiful as the outside. What a lovely kitchen... Hmpt. There was something he needed to do before he vanished though. Turning to look towards his pixie friend, he asked,

'May I meet your friend? I wish to tell her I'm sorry myself. Of course I'll put the blindfold back on though.'
She was surely still roaming about, feeling unsettled about him. He couldn't just leave with a woman thinking him some beast, now could he?

**PhoenixAshes**

The entire kitchen had a warm feel to it, all the wood of the cabinets had a warm, almost reddish hue. There were a few odd things hanging from hooks on the ceiling, garlic or peppers; a rack of herbs across the window was drying the bundles of the various plants. Over all it was quite clear these to young women were living off what they could find and make.

The pixie nodded. “I think we can arrange that. You’ll have to excuse her if she’s a little distant and on the defensive…she doesn’t know what I know of you now.” A short strand of blonde hand fallen forward into her eyes as she said this, and nervously she tucked it back behind her ear. “You want to try it now?” She asked softly, the same hand reaching for the taken off blindfold if the answer was an affirmative.

**FrankenSoul**

Distant and defensive? That sounded like the many humans he had enco- No, stop. He still had a tendency to think of all in such a negative way. It was habit. He nodded, tilting his head as he watched her move the strand of hair. She had very pretty hair. Perhaps he'd ask to play with it later.

He nodded as she asked, beaming and giving a thumbs up. He was sure it would be fine. It wasn't as if he couldn't handle hostility from their kind. If a human didn't stab him outright, he was happy with them.

**PhoenixAshes**

"Alright." Ciya nodded, having to smile brightly as well. The fact that he could smile behind the stitches still amazed her. "Stay right here." She said as she reaffixed the scarf over his eyes. "I'll bring her to you." Her hand patted the side of his face encouragingly, each tap gentle but present. "Back faster than a shake of a lambs tail" The pixie promised.

**FrankenSoul**

He had to say, he was a little nervous. He chuckled deeply as Ciya gave his face a pat and scampered off to fetch the witch. Shake of a lambs tail...? Well that was new.

He did hope he hadn't shaken the witch up before. Wait... He frowned under the scarf. If she were a witch, did that make her human? Or something else? His head gave an aching throb at the prospect. Getting into the technical side of what was human, and what wasn't, always hurt him.

No. She was human. Her body was the exact same, but able to bend magic to her will. Deciding this, he felt somewhat better. His thoughts lingered back, wandering down his path of memory. He had told Ciya that he had slowly been conditioned to hate humans, and that this state he went into he couldn't help it. That he didn't want to hurt the humans, his basic fear of them had become instinct. That was true, but... He wondered if somewhere deeper if he truly hated them. He often caught himself thinking of them in vile ways, using dreadful terms to describe them. He sighed through his nose.

No use wondering about it now. Best to just keep smiling and try to not think of the humans species. His hands opened and closed as he moved to stand, touching the chair and using it as support. His stitches stretched but felt wonderfully tight. Ah Ciya, you wonderful woman...

**PhoenixAshes**

A few moments later and there were two pairs of footsteps padding back across the tile. One, light but a little bit clunky due to the still injured leg, Ciya's would constantly stop and turn back a moment, her voice speaking hushedly to the other set behind her. This second set, was near silent and slower due to cautiousness but audible due to a light jingle from something around the witch's wrist. The whispers went back and forth a moment.
"It's not exactly your life on the line here, Ciya." It was more concern than fear in the tone, but still adamant.

The pixie was quiet a moment, but then replied too softly to carry.

"Well, you're right about that at least." The witch mentioned. "Fine....fine."

Soon both sets were near Franky again.

"Alright," The pixie took Franky's hand lightly, “my witch friend is here with me."

**FrankenSoul**

Well his sense of hearing was still pretty sharp. He picked up on what he could and inside his mouth lightly bit the side of his tongue. He felt weight in his stomach for the poor witch who wasn't comfortable around him. They drew closer and Ciya took his hand, causing his strange lips to turn up in a smile.

Turning his head to where he had last heard the others steps, he bowed his head very low. Bringing up his notepad, he once again did his best to write blinded. He felt like he was getting a bit better at it at least. When finished, he held it up so that she could read it.

'I'm glad to meet you. I apologize for before. I hope I didn't scare you too badly.'

Humbly, he kept his head bowed and his expression had turned solemn.

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica was still back a step out of his arm's reach, her deep brown eyes watching Franky carefully. The protection charm on her wrist, a hearty leather and metal work, was held up slightly by the bent arm, her other hand pressed on the inner side of that wrist, ready incase something went wrong.

