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“Hey love, are you doing alright?” Fukase spoke, sorting out glass bottles with all sorts of medicine. He was an apothecary taking care of his ill wife who was a merchant. “Fukase..it’s okay, I’m fine, please don’t worry about me…” Flower spoke, her voice sounding uneasy. Fukase dusted his apron before walking over to Flower, laying down on the makeshift bed. “Here, try this..” Fukase held a spoon to her lips and fed her the medicine. Flower smiled weakly and cupped Fukase’s cheek, his crimson hair brushing against her hand. “Petals, please get some rest…I’ll be out for a while…love you..” Fukase raised her hand up and placed a gentle kiss. Flower laid back down back in bed as Fukase opened the door to leave.
While the apothecary walked, he started seeing crows and ravens circling around him in the air. “Again?” Fukase sighed and continued walking. He’s been getting signs of bad omens for a while. When will it stop? He continued walking until he stood outside the castle gates. Immediately a bunch of knights approached him. “What do you want from the king?” Fukase sighed and held a little paper. “They called for an apothecary? Right?”
“You must be the apothecary, Fukase?” The king looked down at the red haired apothecary. “Yes your highness, you mentioned your wife, Queen Maika..” He said, bowing down to the king. “Yes, she’s in the other room..”
“Love, has the apothecary arrived?” The queen’s voice was strained. “Yes my dear, he’s right here..” King Yohio replied. Fukase walked over to the large bed where the queen was laying.
After taking the medicine, the queen sat straight up, looking towards the apothecary. “Thank you dear, what’s your name again?” The queen asked softly. “Fukase, your majesty..” The apothecary spoke softly. “Fukase..I know this is weird coming from a queen and all but you seem worried my dear..” She smiled softly, holding Fukase’s hand in hers. Fukase’s smile quickly turned into a frown. “It’s nothing your majesty…it’s just that my wife is very ill…and I’ve been getting a lot of bad omens recently..” Maika paused for a second, her warm smile faltering. “You tried your medicine on her?” Fukase sighed. “Yes, it’s not working..I don’t know why…I’m worried sick and I’ve also tried other medicines from other apothecaries though none of them are working…” The queen eyes darted to the window and then back at him. “Ahem, I’m sorry, I do know a way to cure her…but it involves a huge sacrifice..” She started. Fukase’s smile came back. “You do? I’ll do anything, anything your majesty!” The queen smiled weakly. “The way it works is that you have to get a royal to touch your hand…that’s it…but it also means you have to…” The queen paused. “Have to what your majesty?” Maika sighed. She looked hesitant to say it. “You have to take your own life…”
Fukase’s eyes widened. He dropped the can of medicine on the ground, interrupting the silence. “I-I have to…kill myself?” Fukase looked down at his hands and his voice trembled. He sat onto the cold floor of the palace. It would save Flower and his life wasn’t that important anyways. But thinking about passing away…buried deep underground, losing all your senses and being in a constant state of slumber. “I’ll do it….thank you your majesty…please inform the king about this..”
“F-Fukase..you’re back..I missed you..” Flower spoke, her voice sounding more strained than before. “Flower…” Fukase walked over to her immediately, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Darling, is everything alright?” Flower asked softly, noticing Fukase’s mortified face. “Just the weather..know how cold weather makes you feel jittery and shaky..it’s that.” Flower then almost tripped. “Love, you should really get some more rest…” Fukase said, gently pushing her onto the bed.
Fukase laid down next to Flower and looked outside the window. The stars looked beautiful late at night and often calmed him down when stressed. This’ll be the last night he’ll get to see them like this. Flower turned around to face him. “Fukase…” She gently called out. “You’re awfully quiet today, is there something bothering you..” Fukase turned around to look at her. “Nothing dear, just worried about how you’re feeling..” Fukase shifted an inch closer and cupped her face. “I love you so much…don’t ever forget that…even if one day I die…please don’t forget me…” Fukase sunk his head into her neck, tears started to roll down his cheeks. “Fukase..I’ll never forget you darling…where’s this coming from?” Fukase didn’t respond, he wrapped his arms tighter. Flower sighed and stroked his hair gently.
Flower got up early. She had to trade more goods. She was a merchant afterall. She quickly got dressed and was about to leave when Fukase suddenly woke up. “Love, what are you doing? You need to get more rest! You’re going to tire yourself more..” Fukase spoke, immediately getting out of bed and grabbing her arm. “Fukase..it’s okay…I need to work today..I can’t just take a long break…” Flower pushed his arm gently and left.
Immediately when she got home she fell onto the ground. “F-Flower! Darling, I told you not to go to trade today!” Fukase quickly ran over to her. “I’m sorry Fukase…I was foolish..” Fukase scooped her up in his arms and began to walk out of the house. “Fukase, where are we going?” The apothecary shakily sighed. “I know a way to get you cured…”
As they were walking, ravens continued circling them and Fukase started walking faster. One bird chirped, only once. Just an hour left to live. They continued walking and Flower closed her eyes. She was scared…”Hey, you’re going to be okay petals..don’t be afraid..” Fukase looked down at her face. Her eyes were closed and she was shaking slightly.
“Alright dear, come in..” The queen called, her voice very soft and comforting. “You must be Flower, right?” Flower immediately bowed. “Yes your majesty…” Maika grabbed her hand and stroked it gently. “I hope you’ll begin to feel better..” As Maika stroked her hand, Flower felt the fever wash away, her hands feeling less warm and her throat clear up. Fukase turned towards her. “Flower…I love you..” Immediately, the apothecary started walking the other direction. Flower followed until he vanished. Where did he go? Maika tried to keep Flower away but she ran outside the castle, looking around for him.
Fukase climbed the castle tower. This was it. He then stood on top of the tower, looking down and saw Flower, though Flower didn’t see him. He looked back at the cloudy sky. Well, it was great living with Flower….
Then he jumped….
Flower looked up…..
Gone…..