"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open."

The Hibiscus Flower – Symbolises the outward expression of joy or happiness. It is the dream realised in enjoying every step of the way, seeing beauty and finding a reason to celebrate the simplest of joys.

*

                The summer air was heavy, and filled with the sweet scents and perfumes of flowers. The blissful sound of laughter as children ran along the festival stalls; the smiles of people as they made their way along, free and celebrating the summer solstice, filled him with ease. It was a wonderful time of year, especially for Growers – Earth Elementals. Well, it should have been wonderful for all, but it wasn’t the case.

                “Beautiful flowers as always, Taecyeon.” An elderly woman said as she looked over them. Garnet irises took in the bountiful produce he made for the year’s festival. Her long hair shimmered between silver starlight and deep brown. Sometimes he found himself in awe of it, and would receive a thump on the head. “Oh, your medicinal herbs are looking better than last year!”

                “I’m using a different method to work the soil.” He informed and took up a small bunch of Burdock and Calendula. “I’m preparing already for the winter. I feel like there’s going to be more requests than normal for illnesses.”

                “Something in the water?”

                “No...just how the weather currents have been. It might be really warm. Sudden fluxes from warm to cold and back aren’t good for your health – as you know.” He said and rested the bunches back down. “How have you been, Madam Rose?”

                For some reason she looked a bit forlorn. Her elderly appearance remained for a long time before shifting back to youthful. “I’ve been worried, Taecyeon.” She said in that tone Taecyeon knew all too well.

                “Not on the Summer Solstice, please, Madam...”

                “It’s unheard of for an Earth Elemental not to extend their roots. I know you’re comfortable here, but the water around you can become stale.” She trailed her hands along some of the leaves of a blooming Tulip. “I haven’t seen your mother visit for a while.”

                He set down a bouquet of moon flowers, glistening with a subtle touch of magic, and exuded a deep, sweet scent.

                Madam Rose leaned down and smelled deeply. “You always produce the most beautiful moon flowers...wonderful hands...” She grasped his right one. Her fingers curled tightly around his. “But there is pain in them,” she moved forward and cupped the back of his neck. “Your soul is dimming...”

                Smiling gently, he relieved her hands and felt a burn along his palm. “Are you going to curse me, Madam Rose?”

                “Don’t speak so disrespectfully to me, you brat. Although,” she looked him up and down, “wouldn’t hurt to make you wanton for a bit.”

                “Hey!” He chided softly, but she only laughed. “I don’t want any part in your love spells business. If anything they’re the worst form of magic ever established.”

                “The selfish desires of humans.” She shrugged and once again turned her attention to the bouquet. “You already gave him a part of yourself – it’s been 12 years Taecyeon. If you continue to wait as you are, you will suffer-

                “Wither and die, yes, I know.” He said and took up a small pot. An innocent, tiny flower rested there. Its petals were as soft as the day he made it. “You know how difficult this time of year is for me. No matter where I would be – what I would be doing, it would be the same, Madam Rose.” He set the small vessel back down and faced her.

                “Will you wait on him forever?”

                He looked over his vast collection of dried herbs and spices, his flowers and assortment of plantlife. He suddenly missed the comfort of his home and to be surrounded entirely by his creations, and in the comfort of his Wisteria tree.

                “My answer hasn’t changed these past 12 years, Madam Rose, it won’t change for the next 12, and beyond that. I made a promise...”

                His eye caught a glimpse of dark purple amidst the bright whiteness of the moon flowers. For a second, he paused. He hadn’t even noticed it before. It was a colour that always seemed to seep into his work, most times without him being conscious of it. Walking over to the striking bouquet, he spread them apart. Not only was there a flower of that colour, but also a tiny visitor.

                A small butterfly, with wings the colours of a familiar dark purple, and an aura so calming, he couldn’t help but smile.

                “Oh, a Byzantium-coloured...” Madam trailed off. “It’s the right shade...”

                Holding out his hand, he picked up the flower and the tiny butterfly rested on his finger.

                “I never mean to do it, but this always happens. I’ve dreamt of those eyes so many times...I can hear his laughter...and...” He felt the burn across both palms now and hugged himself. “We never had much after what happened to my father, but we didn’t need a lot...not that much to be happy.” He said quietly. “Even now, my mother won’t tell me why. I told her not to come back until she was ready to answer my questions.”

                “I wish I knew...”

                The butterfly took flight and fluttered off into the night. He smiled at Madam Rose and rubbed her back. “Would you like something, Madam Rose?”

                “Oh some camomile would be nice; a bouquet of your lovely roses too.”

                Taecyeon laughed, “of course, of course.”

