Words Fix know

Words Fix doesn't know

Hands

Going to the village was….procedural, Fix thinks. After getting dressed Dale combs his fingers through his hair in an attempt to neaten it. Anamira helps Marius with his clothes, still hazy with fever as he is. Fixed System wraps the shawl Anamira gave her around her shoulders in an attempt to look a little more put together and stars down at her bare feet. Would she need shoes? What sort of shoes would she even wear? When no one mentions it Fix puts the thought aside.

Just as they are leaving Anamira scoops up a large basket packed with many things. Scarves and gloves she and the other children have knitted, toys Dale has carved, a few tools for the garden that need repairing, and a few other things Fix is sure.

As they walk past the lamp post that brought her here Fix, Anamira, Dale and Marius are waved off with warm shouts. She was sure she would have understood them if her mind wasn't whirling with excitement, both good and bad.

What was the village like? The people? Would they notice her? Would it be mostly humans or mostly monsters? What did she want more? So many questions jittering through her and making her bones rattle (an unexpected experience, and while it wasn't unpleasant it was a little strange). When the others had noticed her nerves they had smiled, spoken softly and slowly so she would understand (mostly) and tried to ease her anxiety. Dale smiled at her from his place under Marius's arms, supporting the ill boy and Anamira reached up and patted her shoulder.

She could see the village from the orphanage, a brown and white mound rising in the near distance. They followed a road and Fix gazed around, curious. It was all so different from her memories. She looked behind them, at the road stretching back past the orphanage that she had first followed, and the great mountain range of which Ebbot was a part of settled on the horizon around them. The road was snow covered, dirt and mud below that peeking out occasionally. Two rivets dug through it, thin and packed down. Carts, Fix thinks. They had passed a handful of farms, and as they grew nearer Fix heard the sound of running water. Twisting her head she tried to find the source, somewhere to her right she thinks, between Gatehall and Ebbot. Dale notices and waves to catch her gaze.

"It's the river." he says.

She narrows her eyes at him then towards the trickle of water she couldn't see.

"River." He says again

"River." She mimics back, and repeats the new words again and again in her mind.

Not much longer and the three of them that are fully aware notice Marius stumbling, sweating and heaving as he leant heavily on a struggling Dale. They stop and sit him on the low cobbled stone wall that lines the path now. Anamira goes first, stomping down the snow, her leathery yellow feet unbothered by it like Fix who had tried to walk in the packed ruts where loose snow couldn't slip between her bones.

Dale sat beside Marius, arm around him to stop him from toppling backwards. Anamira leant her basket on the wall and swept her wards sweat damp hair out of his face, clicking her beak and huffing at him. Marius gazed foggily back and smiled apologetically at her. After resting for a few minutes they all stood back up but this time Fix shooed away Dale and crouched with her back to Marius, the fingers of her lower hands wiggling invitingly. If she could easily carry armfuls of wood, Fix figured, why not a human teenager? And she was right. Marius draped his arms over her shoulders and she gripped them gently, her lower hands scooping up his legs, keeping them off what was probably the uncomfortable rise of her pelvis. He was lighter than an armful of wood, and she didn't really notice him all that much, weight wise that is. As they walked he would shift from side to side and Fix wondered if her spine was bothering him, but Marius never complained.

That was how they arrived at Gatehall. No sign to welcome them, no boundaries to mark the town. The buildings just suddenly grew denser, the streets muddier and the snow pushed between buildings, people (both monster and human, but mostly monster) walked about, shifting from place to place. From what Fix could see the town was long rather than all clumped together, built along one wide main street that lead to a plaza. They passed a little shed with a well in it in the open space between houses as they entered, and Fix wondered why the well needed so much space. Further down the street Fix could see the plaza better.

What drew her gaze was a large hall, with big doors and carvings along the frames. The doors were open, and huge shutter windows were propped open with wooden supports revealing stalls set up in the massive open space. More stalls spilled out into the plaza. It wasn't packed, which Fix thought was perhaps the oddest thing, in fact there really wasn't that many stalls at all, they were simply all spread out. Apart from the stalls most of the buildings in the plaza seemed to be stores, wooden signs jutting from their fronts stating their purpose.

And while Fix was very curious about the town her friends belonged to, she was not so enthralled as to ignore the stares. From before they even stepped into the town proper Fix had seen them. While the town was mostly monsters and technically she shouldn't stick out all that much, it's seemed like everyone was staring at her. They must be curious, she thinks, the town was small, very small and she thinks that it's the kind of place where people spend their entire lives, that it's not a place where new faces come often. She could see them whispering, hurrying over to someone if they were alone to mutter and shoot glances her way. Anamira huffed at them and held her head high, never even sparing them a glance. Dale shifted a little closer to her, smiling up at her.