Ciya seemed to hold her breath as she watched the interaction: Franky's apologetic humility, Vivica's calculating but open expression.
The witch pressed her lips together thoughtfully, making them a thin line as she read what he wrote and the expression and position. He was sincere at least. "I'm sure the tree is more unhappy than I am." Came her reply. It seemed an attempted at a joke to clear the air but the tone was dry and factual.

**FrankenSoul**

Franky's lip twitched at that as once again he let loose one of his good natured chuckles. Well, the feeling of the air was better than he would have liked. His hand moved across the paper once again, making use of what room was left.

'Yes, I do feel bad for the poor tree. Your magic must be remarkably strong though, to make that shield. I hope Ciya explained my condition. I did not strike at you purposely. But I understand your carefulness. It makes me glad that Ciya has a strong, wise witch to watch after her.'
He smiled. Well, the compliment was true. She was wise, knowing that she could possibly be near a ticking time bomb. He only hoped to ease her enough to realize she was safe with his eyes covered.

He began to write faster, obviously excited like a young schoolboy. 'You can do magic, yes? What kind do you do? Are you able to fly? Change shape? Do you know others who can do such things? Can yo-' His hand ran out of paper to write on.
He let out a low whine. He knew that he had been writing on the only blank corner of paper he had left. He wanted to 'talk'! He had done the same to Ciya when he had met her. He couldn't help it. He was driven by curiosity!

**PhoenixAshes**

"I'm not too sure about strong." It was Vivica's turn to give a chortle with a hint of amusement. She wasn't quite trusting him yet, as her distance and cautious stance hinted, but he had a sense of humor at least-- one good trait she could get along with easily. " It's a relatively common spell, with a few of my own tweaks, but effective." She nodded, even though he couldn't see it, as she read the next part. "She explained... I was sorry to hear that." Even though her immediate reaction was to make a comment about 'we're not all that way', she knew--from experience-- that those sorts of words never helped.

A look of interest crossed her face when he began to write again. Shoot, he was winning her over quickly. The thought rose in her head as empathy hit when he ran out of paper, the whine reminding her of a sad puppy. A moment later she gave another controlled laugh at the stream of questions she read. " Yes, mostly 'white' types. Although I try to stay away from actual casting and work more with crystals, herbs--basically magic that is drawn from natural and present sources. As for change shape and fly-- neither, well the first, not very well and the second is a complete no." When she came to the ' others who can do such things' her gaze shifted away sadly.

Gently Ciya patted, Franky's arm, in both signal that he'd probably asked enough--even if it didn't sate his curiosity and in comfort because he'd run out of paper.

**FrankenSoul**

He noted her sympathy, lip twitching as he did so.
He listened eagerly, giving his best sheepish grin as he heard her amusement and moved to rub the back of his head. He really couldn't help himself! He was a very curious person! He wanted to learn about everything he could, especially from the people he met.
A laugh! What a good sound that was! Her tone seemed to shift a tad too, the air growing less thick and heavy. White types? Well he had figured she was a good witch, considering everything he had heard of her and with the fact that Ciya associated with her. It was a surprise to hear most of the time she didn't use actual casting. He had never considered using crystals and herbs. So she could shape change a little bit at least? Interesting...
Oh no. By the way she stopped talking, he had hit a sore spot. The gently pat on his arm confirmed this. He couldn't write it, but his hand moved towards her direction as if he wished to show comfort- instead he curled his strange stitched on fingers away, knowing it was most likely not a good idea to try and touch her. Instead he bowed his head once again, trying to show his apology instead of speaking it.
Turning towards Ciya, he reached and squeezed her hand. He made a tiny smile, lifting a hand to motion writing in the air. He was asking if they had any spare paper. He hated being without a 'voice'.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya squeezed back gently, comfortable with the contact as she watched his writing motion.

"We have some." Vivica caught on to his signals right away. "I'll just leave you two for a minute and be back with it." She gave a teasing look over to the pixie as she spoke, but was careful to keep it from her voice. The familiarity those two had already built up with each other seemed to hint something else to the witch. Although, she wouldn't openly tease without confirmation. Otherwise, awkwardness would probably ensue.

**FrankenSoul**

Franky nodded towards her, grateful. He was just itching to be able to talk again. He listened to her light steps leaving before reaching up and pulling his scarf up slightly. His eyes twinkled towards Ciya before he turned and glanced around the kitchen, looking through its doorways to see if he could find something...
Pulling the scarf back down, he released Ciya to use both hands. He pretended to be holding something in one hand, while the other brushes across its surface. The motion was turning pages. He wanted to know if she had any books around. He loved those, and he didn't exactly find them out where he lived.