                There weren’t enough words to explain how much he cherished Madam Rose and all the help she had provided him. Thanks to her and the Madam’s travels abroad, many people from all over the world came to sample and order from his stock. But, there was more to it, it was a call; a message to say “I am still here” and keep his promise. He didn't know if it would ever work, but he had to do something.

                At the end of the day, when all his produce was packed up, he bid his farewells and took off into the night. Noticing his little friend from earlier seated beside him, he smiled softly. “I’m afraid I won’t be very good company for you.” He said quietly.

                As they came up to his home, adorned and covered with vines, he relaxed. Cart packed away, he led his horses to their stable and gave them apples. “Good job today,” he said and pat them on their necks.

                Making his way inside, he ran the water over the plants which needed it and opened some of the small windows. When he finally made it to his room, he collapsed and fell into a deep sleep.      

*Twenty-Two Years Previous*

                “Oh!” Taecyeon cheered as he managed to sprout a small white flower. “Papa! I did it!”

                “Try another colour, my son.” His father boasted. “Try yellow, picture it in your mind.”

                Taecyeon pressed his fingers tips into the earth and did as told. He could feel the energy of the earth flowing up into his arms and in turn his own feeding into the seedlings. Dozens of flowers sprouted up, whites, yellows, oranges, and oranges with splashes of red. Gasping, he sat back and looked over them.

                “Well done, well done, my son.” His father said as he cradled them. “You’re really giving it your all, huh?”

                Taecyeon beamed and grinned at him. “I wanna be like you, papa!”

                His father laughed and ruffled his hair. “You’re going to surpass me, my son.”

                “What does surpass mean?”

                “You’re going to be even better than me.”

                Jumping up and racing around, Taecyeon gave loud cheers. Feeling a strange aura, he crouched down. A small form was huddled just a little ways away. Curious, he crept over slowly. The closer he got, the better he could hear the soft sniffles. Beginning to run, he crouched beside the small boy. “Hey, why you cryin’?” He asked.

                The smaller boy became very scared and tried to run away.

                “Hey wait!” He grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “Please don’t run. You’re crying...”

                “I’m not!” He yelled and tried to pull away from him.

                Taecyeon looked over the strange black markings on his arm. “Oh, these look really cool-

                “Don’t look!” He tugged his hand away and curled in on himself once again. “Don’t look...”

                Taking a deep breath, he looked back for his father. He was tending an old tree. “Okay, I won’t look.” He said and sat beside him. “I know what’ll make you feel better!” He took the other boy’s hand into his own and pressed his other against the earth. “Watch this, okay?”

                He turned his head a little.

                Sure enough, a small orange flower sprouted where he wanted it to, and a whole bunch of white petal flowers bloomed around them. Picking one up, he turned back and found curious, dark purple eyes watching him. He’d never seen a colour like that before. Unable to help himself he leaned closer. “Your eyes are very pretty...”

                Big bubbling tears built up in them and the boy was crying again.

                “Hey, I’m sorry.” He tried to apologise. “Did I make you sad?”

                The boy slowly shook his head and rubbed at his eyes. They were so very pretty.

                “Why are you cryin’ then?”

                The boy seemed to get more upset.

                “Okay, okay...” He said softly. He enveloped his arms around him, and a tingling feeling raced through his hands. It made him hug the boy tighter and he couldn’t help but cry too. He didn’t know why.

                When his father came to collect him, and found them together, a bunch of sobbing messes, he picked them both up. “Oh my, such sad little faces. What happened my son?”

                “I don’t know. He seems so sad, papa.”

                “What’s your name small one?”

                The boy with purple eyes sniffled and began to calm. “C-Chansung...”

                “Oh, well my name is Young-Jae. I am Taecyeon’s father.”

                Taecyeon held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Chansung.”

                Chansung reached out tentatively and took his hand. “No one...said my eyes were pretty before...” He said quietly.

                “But they are!” Taecyeon said and touched his cheek. “Papa his eyes are very pretty.”

                “Yes, I agree. Purple, I think they’re Byzantium, yes?”

                “Byzantium?” Taecyeon asked.

                “You’ll have to look in your colour book.”

                Taecyeon nodded. “Hey, Chansung, do you want to see my colour book?”

                The younger boy nodded slowly, “okay.”

                Upon returning home, Taecyeon showed Chansung his colour book, explaining the different shades and what they meant. Well, as much as he could. When he turned to the darker purples, Chansung was beginning to doze off.

                Looking at the hue called Byzantium, he smiled, “papa is always right.”

