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Chapter Text

To say Prim was scared would be a lie. Terrified? Not even close. Words couldn’t describe the anxiety and unease she felt. That’s why her first instinct that morning was to head to the wilderness. Just to forage enough ingredients until the police station was open. 

It shocked Forrest and Bubble to see her run so fast. It was even more shocking when they realized she didn’t have her cape. In fact, no one in Moonbury had really seen her without it. It was a staple of the Chemist. 

That was the first thing that tipped off Osman that something was wrong. The second was the pure panic on her face. Tears of fear were streaming down her face as she staggered into the police station. Osman was quick to catch her, his instincts kicking in. Cassandra always became so weak in her panic attacks. And it seemed as though that was a common trait with them. 

“Easy. Easy kiddo,” Osman soothed. He sank down to the floor with her as Dean and Derrek stood off to the side. They had no idea what to do. It was one thing to deal with a panicked citizen. It was another when that citizen practically broke down in the middle of the station. 

“One of you, get a glass of water,” Osman ordered. Even with a command, his voice was soft. He knew better than to raise his voice now. Cassandra taught him well on how to handle someone in a fragile state.

“Focus on me, kiddo. Focus on me, and count.” 

Prim stared at him and slowly counted with him. One, two, three, four in. Hold. One, two, three, four out. And repeat. Dean and Derrek settled on the floor as well and counted with them. It took a little time, but Prim was eventually much calmer than her initial state. 

“Go slow. Explain what happened,” Osman said, handing her the glass of water. Prim took in a few big gulps, sighing a bit after. Her throat and stomach felt awful. Like they were burning and swollen. 

“I… I need to make a missing item report,” she eventually muttered out, “My cape. It’s… gone.” 

“Dean, get the paperwork going,” Osman ordered. 

“Yessir!” 

Dean was surprisingly quick to get to his feet and rush to his desk. As he got the papers ready, Derrek refilled Prim’s glass of water. It was such a weird circumstance. To see their chemist so broken and terrified, when she was usually so full of life and energy. 

“Can you describe the item in detail?” Dean asked. 

“It is a pink cloak. With a clasp in the shape of a feather.” 

“When and where did you last see it?” 

“Last night… in my bedroom. I left it on the hook by my bed. And when I woke up this morning, my window was wide open and my cape was… gone.” 

Now her panic was making a lot more sense. This wasn’t about a missing item report. This was about a break in. Derrek was quick to leave the station and head to Prim’s home to survey the scene. Practically running out of the building.

Dean began the process of changing the paperwork from missing item to theft and break-in. Being careful and calculated with his questions since Prim was still in a fragile state. Marking down anything and everything for the report. 

Osman decided to leave her in the safety of the station and head straight to the mayor. The anger he felt coursing through his system; it was practically radiating off him. It was enough to make others move out of his path or hide. Osman was usually angry. But this was a different type of anger. A harsher kind. 

He walked into town hall, almost slamming the main door open. He barely passed a glance to Xiao as he walked up the stairs to the mayor’s office. And his anger was enough to pull the secretary from his desk to see what was going on. Someone needed to be of sound mind to make sure the mayor didn’t become too passionate over an ordeal. 

“Myer. We have a serious situation,” Osman growled out as he barged into the office. 

“Wha- Osman? What is going on?” Myer sputtered, startled by the sudden appearance of the police chief and secretary. 

“I currently have our town chemist crumpled on the floor of the police station, filling out a break-in report.” 

“What?” Xiao gasped. 

“Prim came in early this morning. Crying and panicking. Someone broke into her home last night and stole her cape. We need somewhere to hold her up until we can do a thorough investigation of the home. And I suggest having everyone report to Matheo for any injuries or problems until this is sorted.” 

Shock was the only word that could describe Xiao and Myer’s reaction. Slowly did that shock transition to anger. Myer was quick to pull a couple papers over and begin writing. It wasn’t long before he passed a few papers to Xiao.

“One of those is an order request to Reyner. I don’t care about the cost. I want it done as quickly as possible. The others are to be posted on the boards around town, requesting all citizens report to Matheo for any of their medical needs for the time being.” 

“I will get this out right away, sir,” Xiao said before rushing out of the room. 

“Osman. Where do you think would be the best place for Prim to stay for her safety?” 