**PhoenixAshes**

She smiled back at him, glad that he and Vivica seemed like they'd get along now--well for the most part, there was still the problem of if he saw her. The loss of his hand caused her to watch him more carefully, and at first the pantomime was a little lost on the pixie. However, it soon clicked. "Oh! Books." She thought about it. "Viv has a few--spell books and guide books and what not. Books everywhere practically."

She couldn't see it, but his eyes practically lit up by their own accord. Books practically everywhere? He put a hand over his chest and pretended to stagger for a moment before letting out almost a giddy giggle.

**FrankenSoul**

He placed his hands together in a motion of prayer- or begging. In this case it became obvious quickly what he wanted, asking if he could read them. Naturally, he'd keep his sight low as to avoid any potential drama and danger. But he really, really wanted to! Plus, perhaps he could finally figure out what that symbol meant...

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya laughed softly at his stagger and other motions. "We'll have to see."

"See what?" Vivica asks as she comes back, two leather bound journal like objects in her hand. She had a few of these which she wrote notes and other things in but these two were a little small for what she needed, but they might fit perfectly into Franky's life, and pockets, so she brought both planning to give some more length for his 'voice'.

**FrankenSoul**

We'll have to see- Oh no did that meant... But of course they had to ask the owner of the books if he could read them. Speaking of which, he twitched as the quiet Vivica reentered the room. He smiled innocently towards the direction of her voice, appearing sheepish. Reaching his hands out, he touched the books and took them from her.

O-Oh... These were perfect! Running his fingers over them, they were obviously leather. Small, but not too small. Bound together tightly, he wouldn't need to scramble for spare paper for a long while. This meant so much to him. More than she could know.

The blindfolded man held the two books close to his chest, smiling broadly. He gave a few sniffs. Was he crying? It sounded like he was about to. Deeply, he bowed his head in the direction Vivica. Flipping open one of the books quickly, and sliding the other into his jacket, he wrote largely,

'Thank you!'

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica smiled softly. "You're welcome. I couldn't keep you voiceless." To see him so happy like this broke down every negative ideas she'd had about him. They just vanished, even knowing how he had been she could tell this was the real Franky.

**FrankenSoul**

Yes, that was why it meant so much to him. It was a huge relief to be given a voice, one that would be hard to lose and last him a long time. Gladly he turned it, doing his best to write blinded again. He was really getting the hang of it.

'We were talking about your books. You have some, yes? May I take a look?'

Oh! Even better! He held up a finger to ask her to wait, reaching behind himself into his back pocket. He withdrew something- a small black book that fit into the palm of his hand. He had pulled it out once before in front of his sprite friend, when she had given him the drawing of the plant she needed. Flipping it open now, one could see all sorts of strange things inside. Drawings of plants, labels of rocks and crystals, and many strange symbols and words that were impossible to understand. Counting the pages, he flipped to the page where he knew it would be at. He turned the book, showing it to her.

A single page was filled with a single symbol. It looked like an upside down cross, darn bulbs placed at each end. Near the top, two lines that resembled wings sprouted outward. The symbol itself seemed innocent enough, save for the fact that it seemed to be inked in by something red that had dripped and dried. Blood...?

Under it was the label, "Lupus Metallorum".

Moving to hand her the book, he brought out his newer one and wrote the question, 'Do you know this symbol?'

He would be looking for it in her books if she allowed him, but perhaps it would be easier to just ask her for now.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya watched Vivica as the witch studied the symbol. She was curious but she almost seemed cautious. Carefully she closed the cover. "I'll let you go through them, but I'm not sure if you'll find something like that." She paused. " Although... "

"Your grandma's books maybe? Ciya suggested.

**FrankenSoul**

It was quiet for a minute after he showed her the symbol. His body tensed somewhat as he waited, once again wishing to bite his lip as worry dug into his skull.

He had shown it to a few people before. The responses were mostly the same. "Sorry I don't know it." That was if they weren't too busy looking over him and going, "AAAHH!" He had found a few that had a far worse reaction... They had at once become hostile, some even attacking him. He hoped this reaction wouldn't be the same.

She remained calm though, thank heavens. It sounded as if she didn't know what it was, closing the book with a faint snap. Although...? Grandma's books? His eyes widened under the blindfold as he felt a bubble of excitement. He wrote hastily,

'Well don't let me cause you any trouble! I'm just curious. I've had that book ever since I first 'woke up'. I just feel as if that symbol is important. It may help me find out who I was, or where I came from.'