*Present*

                Waking slowly, Taecyeon looked up into the trails of flowers from his wisteria tree. He wanted summer to pass quickly. He craved being able to rest during the colder months; he didn't want to feel anything. Getting up and walked inside, he seated himself at his work bench, and trailed his fingers over the small flower tenderly. The first purple coloured flower he’d ever made, a hibiscus. Turning away before becoming overwhelmed with emotion, he noticed his little visitor rested silently on windowsill. Smiling, he made his way over and opened it. “Well, hello there.” He greeted and rested out his hand. Watching it flutter until it was on the back of his hand, he slowly lifted his arm. “Your wings remind me of his eyes.”

                Gently, it took off once more and remained in the window. Watching for only a little bit longer he looked around and nodded, “alright...what to do today?”

                He began to organise the herbs and dried spices. Customers came and went, requests poured in both from the town and afar. Helping people and visits from some of the elders always made him feel better.

                “Taecyeon, Taecyeon, can I sample this tea today?” An elderly man asked.

                “Oh, Mr. Yon. Of course you can, just let me prepare it.” He took the lemon balm herb and set up a kettle. “How are your joints?”

                “Oh very good, almost like when I was your age! I think once the winter hits I’ll need more of the herb then, but it does its job just like you said.”

                “I’m very happy to hear that. Would you like anything to eat?”

                “Oh no, I’ll just wait by the door. There’s a good strong breeze today from the south. Means company is coming...” He said and tipped his hat.

                Taecyeon watched him go. He couldn’t help but smirk. “Sly as always, Mr. Yon.”

                His laughter filled his shop. Preparing the tea, he assisted another customer while it steeped. When he made his way out, Mr. Yon’s head was dipping.

                Resting a hand on his shoulder, he woke slowly and smiled up at him. “Here you go...” He said and set down the cup.

                “Ha! Excellent, it smells delicious already.”

                Gripping his shoulder once, he turned back and faced into the wind. It truly was a wonderful day. “I think I may close up early and go check on the hilltops.”

                “Would definitely be a good day for it.” Mr. Yon said and took a sip from his cup. “I think the berries will be coming early this year if the weather stays this nice.”

                “I agree.”

                “Good day to you, Mr. Yon, Taecyeon.”

                “Well, if it isn’t the beautiful Madam Rose!” Mr. Yon raised his cup in cheers. “Fabulous work at the festival.”

                “Why thank you, I’m getting the fireworks down pat!” She boasted and sat beside him. “Trying another new tea?”

                Mr. Yon nodded. “Yes, I’d like a week’s worth of this one, Taecyeon.”

                “Alright...” He turned back and began to prepare a bag.

                “Taecyeon?” Madam Rose said and rested a hand on his arm. “How do you fair today?”

                “I do mostly okay. I can’t wait for autumn...”

                She eyed him carefully before forcing him to sit. “This is only a temporary fix, but you have to consider leaving the Valley.” She said and looked him over.

                “I...I can’t do that, Madam. There’s no way-

                “Promise or not, you’re not going to do anyone any good if you turn – are you sleeping well?”

                “For the most part, once I’m out, I’m out until the sun comes up-

                She took out a small vile. It was filled with a clear blue liquid. “Once in the morning, once at night, only a small drop. It’ll help with the burn,” she gripped his hands. “Make sure you visit the woodland springs once a week too, please?”

                He nodded and accepted the vile slowly. “I can’t...I can’t leave here, Madam.”

                “I...I know but you might have to.” She brushed back his hair. “What would your father think?”

                “Don’t use him against me...”

                Madam laughed and pinched his cheek. “I’m going to use whatever I can, tree-hugger.”

                Taecyeon grinned.

                He gave her a new stock of lemongrass and watched her leave. He fixed Mr. Yon’s order and then he too was off. Looking over at his work desk, he eyed the small pot before collecting his bag and making his way out. He trekked far into the hills and sat himself on a large boulder overlooking the valley.

                Rising up, he stopped at a small spring and filled up two jugs. On the trail home, he smiled upon seeing the outstanding lavender petals of the wisteria. It never failed to calmed him. The lands surrounding it and his house were covered in rows and tangles of plants.

                As the days go on, he realises that the little butterfly tends to flutter after him. It’s almost painful to see it, because it reminds him of the promise he made to Chansung, and his brilliant smile. However, he noticed that it began to vanish at night. On a particularly hard day he keeps the shop closed and pulls out a small box, filled with tiny trinkets. Bringing them over to the window, he rests some of them out for his small friend.

                “This one...” He felt up a pale green gem. “My dear friend wanted to take it with him, but it happened so fast...when they took him away.” He set it down. “We found it in the spring we always went for fresh water.”  He explained and took out a ring. “Hm,” he smiled, “we fought over this. It was my father’s ring.”

                Item after item came out, and he found his heart sinking after each one. Hearing a knock at the door, he sighed. “Is it wrong to want to be alone for just one day?” He asked out loud and opened the door, “I’m closed...”

