《The Potion Shop at the End of the World》


 Chapter 1: The Pharmacists New Prescription

    Yuki Tanaka had been awake for exactly thirty-six hours when the floor of her apartment bathroom melted beneath her feet.


    One moment, she was standing in front of her mirror, staring at the dark circles under her bloodshot eyes and contemplating if this was finally the day she''d quit her job at MegaPharm. The next, the tile floor rippled like water, and she was falling through what felt like warm jello.


    "What the¡ª" was all she managed before darkness swallowed her whole.


    When she opened her eyes again, she was lying face-down in grass that smelled impossibly sweet, like someone had infused it with vanilla and cinnamon. Yuki blinked, slowly pushing herself up. Her white pharmacist coat was smudged with dirt, and her badge still hung from her pocket, declaring "Yuki Tanaka, PharmD ¨C Senior Pharmacist."


    "Am I hallucinating?" she muttered, pressing her palms against her temples. "This is what happens when you work three double shifts in a row. You start hallucinating magical meadows."


    But the breeze that rustled her short black hair felt real. So did the warm sun on her skin and the chirping of birds that sounded... oddly melodic, almost like they were singing actual tunes instead of random birdsong.


    Yuki stumbled to her feet and turned in a slow circle.


    The meadow stretched out around her, dotted with wildflowers in colors she''d never seen before¡ªblues that shifted to purple when the wind touched them, and golden blooms that seemed to sparkle. Beyond the meadow stood a forest with trees so tall they seemed to brush the clouds. And to her left, nestled at the edge of the forest, was a small village of thatched-roof cottages and winding cobblestone streets.


    "Okay," she said to herself. "Either I''m having the most detailed breakdown in medical history, or I''ve somehow landed in a Studio Ghibli movie."


    With no better options, Yuki started walking toward the village. As she got closer, she noticed people moving about¡ªpeople wearing clothes that looked straight out of a medieval fantasy RPG. Women in long dresses and aprons, men in simple tunics and trousers.


    And they were all staring at her.


    Yuki looked down at her modern outfit¡ªnavy blue scrub pants, white coat, sensible sneakers¡ªand sighed. "Great. I''m hallucinating and I''m underdressed."


    An elderly woman with a kind face and silver hair pulled into a bun stepped forward. She wore a simple blue dress with a white apron, and her eyes widened when she saw Yuki.


    "By the Crystal Moon," the woman gasped, dropping into a deep curtsy. "The prophecy was true. The Witch of Remedies has returned to us!"


    Yuki blinked. "I''m sorry, the what now?"


    Before she could get an answer, the woman turned to the gathering crowd. "Everyone! It''s happening! The sign in the sky last night¡ªit was the summons! The Witch has come back to Moonflower Hollow!"


    The villagers erupted in cheers. Several people rushed forward, reaching out to touch Yuki''s coat as if it were some kind of sacred garment.


    "Um, excuse me," Yuki said, backing away slightly. "I think there''s been a mistake. I''m just a pharmacist. From Tokyo. Who is probably having a mental breakdown right now."


    The elderly woman took Yuki''s hand in her weathered ones. "Oh, my dear. There''s no mistake. Look at your garments¡ªwhite as snow, bearing strange symbols." She pointed to the pharmacy logo on Yuki''s coat pocket. "And you carry the healer''s mark! Just as the prophecy foretold: ''When the moon turns crystal blue, the Witch of Remedies shall return, dressed in snow-white robes bearing strange markings, to once again bring healing to our village.''"


    "That''s... oddly specific for a prophecy," Yuki muttered.


    "My name is Hazel, dear," the woman continued, patting Yuki''s hand. "I''m the village elder. We''ve been waiting for your return for nearly fifty years, ever since Old Milda passed into the beyond."


    "Fifty years? I wasn''t even born fifty years ago."


    Hazel just smiled knowingly. "Magic works in mysterious ways. Come! We must take you to your shop immediately. It''s been kept ready for your return all this time."