“Either my home, the twins, or with the Heart’s.”

Myer nodded as he quickly wrote more papers about Prim’s temporary housing. Including a request for Opalheart to take the task of housing Prim if the need arises. He handed the papers to Osman before standing from his chair. 

“I want to see the scene for myself,” Myer said. 

“Derrek is currently on the scene. I will be heading there with Dean after I take Prim to Hearts and Sparks,” Osman said as they walked out of the office together.

“Then I will meet you at the scene. I want to see first hand what is going on,” Myer replied.

Osman nodded as they left town hall. Myer walked as quickly as he could to Prim’s home. Osman made his way back to the station to collect Prim and escort her to the blacksmith. Of everyone in town, he knew Opalheart would guard that girl as if she was her own. Just as he would. 

When he arrived at the station, he found Prim still on the floor. Only she had some company this time. Not only has Kipps decided to use her shoulders as a perch, but Soup was flopped in her lap like the loyal pooch he was. And it seemed as though they were doing their job. Offering Prim the comfort she needed. 

“Dean. Have you finished your report?” Osman asked. 

“All that’s left is the scene examination. But I wanted to wait for your return,” Dean replied. 

“Thank you. You can go ahead and join your brother on the scene. Myer is there as well to oversee the investigation until I arrive.” 

“What about Prim?” 

“I will be escorting her to Hearts and Sparks for now. I have a request to bring to them,” Osman said. 

“If it would help,” Prim started, getting their attention, “You can take Soup. He has a great sense of smell.” 

“Would you be okay with that?” Dean asked.

“Yes. If it could help in any way,” she replied. 

“Go ahead and take him along,” Osman ordered with a nod. 

Prim made a hand motion to Soup before pointing to Dean. Soup let out a deep bark before running over to Dean. The two then walked out of the station, heading to Prim’s home. Dean trying to keep up with the active dog. 

“Are you sure you will be alright without him?” Osman asked as he approached her. 

“Yes. I… yes.” 

Osman squinted his eyes at her response. She was hesitant to add to her initial answer. Stopping herself from elaborating. Almost as if she was hiding something. Everyone is entitled to their secrets. So it wasn’t like he could interrogate her about it right now. 

“Here. I’m taking you to Heart and Sparks. While we investigate, you can decide where to stay. Be it with me, the twins, or the Heart’s,” he said as he out stretched his hand to her. 

Prim nodded in understanding as she took his hand. She was swiftly pulled to her feet and guided over to  the blacksmith. She felt awful without her cape. She felt exposed. She felt weak. She felt… less like herself. Kipps only brought mild comfort as she acted like a living scarf. 

When they arrived at the blacksmith, the two ladies could immediately tell something was off. Runeheart was swift to pull Prim in a tight hug as Osman explained the situation. Opalheart didn’t even bother to look at the mayor’s request. Instead, she told Prim she was staying with them until this was solved. No questions or buts. It brought warmth to Prim’s heart. And a sense of relief to Osman. 

“I will be back with any news or questions we find.” 

“Thank you, Osman,” Prim sighed. 

“Of course. This is a serious crime against a Moonbury resident. We do not treat this lightly,” he replied. 

“We will keep a close eye on her, Osman. I can promise you that,” Opalheart huffed. 

“If ma doesn’t get to ‘em first, I sure as hell will drag ‘em to the station,” Runeheart added. 

Osman snorted a laugh at that. Opalheart’s protective nature surely rubbed off on her daughter. And if the Heart’s are protective over something, may god have mercy on the soul that crossed them. 

But that sentiment applied to all of Moonbury. The community of the small town was close knit before the chemist arrived. But after the chemist? If anyone messed with them, they were messing with all of Moonbury. 

And no one gets away with hurting their family.

Chapter Text

“He wants this done how quick?!” 

Reyner stared at the order in shock. A full stock of replacement windows and doors for Prim’s home. All reinforced and with locks. And done within a week, two weeks top. Doing the task isn’t exactly impossible, so long as he had all the materials. But even that was a stretch. 

“You do understand how much this is going to cost, right?” he asked. 

“The mayor is fully aware of the cost and is willing to foot the bill,” Xiao replied. 