                She smiled at him, wrinkles appearing slowly.

                “Mother..?”

                She nodded. “Hello, my son.”

                “What’re you doing here?”

                “Can’t I come and visit my youngest son?”

                He edged away from the door and permitted her entry. “Why are you here? Is something wrong?”

                “Well, I’m ready...” She said and wrapped herself even more in her scarf. Taecyeon almost didn’t understand, but then it clicked. “Make me some dandelion tea please.” She walked on into the house.

                “Are...are you staying here during your visit?” He asked as he set down the spring water.

                “Can I?”

                He found it odd. “You never do...”

                She didn’t say anything more and vanished into the upstairs. Taecyeon fixed her the tea, brought it up to her, and then returned to clean for a while. When he was seated, he noticed the butterfly fluttering out the window. Before he realised it, he was standing and leaning out to watch it. It landed on one of the moon flowers. Smiling, he turned back and began to prepare supper. It was soon after that, that his mother came down to join him. He watched her go around the shop, and then she stopped at his work bench. Noticing what she had picked up, he made his way out.

                “Mom, please don’t-

                “You’re doing so much better than your brothers.” She said and rested the pot back down onto the desk. “I didn’t think you would actually stay here, not after everything that happened.”

                “This house means more to me than anything-

                “It’s because of him though...isn’t it?”

                Silent, he made to turn back to the kitchen, but her hand clasped tightly around his wrist. “I haven’t forgiven you for what you did. I – I don’t even know if I want to hear the truth anymore,” he turned his head slightly, “are you really ready?”

                “I am. I’m ready.” She said, her hand trembling.

                “Well, not tonight. Let’s eat, and then you can go and rest. Tomorrow morning would be better...”

                His mother told him about what was happening with his brothers and her move to the south. He did notice that there were times her gaze would drift to the pantry. When she began to speak about days in the past he told her to leave it be and that he was going to tend the night plants. It was a lie, they both knew it, but he just couldn’t handle it. Seated now amidst the flowers that only bloomed into the nightly hours, he couldn’t help but smile, this was almost what he would call true peace. His eyes caught a glint of purple and he couldn’t help but smile. Holding out his hand, his tiny friend rested against his skin.

                “Seems I’m only able to calm down around you and the wisteria...” Standing, he took a deep breath and sat himself below the wisteria. Sagging against its strong trunk, he hugged himself. “I wonder if my father would be proud of me...”   

*Eighteen Years Previous...*

                The rain was coming down in sheets. It poured off the roof like a waterfall and both Taecyeon and Chansung ran their feet under it, laughing and pushing one another. Taecyeon was supposed to be studying, of course. He couldn’t help himself though, especially when it was raining. Hearing footsteps, he stepped off onto the ground, pulled Chansung under the house and covered his mouth. They both watched as his mother walked back and forth. She was probably going to try and give Chansung another errand, even though it was raining.

                “Taecyeon!” She called.

                “We should go to Madam Rose’s.” He said in Chansung’s ear and crept along under the house.

                “We’re going to get in trouble!” Chansung said urgently.

                “Better that than studying.”

                While escaping was definitely something Taecyeon enjoyed, Chansung on the other hand looked very disheartened. “The rain will stop soon-

                “No, it isn’t that...” Chansung said softly. “What if she locks me in the pantry again-

                “I’ll help you!” Taecyeon cheered. “I always get you out.”

                “I don’t like it in the darkness-

                “I would never let you be alone in the dark, Chansung. She’s just being mean to you again because papa isn’t here.” Taecyeon huffed and crossed his arms. “I like the rain.”

                Chansung smiled at him. “I know you do, Taecyeon.”

                He grinned. “So let’s go!”

                Chansung sighed and shook his head.

                “You don’t have a choice, Chansung.” He said and took off his shoes. “I wanna go walk in the rain anyway.”

                “But-

                Taecyeon pulled him out into the woods a ways away from the house. It wasn’t very often they got a rain this warm, so he wanted to take advantage. He crouched down and drew a small shape in the earth. A giant leaf with a thick stem sprouted up.

                “I’ll hold onto it for you, okay?”

                Chansung nodded and stood beside him. As they began to walk, he noticed Chansung looking a little sad, and wrapped at arm around his shoulders.

                “Why’re you sad?”

                Chansung’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “I’m not.”

                “You don’t like it when papa leaves, but you’ve been very...I don’t know.” Taecyeon stopped him.

                “It’s nothing.”

                “Then why be sad?”

                That made Chansung continue walking on past him. “Do you like me, Taecyeon?”

                “Of course I do!” He said, and caught his arm again. “Why wouldn’t I?”

