Got back from short vacation. I will be pretty busy in the coming weeks as well, so I will be posting updates in advance.

Also, I hope you don't get bored reading my works. MOST of them WERE taken from the manga, but I added some twists. Also, look forward to the coming future chapters, I'm taking Izana's POV for a spin. Most of them are not in the manga- they're of my own creation.

Thank you for all the likes and reviews. Some of the recent reviews are interesting to read. :) I hope you also checked out my new one-shot called If Thou Must Love Me.

Title: the Mysterious Disease

Inspired by: Chapter 35 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Ryuu, Kirito, Shidan

Wordcount: 592

Rating: General

"Ten days ago," Shidan began "one of Kirito's friends collapsed. We do not know what happened, and we thought it was an isolated case of anemia, possibly vitamin deficiency. But a few days later, two of the children were reported sick. We immediately arranged for the two kids to be confined together so that we can try and diagnose what is happening with them."

Shidan took his folder, as well as the papers Kirito showed Ryuu, and placed them on his lap. The sketches of the location of the blue patterns were highlighted on each patient. Each of them sported the pattern on other parts of their bodies.

"Their temperatures slowly decreased, and we tried to stabilize their temperatures with heat packs placed around their body. However, it doesn't help much. They experienced a lot of pain. We couldn't pinpoint what is happening, hence we are unable to give them proper dosages of medicine. For the meantime, we have given them some painkillers to ease the pain as well as drugs to increase their body temperatures."

"You don't have a cure?" Shirayuki asked, stricken.

I leaned against the wall contemplating and a little worried. I have been careless about carrying Kirito's friend, and it is not good if I am exposed to the same illness as them.

"Do not worry, though." Shidan raised his head, as if sensing my own concerns. "The sickness is not easily transferrable. This is more like something that was ingested by the body."

I let out a relieved exhale. Still, I am worried. What is going on here? "Are you Kirito's father?"

He shook his head, smiling a little at the boy next to him, reached out and rubbed his hair ruefully, "No, he's my nephew. Again, I apologize on his behalf. Kirito is a good kid, although sometimes, he gets worked up over things."

Shirayuki nodded. Ryuu reached for the papers. "May I?"

"Certainly." Shidan handed them to him.

Ryuu read the contents rapidly. From my vantage point, I can see his eyes flickering, digesting the information. He frowned deepened.

"Is there something wrong, Ryuu?"

Shidan turned to Ryuu. "Ryuu? You must be the Royal Pharmacist!" he exclaimed, a little shock to see that the young person sitting quietly beside Shirayuki was Garack's promising protégé.

He turned to Shirayuki and cleared his throat. "My apologies. I thought you were the Royal Pharmacist that Garack has sent."

She shook her head apologetically. "Oh no! I am his assistant. My name is Shirayuki. Pleased to meet you, although I would have preferred our meeting to be in different circumstances."

Shidan smiled faintly. "Trust Garack to zoom in to a promising youth. I couldn't believe it! She really is a very intelligent woman."

I noted the hint of envy underneath his admiration and racked my brains for any knowledge about the mysterious Shidan. I heard that Garack used to work closely with a fellow researcher when she lived in Lyrias previously. Could this be someone she worked with?

Before I can ask, Shidan stood up and gathered his folders and paperwork, motioned for his nephew to follow him and addressed Ryuu with an air of respect, "If Garack is the one that taught you, then it means I can trust you. I will search for Suzu. Let me know if you find anything."

Ryuu nodded and gave a reciprocating bow of respect. "Thank you, Shidan. I am sure we can find something to address this mysterious disease."

The older man frowned, a little worried. "I hope so, Ryuu. I hope so."