There was an eerily calm tone to Xiao’s voice. Xiao was known to have a cool and level head. But this was different. This wasn’t his usual demeanor. This was… scary. The emotions in his eyes. Xiao was seething in a silent rage. A feat rarely seen by anyone in town. 

“Well, I can’t exactly get started. I need the measurements of all the windows in Prim’s house, as well as all the material,” Reyner said. 

“I will see to it that the officers get the measurements you need,” Xiao replied. 

“Okay. What is going on? Why is it you and the mayor making this request, and not Prim?” 

“The chemist is currently… indisposed.” 

“That doesn’t exactly help, Xiao! What in the hell is going on?!” 

Reyner slammed the paper down on the counter, nearly cracking the wood. Xiao simply stared at him, glancing down at the carpenter’s hand for a moment. Reyner let out an annoyed growl as Xiao continued to remain silent. He crossed his arms as he glared the secretary down. 

“If you must know,” Xiao started, standing a little taller, “Someone broke into Prim’s home last night. Stealing a personal possession of hers.” 

As soon as Xiao mentioned the break-in, Reyner’s stomach dropped. His arms fell to his sides as panic settled in. Xiao took notice of this sudden mood shift. It was as if Reyner suddenly was filled with guilt. Like it was his fault and mistake. 

“Which… Which window was it?” Reyner eventually asked. 

“I am not privy to that information,” Xiao said. 

Xiao narrowed his eyes as Reyner stumbled back a bit. The carpenter knew something. Xiao clenched his wrist as a form of self control. He was no match in strength, but he was faster. And seeing how much this information made him sweat, Reyner was currently suspect number one. Xiao just didn’t want to run off without the proper evidence first. 

“Is… Is Prim okay?” Reyner stumbled out. 

“Last I heard, she was at the station. Giving a report of the events,” Xiao replied. 

“I’m such an idiot,” Reyner whimpered, moving around the counter. 

“Hold it.” 

“Move, Xiao. I need to personally see if she is hurt.”

“No. You need to stop and think for a moment. If you walk into that situation, knowledge of which window was used or broken, you would be seen as a suspect. Do you really want to do that? Do you want to risk putting Prim in more danger?” 

Reyner shouted as he turned to the closest wall and punched it as hard as he could. The wall cracked and dented from the trauma. Reyner stayed there as he panted. He needed to keep his emotions in check. But it was always hard to when Prim was involved. Something about that little chemist. It captured his heart. Much like everyone else in town. 

“Oi! Reyner!” 

The two gentlemen turned to the shop door at that voice. It was Runeheart. And walking by her side was Prim. Seeing the state she was in was heartbreaking. She was holding herself tight as she cowered slightly. And it was beyond odd to see her without her cape. 

“Myer came by and mentioned you were going to be fixing Prim’s windows. Wanted to see if you needed any help,” Runeheart said. 

But the carpenter didn’t hear her. His sole attention was on Prim. The little chemist let out a small squeak as Reyner engulfed her in a tight hug. He let out a shaky sigh, resting his head on her shoulder. Prim blinked a few times before gently patting Reyner’s back. 

“Prim. I am so sorry,” Reyner mumbled. 

“Why?” she asked. 

“I should have fixed that window the second you came in about it. If I had known it would have led to something like this…”

“You knew about a broken window and did nothing?!” Runeheart shouted. 

She forced the carpenter off Prim and held him by the collar of his shirt. Prim couldn’t get a word out before the shouting between them began. She held her hand against hse chest as Xiao moved to her side. This argument was a few seconds away from becoming a fist fight. 

“Can both of you control your emotions for a moment?” Xiao grumbled. 

Both turned to shout at him, but stopped when they spotted how upset and uncomfortable Prim was. The guilt hit them for a moment. They shared a quick glance before letting each other go and taking a step back. Neither really wanted to outright apologize. So they settled for silent glares at one another. 

“If it eases your mind,” Prim spoke, “The window I asked you to fix isn’t the same one being investigated.”

“It isn’t?” Reyner gasped, a second of relief rushing through him. 

“The window I asked you to fix was in my kitchen. It was stuck and impossible to open. The window they are looking at is the one in my bedroom.” 

“What?” was the collective response from the three. 

“Was it completely broken in?” Reyner asked as Runeheart began to pace in anger.

“Nothing was broken. It was just… open,” Prim replied. 