                “Your mom doesn’t, and your brothers ignore me. You always fight with them about me, and your papa and mom fight about letting me stay.” Chansung stopped again and stood silently. “You found me in the woods...but, I want to know where I come from.”

                “I promise you Chansung, when we’re older and stronger I’ll help you find out.” Taecyeon began to haul him off to the town. “If you leave, I’m leaving too.”

                “You have a family, Taecyeon-

                “Yeah, and you’re a part of it. You’re my happiness.” He said and stared at him. “I’ll always be here for you, Chansung.”

                *Present*

                Gasping, Taecyeon looked down at the soil under his hands. His palms were throbbing heavily now. It hadn’t rained that heavily in the valley for a long time. Rising to full height, he slowly made his way over to the well and hauled up a bucket of cool water and smoothed his hands inside. Looking around, he waited until he felt cooler. Drawn over to the wisteria tree again, he collapsed against its trunk and tried to fight down the feelings of despair. Then he remembered the vile Madam had given him and walked back into the shop. Pausing before the door, the butterfly rested there quietly.

                “Good morning, little one.” He greeted and a calmness came over him. Smiling, he made his way inside, but the air seemed to smother him.

                Surprised to find his mother awake, he paused in the doorway and looked over her. She was mostly silent, but her eyes were distant and vacant.

                “Mother?”

                “I feel like I’ve brought a bad energy to your home, Taecyeon.”

                He shrugged, “no...”

                “Yes, I can feel it. The energy has been changed.”

                It wasn’t like it was a lie, but it was more that she only added to the already discomforting feeling already in the house. Madam Rose had been right, he did need to leave, but he couldn’t. Not yet.

                “What happened 12 years ago? I know what happened with father...was hard. But you began to push everyone away, even the brothers and me.”

                “I was devastated. After your father...after that, I just couldn’t help but think that that would also be your fate. I couldn’t handle it – I still can’t. However, I took it all out on Chansung. I’ve regretted it for so long now...”           

                “Why did he have to leave?”

                She glanced at him briefly. “Do you know what a Homunculus is, Taecyeon?”

                “Of course...” He said and sat himself down. “Well...I just know they are a created being.”

                She chuckled bitterly, “you speak about them so leisurely, just like your father. Like what they are is just another being...”

                “That is what they are...” He said softly. He didn’t want to get into talking about respecting other magicfolk with her. He had argued with her constantly when he was growing up about respecting other magical beings.

                “They are born from tragedies, my son!” She walked over to him. “They are created by evil intentions, to create life without a man and woman-

                “As much as I want to humour you and listen, there are many ways to create beings. I have read that Homunculus are created by the desires of their maker, that they require special energies and magical prowess, elements that are forbidden by most, but that is no reason to shame their existence.” He rose up. “You told me you were ready to answer me, but-

                “He was a Homunculus!” She said, voice louder than he’d ever heard it before. It almost didn’t register what she’d said. She must have noticed because she gripped his shirt. “You and your father found him in the woods. Not many beings have eyes like that, Taecyeon. He had the markings all over his body, ones that fade in sunlight. We didn’t know his origins, what he was capable of, and what he might do.”

                “You feared him.”

                “Yes! Of course I did, something like that, it came in here and tore our family apart.”

                Taecyeon saw the bitterness, the hatred. It made her look so ugly. Relieving her hand from his shirt he stepped back. “He didn’t do that. You just want to blame him for it, because he was something different. If you and the brothers had just been kind, more accepting, everything would have been different.” It was building up inside him, the anger, the disappointment. “At least...at least father cared, life was good when he was here. He loved all living beings. He taught me to cherish everything, because there’s too much pain in the world. You showed me that...what happens when you let pain govern your emotions.” Continuing to step back, he sighed. “He was the most light-hearted, friendly person I knew. Didn’t you realise how important he was to me?”

                She covered her face.

                “He meant more to me than...than being a Grower.”

                She gasped and looked at him.

                Turning away, he felt the burn starting even stronger than before. Dark green lines extended up his arms and he collapsed to the ground.

                “Taecyeon...how long have you been like this?” She asked softly and began to rub cool spring water along his arms.

                “Doesn’t matter...”

                “I’m allowed to care for you.”

                “Who did you sell him to?”

                “A witch.”

                “Madam Rose let you do that?”

                “We needed money! Rose wouldn’t have given us anything.”

                “She invited us in, that was good enough.”

                She said nothing more and instead went into the front shop and set to work. She was the best at making healing ointments, especially for Growers. Feeling his consciousness slipping from him, he braced himself against the ground before collapsing completely. A small flicker of purple rested before him, and he tried to reach out.