**PhoenixAshes**

"You won't be causing trouble." Vivica reassured. Motioning for Ciya to guide him.

The Pixie took Franky's hand, tugging gently as she lead him. "Come on. We'll show you the books."

Wait what was going on now? Was Vivica going to take his book and go somewhere else to study it? He felt a deep stab of fear, twitching as Ciya took his hand and glancing to where the witch was. Concern crossed his features and he made a low sound of protest but allowed himself to be gently tugged.

He stumbled a bit and gave a nervous smile, nodding as he squeezed her hand. He reached up, tapping his blindfold to ask, is it okay if I take it off now?

He still wasn't sure if Vivica was going to go with them, but if she wasn't around be wanted to be able to see Ciya's face.

**PhoenixAshes**

"Not yet." The pixie, replied. "Vivica is probably staying with us to find the ones you'll probably find useful."

"My grandmother, she had books on magics we don't use. Considering your symbol..." As she opened the door she realized she was still holding his book. "Oh!" Quickly she handed it back. "Sorry! Sorry!"

**FrankenSoul**

He took the book back into his grasp and smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. He lifted his hand and waved her off as if to tell her not to worry about it. He was somewhat protective of it. It was the only possible link to his past after all.

These two were so adorable though. Now this Vivica had seemed to have warmed up to him, and apologized as if she had stepped on a puppy's foot. He chuckled. He was getting tired of not being able to see... He held up a finger, asking them to pause as he took out his writing book.

'I think I have a way where I can see and not worry about attacking your friend. I won't be much help blind, and I want to see the books myself. Vivica has mild shape shifting powers, yes? Could she point her ears somewhat then? Just doing that I think I wouldn't be 'triggered'. I'd most likely think elf or faery if she were to just do that.'

A simple fix for a hard problem. Though, he wasn't sure if that would hold up if he was constantly reminded of what she was... But as long as she didn't go around constantly saying "I'm human," he was sure everything would be fine.

**PhoenixAshes**

"Oh..." Her dark eyes blinked. Ciya's honey colored ones widened paired with a gasp, after which her palm was introduced to her forehead. "Of course!!"

"Why didn't we think of that?" The witch looked to her friend only to get a shrug from the more pette girl.

"It'll take a moment or two. "Vivica continued, addressing Franky now. " I'll have to prep the casting--so if you two stay here I'll come back and we'll see how it goes."

**FrankenSoul**

Franky smiled as widely as he could, feeling pleased with himself. He hadn't suggested it before because he felt he would be overstepping to ask her to change how she looked. But then again he had known someone long ago who had liked to point his ears like that of an elf... He couldn't remember his name.

He nodded at being told to wait with Ciya.

He could easily do that. Turning to his sprite friend, he smiled happily as he heard the witch woman hurry off. He moved to peak out from under the scarf now, seeming playfully smug.

He moved closer to her, lightly bumping into her side. His smile went wider as he looked away, pretending he had no idea what he was doing. Bump, gently came his hip again.

Entertaining himself with his favorite person? Well that should be easy enough.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya bumped back and looked at him accusingly when she was certain her friend was too far to hear or see them. "You just wanted to be alone with me." The pixie smiled but her look of teasing accusation remained.

**FrankenSoul**

Whaaaaat? How dare she accuse him of such a thing. Still, he grinned mildly, his teeth slightly visible under his sewn lips.

He made a show of taking out his notepad and dramatically writing.

'Why I neeeever. I really did want to make sure she would be safe, though. She seems like a lovely person. I'm wondering though if perhaps...'

His hand slowed somewhat as he glanced towards her from the side of his eyes.

'We should look through the books tomorrow? It is getting late, and maybe I could stay somewhat longer to help...?'
Totally not a ruse to stay somewhat longer. Not at all.

**PhoenixAshes**

She laughed at his exaggerated movement, still looking at him as if he was a child plotting some prank. As he wrote however, the look faded from that to interest. Well, she wouldn't mind having him around. "Weeelllll...." Purposefully drawling out the sound she pretended to ponder. "Maybe. "

**FrankenSoul**

Oh come on that was cruel! What had he done to deserve that? He rolled his eyes, moving to once again give her a little bump of his hip. He supposed she needed to consult her roommate about that. He understood.

He smirked, pulling up his book so she couldn't see it as he wrote. When finished, he turned it around and looked innocent.

'Well, if I could stay the night we could stay up all night talking if you wanted~ I could even cook you a late night snack~' Their kitchen had looked supplied enough, he could surely figure out how to make something delicious out of the materials.