Reyner looked down at the ground in confusion. He was the one to slowly restore Prim’s home. He replaced every window and door. And he knew for a fact the windows couldn’t be opened from the outside. He made them that way ever since Socellia told him Russo kept sneaking in and out at night. 

“Why didn’t you say it was your bedroom window?” Runeheart asked, her aggression getting worse. 

“I… well,” Prim stuttered. 

“Runeheart. She was interrogated enough by the police,” Xiao interjected. 

“Can I ask one important question?” Reyner asked, glancing up at everyone, “Was your bedroom door open as well?” 

“No. It wasn’t. Even then, I would have heard it. The hinges squeak no matter what.” 

Reyner’s confusion and curiosity turned to rage. He walked over to his shop counter and pulled out a paper. He scribbled a few things on it before handing it to Runeheart. She raised an eyebrow as she took the paper and looked it over. It was a bulk order of various components, as well as a couple tools. She nodded as she placed the list in her apron.

“I’ll need to make a bulk order to Forrest. I’m going to need a lot of wood,” Reyner said. 

“And I’m going to need a lot of metal,” Runeheart added. 

“Write what you need. I will take it to the rangers,” Xiao said. 

The two craftsmen quickly scribbled down their material orders as Prim pulled out her journal. She flipped through it a bit before ripping out a page. She held it out to Reyner, confusing him for a moment. He looked at the page, finding a little legend of acronyms and numbers neatly organized. 

“Because of my window getting stuck, I worried it would happen to the others. I took down all the measurements and organized them by room and quantity. Brought me some comfort.” 

Reyner stared at the page for a moment. That wasn’t something a normal person usually does. The organization was immaculate. Each room was sectioned off from one another, with the windows organized by smallest to largest. She even included small details such as a window having a hitch in it when opening. 

He paused in his writing to take the page and save it for later. But as he did, Prim noticed the swelling on his knuckles. She grabbed his hand and immediately reached into her pouch. She pulled out a rather familiar salve. She rubbed a thin layer on his knuckles before letting his hand go. 

“You need to be more careful, Reyner,” she said as she put the cream away. 

He stared at his hand as the cream began to soothe the aching pain. He shook himself from his thoughts and looked up at her. He gave a gentle smile in thanks, earning one in return. It hurt to see that smile. It wasn’t the usually beaming grin she would give after helping someone. It wasn’t bright anymore. Someone took away Prim’s shine. And that someone is going to pay. It was a matter of who was going to get to the poor, unfortunate soul first. 

Xiao cleared his throat, breaking everyone from their own little trance. He then held his hand out to the two craftsmen. They quickly finished out their order lists and handed them over. Xiao looked the lists over, calculating the cost of everything together. 

“Tell the mayor I’ll do the work for free. Use the funds elsewhere,” Reyner said, crossing his arms. 

“Are you sure? It is a remarkably large order,” Xiao replied. 

“It’s for an important cause. Besides, the original work was being done for free.” 

“Then I will allocate the funds to the rangers and the work of Runeheart.” 

“If it’s about the bulk order he just gave me, save it. I’ll do it for free,” Runeheart scoffed. 

“I’m surprised. But thankful. I will run these to the rangers now, then,” Xiao said with a nod. 

“Do… Do you mind if I go with you? I want to help,” Prim asked. 

“Do you think you’ll be okay by yourself?” Runeheart asked, not even bothering to hide her concern. 

“I think so long as someone is with me in town, I’ll be okay. I highly doubt whoever did this would follow me into the wilderness,” she replied. 

“I guess that is a fair point,” Runeheart mumbled, “But the second something feels wrong, you run to me and ma! Understood?” 

Prim gave a nod of agreement, earning a sigh in return. She gave them a wave goodbye before following Xiao out of the shop. They both watched for a few moments before turning to face each other. Reyner raised an eyebrow at Runeheart’s smirk. 

“Someone seems to still be crushing on our little chemist.” 

Reyner grumbled as he walked away. Runeheart’s laugh echoed in the shop, irritating the poor carpenter. He walked over to his drawing desk and went to work on designing the new windows. Runeheart watched her friend for a moment before laughing to herself. 

“I don’t blame ya,” she said, looking at the ground, “She’s cute. Sweet, smart, caring. The perfect wife.” 