 *Eleven Years Previous*

                “Taecyeon, it’s too hot!”

                Fanning himself equally as hard, Taecyeon only grinned. “Race you to the pool!” He took off.

                “No fair!”

                The sun was high, the wind was hot, and the smells of the earth filled the young man with absolute joy. Looking back, his dear friend was a fair distance away from him. He knelt down and pressed his fingertips into a patch of grassy ground. Breathing slowly, he focused, feeling the tendrils of energy flow from the ground into his body, and back again. Slowly but surely, a small bud began to rise up. Feeling lanky arms smooth around his shoulders, he didn’t break his focus.

                The bud began to shake before popping open. The gasp of awe and his friend leaning against him even more made him grin. “Wow...you’re able to make lavender ones now?”

                “Pops thinks I’ll be ahead of the other Growers soon.” He said and blew over the tender petals, dusting them with orange.

                “Show off, you already are...”

                “You said you liked them.”

                “You’ll be making violet flowers in no time...”

                Turning his head slightly, Chansung kept his eye on the flower. “I thought that would make you happy.”

                A troubled look past over his face, Taecyeon never liked it when his best friend was distressed. “You always say that...I’m beginning to believe what your mother says.”

                Gritting his teeth, he caught his wrist and hauled him around, pressed him into the ground and leaned close. “So what if I want to make them for you? It’s my choice what I want to do.”

                “I know...” He murmured and gripped his arm, keeping those beautiful eyes focused elsewhere. “It’s just...I want to have that kind of sense of accomplishment. I want to...how am I going to catch up to you?” He was finally looking at him, eyes vivid and bright.

                Sighing deeply, Taecyeon released him. “Just be yourself, Chansung.”

                He laughed as his friend’s face rubbed into his shoulder. Lifting him up, he carried him along down to a small hidden pond. Letting Chansung go, Taecyeon felt him tighten his grip, causing him to raise his hands again.

                “What’s wrong?”

                “Why didn’t you accept that girl’s confession?” He asked curiously.

                “S~tupid...why would I?”

                “She seemed nice, and your mother approved.” He could feel the heat of his face as much as he could see it.

                That was almost too much for him, it made him so unbearably happy. Running forward, he jumped high and they dropped into the cool water below. Making his way to the surface, he gasped for air and Chansung surfaced a second later. Some of his markings were showing, but most curiously he found his friend blushing even darker than before.

                “Hey, do you have a fever?” He reached up and pressed his hand to his forehead gently.

                “I...” He knocked away his hand. “You surprised me, idiot!” He grumbled and made his way back to shore.

                Taecyeon watched him go for a while before following after him. “Yah...” Feeling the blood rise to his cheeks as Chansung faced him, he couldn’t help but grin. “Being with you makes me happiest.”

                Chansung’s face went even redder and he raced back up the ridge. “You’re embarrassing me...”

                Looking up, the sun’s rays shimmered through the slowly moving leaves. It smelled so sweetly here, of berries and lavender.

                “Taecyeon?”

                He wanted to sleep here forever, in the warmth and the sun.

                “Taecyeon, wake up!”

*Present*

                Opening his eyes slowly, he realised he was in his bed. Noticing Madam Rose seated beside him, and another familiar face, he sighed heavily. He knew this was bad if they were both here. “How long was I out?”

                “A couple days, nothing major.” She edged a little closer and took up his hand. “I’m pleading with you to listen to me.”

                “Where’s my mother?”

                “Downstairs-

                “Where is she?”

                “She left...” His friend answered, and sat next to him. “What’ve you done to yourself now, huh?”

                Beginning to rise up, he looked at his hands. His nails were green now, and the lines extending down the backs of his hands and his arms were darker than before. “Khun...water...”

                His friend sighed and poured him a glass. “I’m not your maid.”

                Taecyeon stuck out his tongue, “thanks for caring.”

                Nichkhun chuckled and brushed back his hair. “This is serious, Taecyeon. Your Eden Lines are evening showing.”

                Madam Rose tilted his head up. “Did you take any of the tonic I gave you?”

                “I was going to...but then she told me about what happened with Chansung. I started remembering all these things and...I just collapsed.” He said softly, recalling her words. “She really hated him.”

                “Well, your mother didn’t take well to strangers very much - especially different beings. I think some of it was jealousy over how close you two were, and your talent in Growing. She was always disappointed in your brothers.” Madam Rose took his glass, dropped two drops inside, and handed it back. “Drink it, you’ll feel better for a little while. I’m giving you a week. You’ll really start to lose grip of things after that, even with whatever I give you.”

                “Why is this happening now? Why this year?”

                “I don’t know...” She said. “It could be a number of things. Take it easy for a while. I’ll come and check on you again tomorrow.”