They walked down the main road and to the other side of the plaza, where a building was turned away from them, the entrance on a side street. But when Fix saw the house properly she felt air rush through her. The building was L-shaped and the little courtyard was near overflowing with plants. A tree grew against the house, bushes and ferns and shrubs, plants of all sorts had been carefully tended so the snow didn't smother them. Empty wooden racks that would have been about shoulder height on an average human were built beside a path leading to the door. Surrounding it all was a little stick fence, an obvious attempt at keeping the plants from spilling out into the street. Looking at the place, Fix knew it would be beautiful when spring got going.

It was here however that Anamira stopped. Plopping down her basket she turned Fix, motioning her to put down Marius. Looking between the bird and the building Fix quirked a brow and nodded to the building, as if to say 'are you sure?'

Anamira of course only huffed at her and motioned again. "Give Marius to Dale." She said, fists on hips. Sighing, perhaps a little petulant, Fix did so. Marius muttered a little at the shift, but with a nod Dale started to walk him into the large garden. Fixed System however was now focused again on Anamira, who was reaching through her basket. First she pulled out a wrapped bundle of cloth that clanked together as it was handed to her. As Anamira went back to her basket Fix lifted a corner of fabric to peek at her new burden. Inside was the broken tools. Fix frowned at them, grinding her fangs a little and not liking where this was going. Merl had explained it to her a little last night when the tools had been gathered up, that the tools needed to be fixed, "repaired" was the word he used and had drawn a little scribble of crossed tools drawn with charcoal on the main hearth. Now Fix didn't know exactly how they were going to get them repaired but she had a bad feeling. Maybe she should have payed a little more attention to Merl, instead of Jen's hair.

When Anamira handed her three little brown coins, tucking them into the bundle, that feeling only got worse.

"What, no, Anamira what are you doing." Panic shot through her. Anamira was collecting her basket back up, and Fix had said all of that in the wrong language. "Ana no. uh-uh come? Anamira come with Fix? Me? Anamira…" she stumbled, looking pleadingly at her friend.

Anamira only chuckled at her.

Fix sputtered and tried stringing together some other words, empty upper arms flapping and signing clumsily. Warm feathers gripped her shoulder.

"Stop Fixed System." She stopped. "Good. You are good. It will be good, alright?" and really, how could Fix say no to the proud golden eyes looking up at her.

Her whole body slumped and she scoffed good naturedly at Anamira before looking away sulkily. Anamira just laughed and pushed her shoulder a little, a dismissal, before following Dale and Marius into the house with the garden.

The door shut behind her, and Fixed System was left standing in the street.

She looked down at her burden. Her task? It was a probably a task. She growled at the bundle (all its fault), before taking stock. Alright, what has she got? Broken tools, coins, and some half remembered knowledge. The little scribble Merl had done was probably important, so she tried to remember that first and held it in her mind. Would she need to know the exact tools, she wonders? She didn't know. Maybe? Would it be important? She shifted from foot to foot before deciding that perhaps if she walked around she could just…find what she needed.

She moved back into the plaza first, moving slowly, which she quickly found a little hard when her legs were so long. She worried at her shawl with her free upper hands, twisting her claws through the holes in the knit. Moving back towards the stalls Fix scanned whatever signs she could see, hoping to see her target.

As she got closer to the large hall and the stalls Fix noticed the staring again. With the others no longer with her they seemed to grow bolder, staring longer. She thought that maybe staring back would be rude, but decided to do it anyway. Her memories of monsters on the surface with humans was a little hazy, the Reset being so long ago, and this was nothing like it at all. Before humans had been ever wary, nervous of monsters, and the monsters had seen that and been cautious in return. Back then she had worked hard to change how the two races saw each other, and maybe things would have turned out alright. Now, in this time, there was none of that. Monsters and humans seemed to live here in perfect harmony, and it warmed Fix's heart (soul?).

It made her wonder though.

What could have made them fight?

Fix shook off the thought as the shouts of the plaza broke through her contemplations. She went back to studying her surroundings.

She was among the stalls now, and at high risk of forgetting her task and the broken tools in her hands. Some stalls were make shift tables, others were stacks of crates. One had animals; chickens and a goat. Another was selling hides and leathers and other animal parts. The one thing she noticed was that all the stalls that were outside the hall…well… they stank. Not horribly, of course, with the cold especially. But the thick scent of animals, meats, leathers, and other things Fix was certain she couldn't name, would have been a disaster if indoors. It was as she was morbidly inspecting a large pair of antlers that someone finally spoke to her.

Surprisingly enough it was the monster who owned the stall (at least she assumed so).

"Ah, good morning! Don't get many new faces around here. What can I do for you." The monster was rather short and looked suspiciously dog like.

And of course Fix didn't nearly drop her bundle of tools in her shock.

