Beta-chapters are on hold due to some issues which I need to sort out. Pardon my grammar mistakes.
Title: A Race to Find the Cure
Inspired by: Chapter 38 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia
Wordcount: 474
Rating: General
Status: (22 August 2017) Chapter beta-ed by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works.
Four agonizing hours had passed and we heard nothing more from Obi and Shirayuki. I stood by the window, watching the swirling snow and increasing speed of the winds sweeping through the streets outside.
The Pharmacology Institute's resident researchers and healers are up in shifts, looking after the patients and assisting Ryuu, who has finally cracked half of the book's notes about the cure. Yuzuri herself continues to work on the last few pages, detailing the cure and its preparation procedures, while Suzu went on to assist Ryuu on preparing the base medications.
It was the breakthrough we are looking for. Ryuu looked tired, and could barely stand on his feet when I greeted him hours ago, rushing towards the Institute, even though I know that the two people I am on the lookout for are not there. Still, I cautioned Ryuu not to push his health as well; urging him to take a few hours' rest. Otherwise, he would be of no help at all if he falls sick, too.
Even Maruko found himself assisting Ryuu with strict instructions, citing that a couple of hours' rest would revive him. Ryuu trudged off to find a quiet corner to sleep, leaving me fretting.
I found my time divided over waiting for the last of the reports on the water supply condition, the Lyrias' pharmacy team re-creating the treatment, and watching out for Shirayuki and Obi, who have yet to return.
Maruko is equally anxious as well, sensitive to the tense mood I am in. I tried not to let things affect me as I send out missive after missive to my brother and my mother, both stationed well outside Lyrias.
The last of the reports came in when I was convinced by my aides to eat a late meal, which I did hastily, opting for vegetable soup and hot tea.
When I came back from my meal, I immediately found Maruko, who shook his head for there is still no news from Shirayuki.
I wanted to slam my fists into the wall, knowing all too well that she alone is the key in helping to find the complete cure for the mysterious illness; and that she is risking her life for the sake of the people-people who are not even her own countrymen, people who will look at her hair with scorn, just like the way I treated her. I felt helpless and angry at myself; I am locked by the circumstances of my birth, being the next King of this country, and yet with all the power I have in my hands, a mere girl has the will and strength to do things I could not do.
"Damn it, Shirayuki," I whispered angrily to the wall, "Where are you?!" I swore a thousand oaths to the gods, willing them to protect her.