                “Alright...”

                Madam Rose pat Nichkhun on the shoulder before leaving.

                “Don’t tell me you’re staying.”

                Nichkhun smacked his arm. “You need help. Have you even seen the state of your shop?”

                Taecyeon sighed. “No.”

                Watching the blond-haired man lift up a small, decorated container, Taecyeon looked away. “Don’t be like that, it’s just an innocent bottle of salve.”

                “I don’t-

                Nichkhun forced him to look at him. “She gave you what you wanted. Did you expect it to turn out any other way?”

                He wasn’t able to stop the emotions rising within him. “I...I really...” He choked on air and covered his eyes. “She sold him to a witch...Khun...”

                As his friend’s arms tightened around him, he let it go, all the pain he’d been feeling. “Don’t cry too much. You can’t risk the dehydration right now.”

                “I...I don’t care... how he came to be in this world. I don’t care. I know he would have taken that to heart, and probably had a lot of self-hatred over it. But he was so beautiful, and he made so many people laugh, and smile. I would give anything to have him with me again.” He couldn’t handle the emptiness welling up inside him anymore. “I made a promise-

                “I know...” Nichkhun murmured and rubbed his back. “You know what happens to Growers who remain with stagnate water, Taecyeon.” He leaned back and looked him in the eye. “Put this on, I’m going to fetch some water for you.” He pressed the salve into his hand. “I know,” he said as he looked over him. “I know, Taecyeon, but it’s meaningless if you lose your life. He wouldn’t want that.”

                Taecyeon nodded and Nichkhun pulled back. After administering the salve and finishing his water, he noticed a familiar flutter. Holding out his finger, the little butterfly rested softly there. “I wish you could bring him back to me.”

                The butterfly fluttered around him before making its way to the window and resting there. After that, the butterfly vanished for three days. Taecyeon appreciated Nichkhun helping him out, his place really had begun to lose order. His condition had improved immensely, but the Eden Lines only grew longer and darker. Taecyeon knew that Nichkhun had been getting frustrated, and it reached a peak.

                “You’ve been moping for days! Time to let go of the past, Taecyeon.”

                “Yeah...” He didn’t put up a fight. Most of the night was a blur, and it didn’t take much to get drunk. Taecyeon was constantly dehydrated after all. He just wanted to feel numb. He of course woke the next morning with a hangover. Making his way down, he makes a remedy from his herbs. Before he can drink it, he notices the butterfly at the windowsill. He opens the window immediately and smiles. “I was wondering where you’d been.” He then noticed that the wings of the butterfly were looking frayed. “Hey...were you always like this?” He asked softly and took it inside and rested it on his desk. “I know...butterfly’s don’t live very long, but you’ve got to be more than that.” Drinking his remedy quickly, he picks up a small jar and places a willow branch inside. Resting his finger near the butterfly, it hopped on and he coaxed it into the glass bottle.

                Walking out to the stables, he climbs on top his fastest horse and makes for the town. Stopping just a little ways away, he comes to Madam Rose’s residence and knocks on the door. Looking down, he noticed pale blue streaks in it’s wings now and rubbed his head.

                Looking up as the door opened, she looked at him and then the jar. “If you’re coming to me about plants...”

                “No, it’s this little guy here.” He lifted it up.

                Her garnet eyes narrowed and she shifted to her young appearance. “My, my...” She took it from him and walked inside. Following her, she rested the bottle down on the table and pulled up her magnifying glass. She began to walk around, constantly going back and putting small gems, herbs, bones and vials on the table.

                “Um...”

                “That ain’t no butterfly.”

                Turning his gaze down, the butterfly was resting on his hand once more. “What do you mean?”

                “Human...I think.” She said and took out her cauldron. “It’s a person.”

                “No, I understand...” He trailed off and looked down. “Cursed?”

                “Ah-ha! This could be why your Eden Lines have been showing.” Her hair looked even longer and bushier than before. He hadn’t seen her like this in a long time.

                “You mean some effects of their curse?”

                “Yes...” She leaned down and held out her hand. “Now, let me get a good look at you.”

                Taecyeon watched her observe. She turned her hand slowly, looking constantly through the magnifying glass. “What’re you-

                “Looking for the spell...” She said before he could finish. “If I’m right, this is a witch’s curse. A wizard wouldn’t have extending affects on other beings.”

                “I see...” He said and shuffled closer.

                “It looks simple. Give me one night, Taecyeon!”

                “You’re lying to me...aren’t you?” He said and looked over the butterfly. “The spell is corroding its wings. Which means...”

                “Shh, but leave me a drop of your blood, please, and a tear!”