**PhoenixAshes**

She smiled brightly, looking at him and shaking her head as he hid his words from her, only to have her expression warm a bit when he let her read it. "You just like being around me, huh?" The charge she was pressing wasn't all that hard this time, more factual since she seemed to have all the evidence before her. The playful nuzzle earlier, the other small kindnesses he showed, his sincere apology to her dearest friend--all of this pointed to something that she was surprisingly happy with.

**FrankenSoul**

Wait what was this now? He paused, blinking largely before widening his eyes. He swore he could feel his gray cheeks gain a bit of color as he smiled sheepishly, avoiding her eyes as he glanced away and rubbed the back of his head.

Though, he did give a small nod.

Why wouldn't he like being around her? She was a really nice person. Where was that witch now, huh? He looked around, tapping his foot crossing his arms nervously. Oh boy.

**PhoenixAshes**

"It's okay, Franky." She giggled, sidling up to him a little more. "I like being around you too." For a split second she'd thought about being really jokingly mean and saying 'I like being around me too' but, the pixie figured the truth was the best option. There was only so much she could find in her heart to tease him. It was still funny how flustered looking he got when she'd asked that.

To be fair, he was very friendly with everyone he met. Though he had never been able to stay close to someone for this long, and never had such a positive reaction back towards him. His eyes softened along with his smile.
When she scooted up with him, he thought he would unravel then and there. Just fall apart into many pieces. At least she was having fun. He pressed his lips together, and wrote slowly.

'I'm glad to hear that... I'm surprised really. A creature such as yourself I thought would never affiliate with someone like me. You haven't shown disgust towards me once- not that I saw at least,' he slid her a smirk, nudging her with his elbow.

She flushed after getting his nudge and reading that last bit. “Um, well, before I knew you were, well, you and that that thing that stabbed me was evil—I did kind of have a negative thought or two.” The pixie looked absolutely guilty due to her admittance. “You proved to be the opposite of everything I thought so…” A small shrug and an apologetic smile were sent his way. “Here we are.”
The gray skinned man looked upon her with mild surprise before uttering forth one of his muffled laughs. He smiled broadly, seeming very amused by her guilt. He wrote quickly as to explain.

'Well I don't blame you for that! An undead body chasing a little girl? Come now Ciya, if I were alive and saw that I would have attacked me too.'

He placed an arm around her shoulders and squeezed lightly, doing his best to grin.

What counted was that she trusted him now. He was truly touched by the kindness she had shown him now, even after his episode. She had been exposed to his worse but still trusted that he was mostly a good person. That took a special type of person to do that.

The squeeze caused her to be a little bit unsteady, since she was trying to be light on how much pressure she put on her injured leg. In turn she had to wrap her arms around him to keep from falling and knocking him over in the process—thankfully she played it off like a normal hug. “Yeah I guess so.” After a moment she shifted and steadied herself, leaving his arm where it was as she looked up at him. She smiled warmly, but her gaze flitted here and there about his face finally coming to rest on his stitched lips. “May I ask you something?” The pixie asked softly, as if she was unsure about the comfort level he’d have about this.

She might have thought she could play it off as a normal hug but he saw she had almost fallen before. Woopsies, hadn't meant to do that. Still, he welcomed her hug gladly with his usual joyful expression. Surprise surprise, she didn't pull away right away either. Well, he wasn't one to make things awkward and simply beamed down towards her, eyes closing briefly as he did so.

When he looked upon her again, she had a strange expression on her face. Somewhat unsure, maybe even troubled. Oh no, did he smell funny? Did he do something weird? Oh, she only wished to ask him something. He nodded, tilting his head somewhat to the side, eager to soothe whatever troubled her.

She'd wondered this while helping to stitch him up again, but with everything else they were figuring out and talked over it really hadn't a chance to come up. "Well it's a few things really..." The pixie corrected. "Why are you stitched here?" Her hand moved up as she began to ask and gently tapped his mouth once at the word 'here'. She'd been thinking that maybe they could take those out for him and he could talk--perhaps? Since it seemed to be the only thing inhibiting him from being verbal.

**FrankenSoul**

A few things...? Well, he had been wondering when she was going to let her curiosity get the better of her. For most people, it only took a few minutes to begin hammering him with such things. It was a nice change of pace for her to respectfully wait so long.

And as expected, she firstly spoke of his mouth. His entire body have a minor jump as she tapped his lips, as if a puppy had heard a sudden loud noise. In truth, the touch sent a streak of fear up his spine, but quickly it vanished. He smiled; squeezing her gently again to reassure her it was all right. Keeping his arms around her, he wrote directly in front of her form.

