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Title: Going Undercover
Inspired by: Chapter 35 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Ryuu
Wordcount: 1072
Rating: General
Fortunately for the young boy, Alrond, his condition stabilizes in the afternoon after the assigned physicians gave him copious amounts of medicine to maintain an acceptable level of body temperature. The disease still actively attacks his immune system, generating pain in his limbs. But with the help of a numbing medicine, the pain was kept to a tolerable level so that Alrond can sleep.
Disturbed by this mysterious disease, I accompanied Ryuu and Shirayuki as they went to the two clinics where the rest of the children are confined. With the help of their position as Royal Pharmacists, arrangements were made to transfer the patients to the same facility where Alrond is. They would be receiving twenty-four-hour medical attention, plus a team of medical researchers assigned to review their case has been given access to study and learn more about the mysterious disease.
I found myself a willing assistant, as both Ryuu and Shirayuki met up with the doctors who attended the patients, consulted their records and compared knowledge to eliminate possibilities and give better diagnosis. The main roadblock that prevents them from coming up with a solution is the cause. All the children have been relatively healthy and they, together with their parents, could not even pinpoint the source of the disease.
The next two days was a blur. I remember accompanying the two as they embark on investigations and meetings. In between, I left them to their own devices, meeting up with important people who happen to be in the city. Somewhat reluctant to leave them on their own, I assigned a temporary guard to assist them in my absence, and to report back to me on a regular basis as I go about my own business. On a few occasions, I crossed paths with Lady Haki, and I briefly mentioned about the patients under the Pharmacology Institute's care. Lady Haki finds it surprising that I took on a sudden interest, but generally left me alone, citing that should there be any need for assistance, she would come.
I am reluctant to admit that even with the disease shadowing our time together, I looked forward to spending time with the two young people under my care. They are the best companions to have around when I wish to explore the city, especially the gritty areas that even I cannot even hope to visit, let alone set eyes upon it. But with Ryuu and Shirayuki, we could explore the areas where the children came from, study their habits, and try to establish what could be the possible cause of the mysterious disease and whether it only affects children. With Shirayuki's knowledge and understanding of how the people live and interact in densely populated areas, I could observe how most of the people live; something even Zen could not have possibly done. The red-haired woman proved to be better in communication, putting the persons we speak to at ease, thus it is easier for us to learn more. I can even see Ryuu, mentally taking notes about how his own, older apprentice interacts, and seemed to appreciate her valuable presence in times like this.
We ate lunch at a nearby tavern (to Maruko's horror at having to monitor the food coming to our table), before heading back to the institute after an exhausting two days' worth of trips and interviews. Today was the day the last batch of the patients were transferred in the institute's care. Suzu dispatched a note to us to inform them that the transfer is completed.
"What's worrisome is that we still don't even know the cause." Shirayuki's grim expression distracted me. We stood at a table piled high with thick books, scrolls of parchment, bottles of ink and a few quills. Across from where I stood, I found myself distracted, the expressions on her face is so easy to read, like a book.
Ryuu looked up from where he is sitting, having finished signing the parchment in front of him; his letter to Garack will be delivered by one of my messengers waiting nearby.
Ryuu handed the rolled-up paper and I slid it inside a metal cylinder, melted some wax over the cover and pressed my royal seal on it. The messenger was beside me in seconds, took the letter from my hand and departed with a polite bow.
"This is the first time I've heard of symptoms like this." I gestured to the books in front of us. Shirayuki glanced at me with a surprise look.
"I never knew you are familiar with healing."
I shrugged. "I am quite familiar with some normal diseases and injuries. Garack Gazelt has been patient enough to teach me some basics. Why do you look so surprise?"
She eyed me a little warily. Despite spending time with me in close proximity, Shirayuki has kept her respectful distance. I contented myself with observing her whenever an opportunity arises. It's not prudent to push myself on her; besides, I think it's better that we keep our interaction to a minimum. There's no point in attempting to repair something which was lost between us when our futures lie in different paths. If I keep on telling myself that, I am sure it would influence me to stop wanting her.
She was prevented from answering my question when Kirito suddenly appeared out of nowhere, looking anxious. His gaze quickly latched on to Ryuu and pounced on him for news about a cure.
"Any news?" he demanded, looking a little breathless.
Ryuu stared blankly at him."Of what?" he asked blankly.
"My friends are all here. I expected some progress."
I raised my eyebrows at the young boy's impudence and lack of respect to a Royal pharmacist. Shirayuki and I exchanged a look.
"Kirito, did you just come today to ask Ryuu?" She stepped forward, wanting to divert the boy's attention and possibly soothe him a little.
He nodded, frowning a little. "He's rumored to be good." He jerked his thumb towards Ryuu, "and it's because the old men can't heal them all! Even though they're physicians and pharmacists! I can't rely on adults anymore!" he sounded bitter at this.
I frowned a little, but held my tongue in check. The boy may not be in the correct place to criticize but he does have a point: for weeks, the patients suffering from the unknown disease languished while they waited for any breakthroughs.
"Oy! Watch what you are saying, you brat!"
We all looked up and found two people leaning down at us.
"Suzu, Yuzuri!"