Unbeta-ed chapter. Thank you for all the likes and reviews. I hope you also checked out my new one-shot called If Thou Must Love Me.

Btw, I am going on leave next week, so I will be posting the next chapter as well. :)

June 18, 2017 Updates: Beta-read by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her. Thank you.

Title: The First Wave

Inspired by: Chapter 35 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Ryuu, Kirito

Word Count: 662

Rating: General

What type of relationship do you want with my brother, Shirayuki? My thoughts lingered over the last time we stood face to face. I remember asking her a little too harshly about what she wants from my brother. I winced in remembrance, knowing that I was the one who is in the wrong. I wondered whether I would act this way towards her if I didn't happen to accidentally eavesdrop with her conversation with Zen. Would I still believe the worst about her?

Probably.

I stifled the urge to sigh as we made our way back to the Scholar's district, where the Royal pharmacists-that is, Ryuu, Shirayuki, and I-were invited to go inside and meet other people at the Pharmacology Institute.

At the very least, I wanted to make amends to her, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so. Without my brother within earshot, I can indulge myself a little. Besides, I wanted to have a peaceful environment. It would do us both good if we call on a truce, and I can concentrate more about proposing to Lady Haki and forgetting my fantasies about her.

But then again, I knew that this is a lie.

We could go in by the guards stationed at the entrance of the institute. Today was a particularly bright day, and the sun is out after a few days of gloomy weather and snow. The bright rays of the sun illuminated the Institute's high windows, giving the building a light and airy feel to it, despite the number of shelves and books stored in its repository.

A prelude. The thought crossed my mind unexpectedly, and I brush the ominous word away. It is not good inviting questionable thoughts.

As we made our way to the lab rooms, a loud whump hit the windows to our left. Turning, we saw remnants of a snowball melting against the thick plate glass window, and two children standing outside the snow-covered courtyard. One was slightly taller than the other, his worried face covered with freckles; the other was long-haired, cheeks red despite the paleness of his lips and he was leaning against his companion oddly.

"That's Kirito," Shirayuki murmured, frowning. "I wonder why? That boy with him looks sick."

She went to the window, when one of the boys raised a placard with the words, come out, urgent! was written.

Shirayuki and Ryuu both exchange concerned looks before glancing towards my person.

"Go ahead." I told them, curious at what this is about.

Both headed to the door we passed earlier and I followed them closely. As soon as they let themselves out of the building and into the courtyard, the two boys hurriedly walked up to them. The smaller boy stumbled about.

"Oh, no!"

Shirayuki was quick. She was already by the boy's side, even before his friend kneeled.

"You are sick!" She exclaimed, confirming her initial conclusion, judging by the boy's weak countenance up close.

"I-it's happening again." The taller boy's voice trembled a little.

"What's happening, Kirito?" Ryuu asked.

Kirito rubbed his eyes and face. "Something's been happening to my friends, and I don't know why. He's the sixth one this week. I thought, because you were Royal pharmacists, you might be able to cure him. The local clinics are not able to determine what's wrong with him."

"You sneaked him out of the clinic?!" Shirayuki was shocked. "Why did you do that? You could have endangered him more!"

"I-I'm sorry," The boy, Kirito, stuttered. He turned towards Ryuu, who stood nearby. "Please," he pleaded. "Can you help him? I heard you are very good."

"Before I can give him medicine, I need to diagnose him first." Ryuu answered in practical tone. "I am not some magician who can conjure out cures without understanding the kind of sickness he has."

"We can talk later, Ryuu. Right now, we need to rush him to the Infirmary." Shirayuki immediately picked up the boy in her arms, but I stopped her.

"Let me."

Breathing heavily, the boy's temperature is cold, and I can feel his icy skin burn me.

"Shirayuki, Ryuu. Lead the way to the infirmary."