His hand moved slowly, carefully. 'I... am sorry to say but I can't answer that. In truth, I don't know. I do know however, that something terrible will happen if I were to ever remove them.' He did his best to grimace.

'It's hard to explain. The best ways to describe it is a fraction of a memory, or instinct, telling me to never undo them. The moment I feel them becoming loose, you'll find me tightening them as quickly as I can.'

So, sadly, no one would ever hear his voice. He wasn't sure if he even had one. He was able to make noises and low laughter at least, so surely nothing was actually wrong with him. But he would never form real words to speak to another.

**PhoenixAshes**

Worry flickered through her entire form when he tensed and jumped. His embrace tightening eased her a bit--although she was still sorry she'd frightened him so. After she read she let out a heavy sigh and leaned into him a little more. Poor Franky. She understood from the moment he explained why he was the way he was that it was a hard life for him but that, that felt particularly sad.

**FrankenSoul**

Seemed he had only made her feel worse. Drat, he hadn't meant to do that. He leaned his head down to nuzzle against her somewhat, glancing at her from the side of his eyes as his hands wrote what he could not say.

'Come on, don't you feel sorry for me! It gives me more character, don't you think? I can tell you more through my body language~' He lifted a brow. Was he... trying to make a dirty joke?

He paused, before writing in smaller letters as if he would murmur it, 'Though it is annoying as they make lip contact difficult...'

He grinned as far as he could at that, openly winking there and adding hurriedly, 'Did you have anything else to ask me, my dear sprite~?'

**PhoenixAshes**

She giggled softly at his nuzzling, unable to keep from smiling at him. He was such a sweetheart, really, deep down he was all sugar-- this she was sure of. This she was sure of until she read what he wrote, and gave a slightly over exaggerated gasp. "Franky! I'm surprised at you. How forward!" Even as she said this though she felt the heat rise into her face, turning her cheeks a warm red. 'My dear sprite', there was something she liked about that.

**FrankenSoul**

Once again his eyes widened and became as round as he could make them, as he looked about and placed a hand to his chest to signal, 'Who, me?!' He gave a little chuckle of his own, smirking as he did so.

'Worth it to see you be on the spot. What color in your cheeks! Just because I'm undead doesn't mean I can't make lively jokes.' He winked towards her, giving her one last little squeeze before beginning to pull his arms away. Of course, it was all for a show. He might drop the occasional comment like that, but he would never act on it, naturally.

He began to glance around.

Where was their witch friend now? Had she finished up on her ears. If Ciya had no more questions, he wanted to see if this ear thing worked. He felt a knot of slight worry for if it didn't, but... That was why he was eager to see and get it over with.

**PhoenixAshes**

Just as the two both let go of each other there was a knock and Vivica was still out of sight. "I'm back." There was a caution in the witch's tone. "Is it safe enough to come in?"

Ciya looked up at Franky, the gaze a silent question.

**FrankenSoul**

Well talk about great timing. The witch was still wise, as he had thought. He felt Ciya's eyes upon him and gave her a reassuring smile he didn't feel fully himself. Still, he moved to grasp her hand and nodded.

If he felt even the slightest twitch towards an episode, he would turn away and shield his eyes. That was the best he could hope for, unless they wished to force him outside the barrier again just to check. He gave a small nod, glancing towards the door. He was a little curious. What did this woman look like?

**PhoenixAshes**

"Come on back in, Viv." Ciya called, sqeezing Franky's hand in support.

The witch hadn't changed too much, but it was enough to make her 'human' looks unrecognizable. She'd pulled her hair back, letting her now sharper earshape show, pointing back rather than up as certian elvish peoples had. Her eyes remained the same, dark and warm and the shape was retained, but it had a longer, horizontally wider look about them. This paired well with how her face had changed, it was still her but her cheekbones seemed to be slightly elognaged and higher. This suited her too, since her facial structure had hinted at underlying shapes such as this. It had been hinted at before that she might have elvin ancestry.

**FrankenSoul**

He looked across at her, noticing at once that more than her ears had changed. Unless she naturally had features such as that, but humans didn't normal- No, stop. He twitched somewhat as the thought of a disguised human crossed his mind.

His fingers tightened around Ciya's hand as his bright eyes roamed up and down the other woman's face. His own was impassive, strangely different this his normal smile. She... made a good elf. Yes that was right. An elf. She was one of those. Not a human, disguised as one. Not at all.