                “How-

                She ripped out some of his hair. “Ow!” She gripped his chin and the tear fell into the vile. Then she pricked his finger, “Hey!”

                “Now leave, but don’t go too far.”

                He didn’t want to interrupt her. She truly hadn’t been this intense about something in a long while. Walking alongside his horse home, he was filled with worry. He didn’t know what would happen to the butterfly. “Please...don’t leave me too.” Upon making it home, he settled his horse back in the stables and made his way into the shop. Sitting at his desk, he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. Eyes widening in shock, fear encompassed him.

                The flower he had been keeping for Chansung, was dying.

                For twelve years he had been keeping it. As he watched another petal fall, he turned his attention to the window, something was deeply wrong. He looked around his shop and went straight to work. Feeling a burn on his stomach, he lifted his shirt and found the Eden Lines beginning to form a rune. Ignoring it, he took a glass of water with the medicine from Madam and went back to work. When the leaves began to smoothen out and look healthy, he collapsed against his desk. This was becoming to much for him. “I...don’t want to leave, but...” He shook his head and turned his gaze back to the flower.

                He woke up to knocking at his door. Realising he had fallen asleep beside his desk, pot in hand, and soil all around him, he groaned. The last time he did that, was the morning Chansung was taken away, and he had wanted to give him a small hibiscus flower. Looking over the result, it was glowing again – very brightly. The centre was a deep purple, with white petals and a splash of orange at the tips. Getting to his feet, grumbling as he went, he opened it to find a man there, tall with beautiful sun-kissed skin and familiar, Byzantium-coloured eyes.

                There was that smile, familiar and warm. “Ch-Chansung..?”

                “I don’t have a lot of time. Madam wasn’t sure how long I’d have.” He said gently, voice quiet. “I...I’m sorry it took me so long to return to you. I know you’ve been waiting...” He said and rested a tentative hand against his cheek. “You look so pale...”

                Taecyeon felt something rise up in him that he hadn’t felt in ages. The little pot with the tiny hibiscus seemed to become heavy in his hands. For a long time all he could do was stare ahead before he looked down. He held it out, “h-here! I...I wanted...” He began to shake. He began to tremble as Chansung leaned down.

                “Hibiscus...” He said. His warm hands clasped around his, and met his eyes once more. “Your Eden Lines-”

                “You...I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, so I wanted to give you something – but you’re here and...” He was looking over him again, in awe, and in panic. “The butterfly-

                “Shh, relax.” Chansung lifted his hand, and there upon his skin was a rune. Taecyeon grasped him tightly and looked between the curse mark and his face. “I’ve been...trying to find you for years. Flying with small wings isn’t easy you know?”

                “Wait...you?”

                Chansung nodded and he flushed a little bit. “I...you don’t know how much it means to me...that you’re still here.” He said and he started to glow. “Oh...looks like this is all the time she could give. This rune means butterfly, Taecyeon.”

                Taecyeon moved forward and cupped his face. He was here with him. Chansung had come back. “I made a promise...” He whispered to him, running his hands over his shoulders and resting on his cheeks. “I’m so happy...welcome home, Chansung.” He hugged him tightly, so tightly it hurt.

                Chansung pulled back, and smiled. “I’m home, Taecyeon.”

                “Chansung, Chansung...” He murmured over and over and let his tears fall. “What do I do? I can’t – please don’t disappear!” He said urgently. “What do I-

                He closed his eyes as those gentle lips touched his, and of course, he couldn’t hold back. Chansung laughed into their kiss and small twinkling lights began to dance around them. “This is enough...”

                “It’s not, we have twelve years to make up for...”

                Chansung chuckled, “yes...we do.”

                When it was calm again, Chansung gripped him tightly as the rune burned away from his skin, leaving a faint mark. “I have the perfect treatment for rune scars...” Taecyeon said softly.

                “I...” Chansung brushed back his hair and collapsed against him. He was trembling now and breathing heavily. Breaking a curse always took a heavy toll on the body. “I didn’t think you’d feel the same after all this time.”

                “Hey, I was the one who promised.” He said and pulled him inside. “Madam Rose will probably come and check on us at some point.” He chuckled.

                “She always did.” Chansung didn’t release him. Taecyeon couldn’t imagine what trials he had to go through to get here, and he wanted to hear all about them.

                “I...I’m so sorry-

                “No, you’re here...and you’re hurting because of me.”

                “Let’s heal together, Chansung. Just like always...”

                He couldn’t stand to see his tears.

                “Oh terra, please don’t vanish from me again.” He hugged him tight. “I’m never letting you go again, Chansung.”

                “I have so much to tell you...” Chansung’s hugged him tightly and smiled. "I'm home..." There was his happiness.