"Uh…"

Fix stared at the monster and tried to make her brain (not brain?) work. She knew some of those words, but they were in sentences she hadn't heard before and it threw her off. She blinked at him and shifted nervously.

"Um…" the dog monster tilted his head. "…Yes?"

Let it be known that Fixed System is an idiot.

The monster blinked at her and barked (Fix thought it was funny) out a laugh. It turned awkward at the end but Fix was more focused on how to salvage this wreck.

"Now that was something I've never heard before!" The vendor breathed one last chuckle before his muzzle took on a salesman smile. "But truly ma'am, is there something I can do for you?" his tone had shifted, something she remembered from a past reset. A busy worker, a busy worker that you are holding up.

Fix blinked, and while a tiny bit of her was irritated by the smile and tone, another part of her instantly felt bad because here she was wasting this monsters time with her fumbling. She quickly tried to scan her memory for a way to apologise but came up blank. She thinks maybe Merl had tried to show her at some point, but there was only so much Fix could get across with pointing and miming. Instead she tried to answer his question.

"Yes." Fix sputtered, thinking a little too fast. "Ah! No! No, no do for me." She tried to flap her hands, tangling her upper pair in her shawl in her nerves and slipping on her bundle with her lower. This left her with her tools in the mud and her finger bones tangled in wool, and clicking her teeth in frustration. For the most part, her lack of the common language could be worked around with everyone at the orphanage, and even almost two months of being in this time she was still learning. Here she felt like an idiot (Flowey would laugh at her for sure).

But just like that things shifted. The vendor startled and seemed to be processing her words. Someone was scooping up her tools, wrapping them back up as she untangled herself. It was another monster, a bunny, which handed her back her tools. He was wrapped up in a worn coat and thick scarf. He had spoken a few words to the vendor, and the dog suddenly seemed to understand something.

With her bundle back in her arms the bunny monster gently touched her elbow and gestured for her to follow him. They didn't go far, just out of the way a bit. Fix looked down at her saviour. His straw coloured fur seemed better suited for summer time, she thinks.

"Are you alright?"

The bunny spoke slowly, pronouncing his words clearly. While the words were muddled the meaning was clear to her in the expression on his face, the set of his body. Fix released a breath (not that she could breathe, really), her bones relaxing.

"I am good." She smiled at the bunny, and he beamed back.

"You live with Anamira and Merl at the orphanage yes?"

She perked at the names and her focus narrowed on the monster before her. Does he know her somehow? If it were her proper time, and this town were larger, she would have wondered how he knew. But as it was he probably saw then come to town.

"Faren Hutcher buys wood from me, he told me about you."

Hutcher? Hutcher from down the road? Well that is another explanation. It would also explain the slow speaking. Fix has no doubt that the children talked about her to their neighbour, and the farmer has obviously told this monster.

Fix huffed and nodded to his previous question. He nodded back. It was a little awkward but not as bad as the stall owner. Fix turned her gaze down to her bundle, shifting it in her hands when she got a brilliant idea. She motioned the bundle of tools to the bunny, and threw back her memory to what Merl had said last night.

"Re…uh, Re-pair? I take…um..." Dammit, she sounded like an idiot!

But the bunny lit up with understanding, and smiled encouragingly at her.

"You need to repair the tools?"

"Repair the tools." She repeated, the word 'tools' sounding familiar. "Yes, for Anamira."

And just like that things got better. With another touch to her elbow her new companion led her back through the plaza, towards the doctors home, and then past it (wow, way to go exactly the wrong way Fix). The bunny kept up some sort of commentary on the short walk, and Fix tried to pay attention but most of the words were unfamiliar to her. He was probably pointing out parts of the town, from how he was gesturing. The only thing she got from the conversation was his name.

"Oriol." He had said, nodding his head towards her.

"Fixed System." She had replied, copying his nod.

In a few short minutes they had reached the other end of the town. The buildings here were a little more spread, obviously places of work instead of homes. The one along the very edge of town, furthest from any other building, had some stink or other coming from it. Even dulled over the distance it smelled awful. But her focus quickly shifted to a closer stone building. Smoke rose from a large chimney on its side and a rhythmic clang could be heard from inside. And there, swinging from the storefront, was the image of crossed tools.

She jerked her attention back to the bunny, Oriol. Had he said something? Oriol smiled indulgently at her. He had! He motioned to the store she wanted.

"Blacksmith." He said, and she repeated.

Another nod, a smile, and Oriol took his leave. She watched him go further down the street and into a small fenced yard, an axe lodged into a stump to one side, piles of wood on the other.

And then it was just her and the blacksmith.

Fix clutched her bundle tighter, bones rattling softly and upper hands flapping slightly. She moved to the front of the store. There was a large wooden door, but she kept her attention on a wide serving window. It had a benchtop to put things on, and through it she could see partway inside. She could see an anvil, and an abnormally large hearth. The banging she could hear was being made by who she could only guess was the blacksmith. A huge black coal monster. Threads of red heat spider webbed across its stone-like body as it pounded away at the anvil. They glanced at her as she put her tools on the benchtop, and Fix jumped when the other monster barked something harshly at her.