    Before Yuki could protest further, she was being swept along by the excited crowd through the village. Children ran alongside her, giggling and whispering. Men and women bowed as she passed. Someone threw flower petals.


    "This is the most elaborate hallucination ever," Yuki said to herself. "I should really cut back on the energy drinks."


    Eventually, they stopped in front of a small stone building with a thatched roof. Ivy crawled up its walls, and hanging above the door was a faded wooden sign with a painted mortar and pestle. The windows were dusty but intact, and the door was secured with a heavy iron lock.


    Hazel produced a large, ornate key from her pocket. "Old Milda left instructions that this key was to be handed down through the village elders until the day of your return."


    She unlocked the door, which creaked open dramatically.


    "Welcome home, Witch of Remedies," Hazel said, gesturing for Yuki to enter.


    With no better options, Yuki stepped inside.


    The interior was dim, sunlight filtering through the dusty windows in narrow beams that illuminated dancing dust motes. But as her eyes adjusted, Yuki gasped despite herself.


    The shop was beautiful. Wooden shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of dried herbs, powders, and liquids of every color. A massive wooden counter took up one side of the room, its surface marked with old stains and burn marks. Behind it stood rows of small drawers, each labeled in an elegant script Yuki surprisingly found she could read.


    In the center of the room sat a large copper cauldron on a stone hearth, cold now but clearly the focal point of the space. Bundles of dried herbs hung from the ceiling beams, and strange instruments¡ªmortars, scales, bizarre contraptions she couldn''t identify¡ªsat on every available surface.


    It was like walking into the most elaborate apothecary she could imagine.


    "This is... incredible," Yuki admitted, running her fingers along the counter.


    "It''s been maintained as best we could," Hazel said proudly. "Though none of us knows how to brew the potions properly. We''ve been waiting for you to return and restore health to our village."


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    Yuki turned to the old woman. "Look, I appreciate all this, but I think there''s been a serious misunderstanding. I''m not a witch. I''m a pharmacist. I dispense medications that are manufactured in labs, not... whatever all this is."


    Hazel''s smile didn''t waver. "Of course, of course. The prophecy mentioned you might be... confused at first. Your memories may take time to return. But your hands will remember the craft, even if your mind does not."


    "No, that''s not¡ª"


    "Now," Hazel continued, "I''ll leave you to get settled. There''s a living space upstairs¡ªbedroom, small kitchen, washroom. Everything you should need. The village will bring you supplies tomorrow. Rest tonight, and tomorrow you can begin seeing patients again."


    "Patients? I can''t¡ª"


    "Oh!" Hazel clapped her hands. "I almost forgot the most important thing!" She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a small leather-bound book. "Old Milda''s recipe book. Her most treasured possession. She said it was to be given to you upon your return."


    Yuki reluctantly accepted the book. It was surprisingly heavy, the leather cover worn smooth from years of handling. When she opened it, pages of handwritten recipes and notes greeted her, along with detailed illustrations of plants and minerals she''d never seen before.


    "Thank you," she said automatically, her pharmacist''s training kicking in despite the absurdity of the situation.


    "I''ll leave you to rest, dear. The journey between realms must be exhausting." Hazel moved toward the door, then paused. "Oh, and don''t mind Milda if she gets chatty. She''s been waiting a long time to meet you."


    "Wait, Milda? I thought you said she died."


    Hazel just smiled enigmatically. "Good night, Witch. Welcome home."


    With that, she left, closing the door behind her.


    Yuki stood in the middle of the shop, the recipe book clutched in her hands, feeling completely and utterly lost.


    "This isn''t happening," she said aloud. "I''m going to wake up on my bathroom floor any minute now."


    "Oh, trust me, dearie, you''re not dreaming," said a creaky voice from behind her.


    Yuki whirled around with a yelp.


    Floating a few feet away was the semi-transparent figure of an elderly woman. She wore a long dress and apron similar to Hazel''s, but of a distinctly older style. Her hair was pulled into a severe bun, and she peered at Yuki through spectacles that seemed to be part of her ghostly form.