Reyner came to a sudden stop with his pencil. The tone she had in her voice. That wasn’t the usual supportive tone she had when speaking to him about Prim. It wasn’t even mocking. Normally, she was so encouraging with his desire to woo the chemist. But this tone? It was competitive. 

He turned his head to the side and caught Runeheart’s gaze. So he really wasn’t the only one smitten by the cute little doctor. And they probably weren’t alone in these thoughts and feelings. It was now just a game of who could capture the chemist’s heart first. 

“May the better man win.”

Chapter Text

There had to be a word for how they felt. Uncomfortable? No. Scared? Maybe. Judged? That’s pretty close. But nothing really fit for what they were feeling. Perhaps “threatened” was the closest. That’s certainly what the air felt like. 

Dean and Derrek could practically feel the energy coming off their Captain. As soon as he arrived on the scene, Osman was observant over every little detail. Dean was walking around the perimeter of Prim’s home, looking for anything out of the ordinary. By his side, searching with much more vigor, was Soup. Derrek was thoroughly searching the internals of Prim’s home. Every room, every little nook and cranny; all in hopes of a lead. 

Osman was standing in Prim’s room, staring at the open window. He was aware that Reyner installed them. And he knew well enough they were most likely the same as the ones Socellia commissioned years ago. All windows in Moonbury were slowly changed over to this new design. 

A growl settled in his throat as he looked down at Dean’s report. The only point of entry was the window. The door to her room was still locked when she got up this morning. Even if it wasn’t, she would have heard it. Osman tested that the moment he entered. The creaking and squeaking was rather loud and annoying. So that meant they really only could have come through the window. 

Logic would dictate he immediately go and question Reyner. And he wanted to. Desperately. But he couldn’t. His father was in the back of his head. Warning him of what happens when he acts without evidence. People get hurt. They get angry. And people divide. A split is the last thing Osman wants in Moonbury. He casted away his initial thought and tried to think about this from an analytical standpoint. But that was hard for him. 

“Staring at that paper won’t make more information appear.” 

Osman glanced up to see Myer standing by the door. He sighed as he lowered the paper and looked around the room. Nothing else was stolen. Just her cape. Nothing was making sense. And it only made him more angry. 

“I stopped by the blacksmith to check on Prim,” Myer started as he walked into the room, “Her and Runeheart decided to visit Reyner about the order for new windows.” 

Myer watched as Osman gave a nod in response. He had heard him, but it was a gamble if the chief actually listened. Because the look in his eyes, it was one he recognized. A feeling he felt constantly. It was interesting to see it externally. 

“Tell me Osman. What are you hoping to find?” Myer asked. 

“Something. Anything,” the police chief sighed. 

“Both Dean and Derrek checked the room over. Several times,” Myer pointed out. 

“I know! But… maybe they missed something! Soup probably couldn’t smell anything off since it’s all Prim’s things in here.”

“I think his nose would be strong enough to smell someone else.”

“But what if it isn’t? What if we… we missed something because we didn’t look hard enough? What if the clue is right under our nose and- and-”

“Osman!” 

Osman blinked a few times before facing Myer. There was a look of empathy on the mayor’s face. A sad and knowing smile. Osman let out a heavy sigh as he rubbed his face. He was angry, frustrated, exhausted, upset; just overwhelmed with so many emotions. And he couldn’t figure out why. 

“I… I’m sorry, Myer,” Osman said as he lowered his hand. 

“It’s alright, Osman,” Myer replied, gesturing for them to leave the room. 

Osman followed him out of the bedroom, glancing back for another second. But nothing was different. There was nothing there. It was all the same. From now to when he first arrived. And nothing was going to change. 

“There has to be something we are missing,” he grumbled. 

“I’m sure there is. But I think we need to work on grounding you back, first,” Myer said. 

“I’m fine, Myer. I’m just angry over it all,” Osman huffed as they left the home. 

“Understandably so. But I don’t want you to go through the same hardships as me.”

“No offense, but I know my anger, Myer. I know how to handle it.” 

Myer made them stop in their walk and stared at him with narrowed eyes. He’s heard that line before. It came from his own mouth at one point. He believed he had a handle on his own emotions. But he didn’t. Especially when it came to his sweet girl. 