Fix was about to start stumbling over her words again when she heard another shout from somewhere else in the shop. A reply. So they weren't speaking to her? Good, she was sure she was going to make a fool of herself again.

Of course it as then, when she was relaxing, that the other voice moved into the large main room and made his way towards her. And suddenly all words left her.

It was him. She knew it was, had seen him so often underground. He was like a sanctuary then, and seeing him now was like seeing water in a desert. Which was a little ironic since he didn't touch the stuff.

Grillby was younger, not so much looked younger, but an aura. He felt younger. He wore a scuffed leather apron and thick leather gloves. Plain dark brown pants and patched, undyed tunic with the sleeves rolled up. The fire elemental leant against the serving window opposite her, looking bored.

"Good day, what can I do for you?" His voice was like a crackling fire. Fix had heard it only once before. (Sweet stars, what is happening?)

So stunned the words she understood flew right by her. And her reply spilled out of her mouth like goo. Unidentifiable goo.

Her hands flapped and her stunned self tried to pull her mind back into gear. She was staring too much, too hard, oh stars is she even using the right language? As she stumbled Grillby's eyes got wider (he doesn't have glasses, how odd) and a brow raised at her, but he waited patiently, didn't grow annoyed as she said words.

The coal monster on the other hand….

"Say what you want, fool! Or leave my forge!"

Fix jumped slightly at the blacksmiths shout, and the teeth snapped shut, grinding her fangs. Her flapping hands took over, signing out an apology with all four of them.

Her attention snapped when Grillby stood straighter suddenly, focus locked on her hands. There was a moment as they both watched each other, then Grillby raised his own hands and to Fix's immense delight, signed back.

"You speak Hands?"

And for the first time since the Reset, Fix was truly happy. Like a switch was flicked everything changed. Her face lit up, a smile spreading over her jaw, her posture straightened from the hunched one she had kept around Merl and Anamira, and her eyes burned with a sudden determination.

Grillby must have noticed the change, as the interest in his face turned into fascination.

"I do! No one I've met so far has known it! I'm so sorry for going on like that but the language is hard and I'm still learning, and, well it's very hard. I've been learning for a month now but I'm still no better than a toddler, it's infuriating really, and being sent off into town by myself has made everything I know just fall right out of my head. And oh, I must be rambling, sorry, it's just I haven't been able to talk to anyone properly in such a long time and I'll just stop now I guess…"

Grillby stared for a moment, hands raised to reply. Then he was laughed, like popping wood, and Fix grinned and chuckled along.

"Slow down. It's fine, truly. And don't mind Gola, he meant no offense. Now, why don't you tell me why you're here?" Grillby motioned towards her invitingly.

Perking, Fix pushed the tool bundle over, signing as she did. "I was given these to be fixed and told to bring them to you. I was also given some coins, they are in there."

"Alright, let's see."

And like that things were good. Grillby studied the tools one at a time, silent, and scooped up the little coins Anamira had given her. Then he was moving away from her, taking the tools and putting them on a rack of wooden shelves holding an assortment of other things, perhaps brought by other customers. And then he returned.

"If you come back in two days they should be done. With spring coming everyone is getting their tools repaired, so we are quite busy."

And there the good goes. Fix was starkly reminded that she was a stranger here. She deflated a little, but smiled in thanks.

"Ah. Thank you, no doubt I would have continued to make a complete idiot of myself."

Smiling once more Fix pulled her hands back and stepped away from the blacksmith. But before she could go further Grillby leaned forward over the window counter.

"If you come pick up the tools I am sure I can convince Gola to give me the day off and, if you want, I can help you with your language problem." Fix stared at the flame monster. He wasn't the Grillby she knew, silent and welcoming, but she wouldn't mind getting to know this Grillby.

"That would be great!" Fix gave him another grin "I'll see you in two days then!"

"Indeed. Hmph, my name is Grillibera."

Fix blinked at the spoken words, but Grillby (Grillibera? He has a full name?!) had signed along with his words. Narrowing her eyes, Fix replied.

"My…name…is Fixed System." Grillby nodded, pleased.

"Until next time, Fixed System." Nodding for her to repeat again.

"Until next time," and here Fixed System smirked, absolutely ready to cause some mischief. "Grillby"

And just like that the cool composure of the flame monster was gone and left behind was a flustering mess. Fix cackled as he tried to scold her with words before using Hands.

"Never call me that again. It is horrible!" He demanded.

Fix just danced away, half trying to remember where the doctor's was, laughing.

"My name is Grillibera!" he shouted at her back.

Fix just laughed louder over her shoulder.