Doing his best to steer his thoughts away from that, slowly he smiled. He brought a hand up and rubbed the back of his head, nodding happily before giving a thumbs up. Seemed everything would be just fine! Or so he hoped. His grip on Ciya loosened, though he did not release her.

He moved forward, tugging her along behind him as he turned his head and reached his hand out to touch the curved ear. He hadn't really gotten to look at ears like that before!

**PhoenixAshes**

Both woman seemed to hold their breaths, watching and waiting for what was to happen. The tension in the air could have been cut with a knife, but then suddenly a minor relax.

Vivica nearly stepped back when he reached, but forced herself to remain still. "Ever seen an elf in person have you?" She asked, turning her head slightly so he could get a better look. Very clearly this change wasn't superficial glamour. Which is why it had taken so long, she could hold this effortlessly.

**FrankenSoul**

He shook his head to answer her question, though paused and held up a finger. He pulled his hands back in the motion of shooting a boy, then stuck his tongue out. Actually he had once, but they had shot arrows at him and called him a monster! Very rude!

Her ears were really neat though! He would have asked her to give him some too, though he didn't think he could pull them off. Standing back, he was pleased and turned to write swiftly, 'Well done! It's nice to meet you face-to-face! Me and Ciya were just wondering if looking at the books could wait until tomorrow? For tonight, I could just sleep outside if it made you both more comfortable, or I could leave altogether if you'd like.'

Though he secretly hoped it could be agreed to let him stay inside for the night. 'Talking' to Ciya would be difficult to do through a wall.

**PhoenixAshes**

“Oh. Yeah, younger ones can be rather playfull and rude all at once.” Vivica smiled widely and looked at Ciya both glad this had worked. “It’s good to meet you too.” However at his suggestion to “sleep outside” nearly broke her heart? “Oh no, no. We can’t just toss you out on the doostep now!

**FrankenSoul**

He widened his eyes, looking as if he had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar before grinning and giving a low laugh. Well it seems he had befriended her after all! He looked around and moved to write, looking somewhat sheepish.

'Well, I don't 'need' to sleep but I can if I wish. I'm willing to simply lay on the floor if you'd like, or just have me sit with my back to the wall all night. Really, don't put yourselves through any trouble!'

**PhoenixAshes**

The two women looked at eachother and then back at Franky and said in unison. “We’ll find a place.” He wouldn’t have known this, but it’s what they always said to eachother when they were fretting about where to put something or something else along those lines. Hopefully it didn’t creep him out too much.

“Really, Franky,” Ciya started smiling warmly at him. “You’re no trouble.”

**FrankenSoul**

Well it didn't frighten him as much as amuse him and warm his heart. He chuckled, bowing his head once again in thanks. Such kind people. One of them even a hu- elf. She was an elf. He moved to write once more, before pausing and shaking his head to cross out the words.

No no, that wouldn't do.

He did however breath deeply through his nose- his version of a yawn. Writing something else, he turned it and half closed his eyes.

'Thank you. Have either of you had supper yet? It looked as if you didn't have too much food in your kitchen.'

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica shook her head. “I was waiting for Ciya to get back before I started cooking.”

The pixie made a small sound, apparently she’d forgotten all about that. The two women both had really. With all the excitement going on it wasn’t all that surprising that they had.

“I could fix something quick.” The now elven-witch told her fae friend. “It’ll hold us over.” Her dark but warm gaze turned back to Franky. “Are you sure you don’t want to get to looking for that symbol until tommorow?” There’s a lot to go through. “She motioned to the tomes behind them on the tables and shelves of the libraryesque room.

**FrankenSoul**

Yes, as he had thought. They were neglecting themselves there. Hold them over?

He made a mental note to find them something to eat tomorrow. Maybe some sort of meat... He looked towards Vivica and paused as she asked him. Well, she did have a point. There was a whole lot of books to go through...

'Well I can just look while you two cook. Then tonight instead of sleeping I'll look further? But only if you agree to let me find you better food and cook for you both tomorrow.'

He beamed, thinking it was a swell idea. He was a decent cook! Or... He was pretty sure he was.

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica blinked after reading that and laughed softly. “If you insist. We’ll do that.”

Ciya raised an eyebrow at what was written.

**FrankenSoul**

He chuckled sheepishly, ducking his head down. Yes he was determined to stay a bit longer. He hadn't found a place like this in such a long time, where he could be safe and be close to those who's company he liked. He bid them farewell as they went off to the kitchen to cook, before turning and looking over the many books. His fingers were itching to get started. And so he did.