“When I went to the blacksmith, I told Prim I put in an order for new windows for her home. She left with Runeheart to see if Reyner needs help,” Myer explained. 

“Okay? Why are you telling me this?” Osman scoffed.

“Because when I went to visit Reyner, I encountered her with Xiao. She was going with him to visit the rangers and work with them in the wilderness.” 

“What?! She shouldn’t be out there! At least not alone! What if whoever did this follows her and-”

Osman was cut off by his own thoughts. He knew Prim could handle the wilderness. The evidence of that was clear. She went in countless times in order to get ingredients. She cuts down trees and smashes rocks. She has taken down honeypaws, beetles, blackpaws; even the Koblin Generals. She was on par with the police, Reyner, and even the Hearts. So why was he so worried? 

“Osman. You have control over your usual anger. This is a new type,” Myer softly said, “What you’re feeling is the parental instinct to protect your child.”

“But… Prim isn’t my kid! I have no reason to get so angry!” Osman exclaimed. 

“Family isn’t just blood, Osman. Humans have that natural instinct to protect their young. And sometimes, it makes them irrational. It makes them look for things that aren’t there.” 

Osman stood there as the information sunk in. The more he thought about it, the more he started to see it. Sure, the community saw each other as family. And in the beginning, that’s how he treated it. Like it was another case from someone in town. At some point in his mind, it switched. It no longer was him trying to protect a loved member of the community. It was him trying to protect a daughter that wasn’t even his. 

“I… I need to take a step back. I need to rely on my officers,” Osman mumbled. 

“That’s a good start, but I think your officers still need you. Perhaps you should control your emotions during this investigation,” Myer said, placing a hand on his shoulder. 

Osman nodded as he looked to the ground. He closed his eyes as he started one of the several breathing techniques he learned recently. He couldn’t let his emotions cloud his judgment. He had to take the logical approach.

“Sir! We found something!”

Dean and Derrek rushed over to their commanding officer with Soup running in front of them. Derrek then held up a slightly soiled letter. The paper looked to have been made from fine material, and was surprisingly still sealed. More importantly, not only was it signed and addressed to Prim…

But there was a partial boot print left on it.

“This was on the ground near a corner. On the back side of Prim’s home,” Derrek reported. 

“We already checked our boots, and it isn’t us,” Dean added. 

Osman took the letter and looked it over in his hands. He could immediately tell that it didn’t belong to anyone in town. The sole was a bizarre pattern. Something not known in Moonbury. This made the investigation more difficult.

“Hold on a moment,” Myer mumbled as he moved Osman’s hand up, “I know that wax seal.” 

Osman turned the letter over to look at the wax seal. It was a potion bottle with vines on either side. He narrowed his eyes for a moment, feeling that strange feeling that he knew this insignia. When it hit him, he frowned. That was the symbol for the medical association. Used on their official documents and letters. 

“Dean, find Xiao. He’s usually in charge of who ends up coming in on the train. See if anyone from the medical association came through recently,” Osman ordered, “Derrek, you go return Soup to his owner and fill her in on what we found. Prim should be out in the wilderness. Ask the rangers if you need to.” 

Both gave a salute before following the order given to them. Dean started his jog towards Town Hall while Derrek whistled for Soup to follow and sprinted towards the wilderness. Osman and Myer stared at the letter with disdain. 

“You and I both know it isn’t our place to open it,” Myer suddenly said. 

“I am aware. I will wait for Prim to arrive to read it,” Osman grumbled. 

They both started to walk back to the station, each coming up with what might be in that letter. It was baffling. Why would the medical association reach out now of all times? And why would they go directly to Prim? They usually communicated with Myer if it had anything to do with her work. 

But the more bizarre part was the writing. The letter was indeed addressed to Prim. And yet, there was no return address. Her own address wasn’t even on it. It was only her name in a delicate cursive. That didn’t exactly feel professional. It was more personal. Intimate. Something else was at play here. 

And the more Myer studied that seal…

The more Osman looked at that letter… 

The more Dean questioned its contents… 

The more Derrek thought about where it was found… 

The worse the feeling they got. The way that folded paper and its contents taunted them. Haunted them of what could possibly be in there. And the thought brought a sudden sickness. They all wanted answers. And Prim was the only key at the moment.