    "What the¡ª" Yuki stumbled backward, knocking into the counter.


    "Language, young lady!" the ghost admonished. "Is that any way for the Witch of Remedies to speak? In my day, we maintained dignity at all times."


    Yuki''s mouth opened and closed several times before she managed, "You''re a ghost."


    "Very observant," the apparition said dryly. "I am¡ªor was¡ªMilda Thornberry, the previous Witch of Remedies. And you, I suppose, are my replacement." She floated closer, examining Yuki with a critical eye. "Hmph. You''re a bit scrawny. And what in the world are you wearing? Where''s your proper witch''s attire?"


    "I''m not¡ª" Yuki began, then stopped herself. She took a deep breath. "Okay. I''m talking to a ghost. In a medieval fantasy village. After falling through my bathroom floor. Sure. Why not?"


    "Are you quite finished?" Milda asked, crossing her transparent arms.


    "Not really, but let''s move on anyway." Yuki sank onto a nearby stool. "So you''re the previous... witch? And now everyone thinks I''m your replacement?"


    "The prophecy was quite clear," Milda sniffed. "Though I''ll admit, I expected someone a bit more... impressive."


    "Join the club," Yuki muttered. "Look, I don''t know what''s happening, but I''m not a witch. I''m a pharmacist¡ªa medical professional from another world. I don''t know magic, I don''t brew potions, and I definitely don''t talk to ghosts on a regular basis."


    Milda waved a dismissive hand. "Details, details. Pharmacist, witch¡ªwhat''s the difference? You mix substances to heal people, yes?"


    "Well, yes, but¡ª"


    "Then you''ll do fine." Milda drifted over to the cauldron. "This place has been gathering dust for far too long. It''s about time someone took over. The villagers need their remedies."


    Yuki ran a hand through her short hair in frustration. "But I don''t know how to make your kind of remedies! I work with manufactured medicines, precise dosages, controlled substances. Not... whatever it is you do here."


    Milda pointed to the book in Yuki''s hands. "That''s why I left you my recipe book, you silly girl. Everything you need to know is in there. Well, the basics, anyway."


    Yuki looked down at the book, then back at the ghost. "Why me? Why was I brought here?"


    For the first time, Milda''s haughty expression softened slightly. "That, my dear, is the question, isn''t it? Magic works in mysterious ways. But I can tell you this¡ªno one comes to Moonflower Hollow by accident."


    Before Yuki could question further, there was a loud crash from upstairs, followed by the sound of breaking glass.


    "What was that?" she asked, alarmed.


    Milda rolled her ghostly eyes. "That would be your familiar. Dreadful creature. No manners whatsoever."


    "My what?"


    Another crash, louder this time.


    "You''d better go see what he''s destroyed now," Milda sighed. "Stairs are through that door. I''ll be here... I''m always here." The last part was said with a melancholy that made Yuki pause.


    But another crash from upstairs spurred her into action. She hurried through the door Milda had indicated and up a narrow staircase.


    The upstairs was a small but cozy living space. A bed with a patchwork quilt sat in one corner, a tiny kitchenette in another. A door presumably led to a washroom, and a small sitting area with two worn armchairs faced a stone fireplace.


    It was also a complete disaster. Books scattered across the floor, a vase in pieces, and what looked like the remains of a pottery jar spilling some kind of grain all over the rug.


    In the middle of the chaos sat the largest wolf Yuki had ever seen.


    At least, she thought it was a wolf. It had the general shape of one¡ªfour legs, pointed ears, bushy tail¡ªbut its fur was a deep, unnatural blue-black that seemed to shimmer with starlight when it moved. And it was enormous, the size of a small pony.


    As she stared, frozen in the doorway, the wolf looked up from where it had been snuffling through the spilled grain. Its eyes were a startling gold, with vertical pupils like a cat''s.


    "About time you showed up," it said in a deep, bored-sounding male voice. "This place is a disaster. And there''s no decent food anywhere."


    Yuki blinked once, twice. "You can talk."