In what seemed like no time at all, he had many book laid out and opened. His small booklet was flipped open as well, and he turned frequently back and forth to look in it. His eyes narrowed as he worked and was completely absorbed into the books. They were facinating! And they were extremely useful. These symbols that he could never figure out, they could be 'translated' by these books.

From the very first pages of his booklet, he found that they were study notes. He had figured as much. Most of them were observing the world around with plants and flowers that held some magical properties. A lot of them helped heal...
He worked quickly for someone with numb fingers, perfectly at home. Something bothered him through. Some of the symbols of his booklet... They translated strangely. The pages seemed to get darker and darker as he went. Symbols for death and poison. And he still couldn't figure out what that single symbol meant....

He sighed through his nose, pausing a moment to reach back and rub his head. What was this booklet of his? It almost seemed to belong to a magic user. If that was the case... Did it belong to the person who 'made' him? He had always wondered why someone would bring him back. And also HOW one could go about bringing the dead to life. If he couldn't find it here, he could ask Vivica...

**PhoenixAshes**

It was right about then that Vivica knocked at the door way. It’d been awfully quiet in here, that and Ciya was cleaning so she had a moment to check on how their guest was getting along with the books that had belonged to her grandmother. “How are you getting along?” He seemed to have gotten through a lot already, which surprised her. A lot of the subjects in those books were advanced and more powerful, and therefore harder to “translate”. Although from the look on his face, he was finding out something dark.

**FrankenSoul**

It wasn't too hard for him to understand the symbols. Things simply seemed to click in his mind, and what he was doing felt familiar and natural. He didn't notice anyone come in, hunched over the books of the floor and reaching for another. He paused as he heard the knock, turning his head to look. He had expected Ciya but instead found the witch. Well, that was better he supposed.

He gave a half smile, suddenly feeling embarrassed for some reason. As if he were a child with his hand in the cookie jar.

Reaching inside his clothing, he brought out his "voice". He gave a small frown, glancing over the books before turning back to his paper and writing.

'There's an awful lot here. But it's really useful. Some of the material is coded and hidden though, so I'll have to spend more time looking for hidden meanings. I haven't found my specific symbol but,'
He hefted himself to his feet, moving closer and turning the paper so she might read as he wrote.

'I have found that my booklet touches on some darker things. Vivica, do you know anything about magic that brings back the dead?'

He turned his head to get a better look at her, watching her expression. He had always suspected that there was unholy magic helping him. Especially considering he was a dead body, and yet hadn't rot or behaved in the proper corpse way. A dead body wasn't supposed to experience, or feel, or move.

**PhoenixAshes**

“Brings back the....” She murmured, the question made some of the color drain from her face. “I know that it’s forbidden and has been for ages...” Shaking her head slightly, she called her fear into check. “It takes too much, usually a life for a life or some massive other energy.” It felt odd to even explain this. “If that’s were your book is leading you too, it’s a dangerous road.”

**FrankenSoul**

Oh no... He had touched on something of her own past that she didn't want to think about. Why else would she grow so pale at the question? At once he wished to apologize, moving to place his hand to her shoulder.

She composed herself again quickly, explaining to him what he thought he would hear. His eyes closed somewhat in thought. So that meant that someone else had most likely died for him...? He gave a light, friendly scoff and lifted a brow as he smiled.

'I think the book belonged to whoever brought me back. I just wish I knew why. And where they are now. I think if I keep reading, I might be able to find some clues. But, I won't if this upsets you.'

He turned his face towards her, utterly serious. If such matters made her uneasy or uncomfortable in any way, he'd stop digging. Though, it wasn't as if he would ever use the magic himself.

**PhoenixAshes**

"No, no” She shook her head again. “It’s just a fear that’s been bred into me-- ”There was a heavy sigh. “Dark magic, any kind, even the simplest form come with every prices, and that is the darkest you can get.” Gently she reached and patted his arm. “You need your answers. I don’t blame you for wanting them, but whoever brought you back couldn’t have had good intentions.”

**FrankenSoul**

The fear bred into her... He could understand that. The darkest you could get... His mouth twitched somewhat. If the magic that had created him was so dark, then why wasn't he far more vile? Then again, if you gave life to a deceased kind person, their heart should still be the same.

She touched him and the gesture was appreciated. He gave a small, sad smile and nodded. No good intentions... Perhaps he really shouldn't be digging this up then. Bah.

Glancing towards the kitchen, he asked with small lettering, 'Will Ciya be going to bed soon? I'd like to wish her goodnight before I..browse a little more.'

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