Chapter Text

Prim let out a heavy huff as she sat down on a rock, setting her hammer by her feet. Runeheart needed a lot of metal. So Prim offered to go around the wilderness to collect any and all metal she could break free. She needed to exhaust herself anyway if she wanted to sleep at all tonight. Not like it ever really helped her…

This whole situation really shook her. It was such an invasive action. And eerily quiet. She was always a light sleeper. A curse that slowly morphed into a blessing over the years. She could usually hear Soup snoring out in his dog house. So how she missed someone opening her window, right by her bed, beyond terrified her. 

She sighed, her head falling into her hands. Of all the things they could have taken- her money, her equipment, her permit, even that sword her father sent her- they took the one thing that brought her security. That cloak was her rock. Her anchor. The one thing that grounded her during her most stressful moments. That cloak was there for her for everything. And some jerk took it away. 

“Now that looks like a smart idea.” 

Prim gasped, snapping her head up. Forrest was approaching her with a horse and cart by his side. He certainly was busy. That cart was piled over with wood. Odds are he cleared out all of the trees in the Glaze Iceberg. It was amazing that a horse could just carry all that without a sign of exhaustion. 

“Taking a quick break?” he asked while commanding the horse to a stop. 

“Yeah. Sort of… needed a moment,” she replied, holding her arms. 

“I might follow you in that. I think this fella earned a snack break.” 

Forrest unlatched the horse from the cart and let them roam. He then let out a huff as he sat down on the ground beside Prim. He reached into his bag and pulled out one of the snack mixes Bubble makes. He popped a couple pieces in his mouth as he watched the horse graze. His gaze soon shifted over to Prim. 

She looked vacant. Present but not really here. There was a dullness to her eyes. It was haunting. To see someone that was so full of life, light, and energy, suddenly go dark, cold, and distant. It was like watching someone slowly die from the inside out. It was painful. 

“Did you want to speak your mind?” Forrest asked, making her jump. 

“I… I don’t know,” she replied. 

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I figured I throw that idea out there,” he said. 

Prim kept her gaze to the ground as she pulled her legs up to her chest. She was curling in on herself. It was the only physical defense she had left. It pained Forrest to see her come to this. To resort to such an oddly childish form of safety. 

This wasn’t Prim. This wasn’t Moonbury’s Chemist. This wasn’t the feisty scientist Matheo spat with. This wasn’t the brilliant mind that played chess with Lucke. This wasn’t the spunky little herbalist that would argue with him over grass. This wasn’t anyone they knew. 

“I don’t… I don’t know if I can get my thoughts into proper words,” she mumbled. 

“I can’t either sometimes. It’s okay,” he replied, “Sometimes you just can’t get it together. Doesn’t make you less understandable. Just makes you human.” 

Forrest popped a couple more pieces of mix into his mouth. They were encased in an air of silence. Something he was used to. It was a good way to destimulate someone who was obviously overwhelmed. He was known to do this from time to time when the rangers were backed up with orders. Bubble would occasionally join him on these moments. 

“What’s your favorite color?” Prim suddenly asked. 

“Oh. Uh… green or red. What about you?” he asked, a bit confused.

“Soft colors. Mainly soft pink,” she replied, “What about your favorite animal?” 

“Definitely birds. I love waking up to their singing. And you?” 

“Dogs hold a strong place in my heart. But I love all animals.” 

Simple questions like that slowly went back and forth between them. Forrest didn’t really know why Prim suddenly started this, but he didn’t mind. It was getting her to talk. Even if some of the answers were simple or childish. He'd be damned if he stopped now. 

“Favorite flower? Man, that is a tough one,” Forrest muttered, “I guess… lavender? Maybe?” 

“Lavender means serenity and calmness. As well as devoted love,” Prim replied. 

“Really? I didn’t know flowers had meanings,” he hummed, “What about you? What’s your favorite flower?” 

“The primrose,” she replied, “They symbolize youth, renewal, safety, and protection. Some even go as far as to say that gifting a bouquet of primrose is a way of saying ‘I can’t live without you’ among young lovers. And some primrose can be used to treat discomfort and pain. But I may be biased because it’s my namesake.” 

Forrest stared at Prim in awe. That was probably the most he has gotten out of her from an answer. And it was fascinating, if not a little sad. That was where Prim felt safe. Behind a wall of information. Nothing could harm her if she knew about it. It was the unknown and unsolved that scared her. 

“What’s the meaning behind peonies?” he asked, slowly standing up.

“Beauty, love, wealth in happiness. They are usually given during anniversaries and weddings, but some consider them bad luck to dig up. Many chemists use their roots to make various balms or lotions to heal skin.”

During her explanation, Forrest hooked the horse back to the cart. He also pulled Prim to her feet, motioning her to walk with him. And she complied without really realizing. She collected her things and walked alongside him. She was at least feeling better, if only just a little safer. 

“What about basil? What meanings does it have?” he asked. 

“Over the years, the meaning has been in debate. Some say all forms of basil mean hate. But some believe that sweet basil is a symbol of love,” she replied. 

“Really? But basil is so useful. Why is it a symbol of hate?”

“It was because of the name. It is debated if the name comes from an old word meaning ‘king’ or from ‘king of serpents.’ It makes the plant hard to truly find the meaning of.” 

“Fascinating. What about…” 

As they walked, Forrest would ask about various plants and their meanings. The more he asked, the more he saw the Prim he knew come out. She was beginning to feel safe again. And that’s what they needed. Prim to be safe. 

Bubble eventually joined them with her own horse and cart. She then started with her own questions about flowers. And Prim was more than ready to share. It was amazing to see how well versed Prim was in floriography, botany, and herbalism. It was more than Matheo even knew about some of their native plants. 

The questions soon moved to what specific bouquet arrangement could mean. The two rangers would come up with a few flowers put together and have Prim find the hidden meaning it held. She was quick with it too. It was hard to find a combination she couldn’t figure out quick. 

“Okay. How about… daffodils, jasmine, and daisies?” Bubble asked. 

“Daffodils, jasmine, daisies… ‘Please love me as much as I love you,’ ” Prim replied. 

“Whoa. That’s a heavy meaning,” Forrest commented. 

“Well it’s the daffodils that change the entire meaning. If it was just the jasmine and daisies, then it would just mean ‘unconditional loyalty’ or ‘unconditional beauty,’” Prim explained. 

“That is so fascinating. One flower can completely alter what you’re trying to say,” Bubble mused. 

“How did you learn so much about plants and their meanings?” Forrest asked as they finally reached the exit of Meadow Range. 

“My mother was a herbologist. She taught me a lot about plants and bought me a book about their meanings,” Prim said, “She was my inspiration to become a Chemist. I wanted to see if it was possible to heal and help everyone with just nature.” 

“You’ve done her proud. You’ve kept this town in top shape.” 

Prim smiled at that statement. She really had proved herself. Not just by the standards of the medical association, but by her family’s and her own. Her mother was smiling down at her, proud of all her achievements. Her brother and father had finally accepted that she could manage her own. It was sweet to receive their letters of approval and praise. But it still took Prim some time before he finally felt proud of her achievements. 

Coming to Moonbury was the turning point in her life. Her escape from the Capital. Her freedom from the pretentious aristocrats. Her chance to live the life she always wanted. Surrounded by people who love her. And now it started to feel as though she was about to lose it all. 

Prim gasped as she was shoved to the ground. She squirmed a bit as Soup covered her face in kisses. She let out a few giggles, smiling while her dark thoughts were pushed away. She slowly sat up while Soup backed up. His whole back end was wiggling as he wagged his tail. Prim snorted a laugh as she gave her dear companion a pet. 

“Prim! We found something!” 

She looked up to see Derrek running up. He came to a skidding stop as her eyes narrowed. The look on his face was complicated. Happy yet angry, as well as confused. Whatever evidence they found, Derrek wasn’t happy about it. 

“What did you find?” she asked. 

“It was a letter. Found on a corner of your house. It’s addressed to you,” he said, panting a bit. 

“Who is it from?” she asked, slowly getting to her feet. 

“That’s the problem. There is no return address, but it’s sealed with a symbol from the medical association,” he replied, making her freeze. 

“Did… Did the letter say Prim, or Primrose?” 

“Primrose.” 

She immediately collapsed back onto the ground. Her face went pale. Soup immediately went to lay on her legs and shove his nose into her hands. Prim was panicking again, and with good reason. There was only one person she knew that called her by her full name. 

The reason she moved to Moonbury.