    "Obviously." The wolf yawned, displaying an impressive set of fangs. "I''m Fenrir, your familiar. And you''re late. I''ve been waiting for days."


    "Late for... what, exactly?"


    "For taking over the shop." Fenrir stretched lazily, then padded over to one of the armchairs and jumped onto it, circling three times before settling down. "I''ve been stuck with that nagging ghost for far too long. Do you know she doesn''t even eat? How am I supposed to steal snacks from someone who doesn''t eat?"


    Yuki pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "So you''re my... familiar? Like, a magical animal companion?"


    "I prefer the term ''mystical entity who has graciously chosen to associate with you,''" Fenrir said, licking one paw. "But yes, essentially. I''m bound to the position of the Witch of Remedies. Old Milda and I had an arrangement. I help with magic stuff, she feeds me. Simple."


    "But I don''t know any magic," Yuki protested.


    Fenrir fixed her with a golden stare. "You will."


    "And if I don''t want to be the Witch of Remedies?"


    The wolf shrugged, a strangely human gesture on his canine form. "Too bad. You''re here now. The shop chose you."


    "The shop... chose me?"


    "How else do you think you got here? Magic shops have personalities. This one''s been looking for a new witch since Milda died. It reached out across the worlds and yanked you in." Fenrir yawned again. "Now, about dinner. I''m thinking roast chicken. Or maybe venison. I''m not picky, as long as there''s meat."


    Yuki sank onto the edge of the bed, suddenly exhausted. The events of the day¡ªor was it days?¡ªhad finally caught up with her. "This is insane."


    "Probably," Fenrir agreed cheerfully. "But it''s your insanity now. So... dinner?"


    She looked at the wolf, the destroyed room, and the recipe book still clutched in her hands. Through the window, she could see the village of Moonflower Hollow bathed in the golden light of sunset, peaceful and picturesque.


    For the first time in years, Yuki felt something other than exhaustion and burnout. Was it... curiosity? Whatever this place was¡ªhallucination, alternate world, bizarre dream¡ªit was certainly more interesting than another twelve-hour shift dealing with entitled customers and insurance companies.


    "Fine," she said finally. "I''ll see what I can find in the kitchen. But you''re cleaning up this mess."


    Fenrir snorted. "I''m a mystical wolf entity, not a maid."


    "No cleanup, no dinner."


    The wolf narrowed his eyes. "You drive a hard bargain, human." He paused, then added, "I think we''re going to get along just fine."


    As Yuki rummaged through the small kitchen, she couldn''t help but wonder what she''d gotten herself into. A magical village, a potion shop, a ghost mentor, and a talking wolf who acted like a spoiled house cat.


    Maybe she really had lost her mind. Or maybe, just maybe, this was exactly what she needed¡ªa new prescription for her life.


    Either way, it seemed the Witch of Remedies was back in business.

 Chapter 2: Side Effects May Include Flowers

    Yuki jolted awake to the sound of frantic pounding. For a moment, she thought she was back in her apartment with an angry neighbor complaining about her alarm. Then she saw the unfamiliar thatched ceiling and remembered: magical village, potion shop, talking wolf.


    "Make it stop," groaned Fenrir from the foot of her bed, where he''d somehow migrated during the night despite her protests. The massive wolf buried his head under his paws. "Tell them we''re closed forever."


    The pounding continued, more desperate now, accompanied by a voice: "Witch! Please, you must help!"


    Yuki stumbled out of bed, still wearing her scrubs from yesterday. She''d been too exhausted to look for nightclothes.


    "Coming!" she called, trying to smooth down her sleep-rumpled hair.


    She hurried down the narrow stairs, nearly tripping on the bottom step. The shop looked even more intimidating in the pale morning light¡ªall those jars of mysterious substances staring down at her like accusatory eyes.


    The knocking grew more insistent.


    "I''m coming!" Yuki called again, fumbling with the heavy lock. She finally pulled the door open to find a young man with straw-colored hair, his face pale with fear. He clutched a small bundle wrapped in a woolen blanket.


    "Thank the Crystal Moon," he gasped. "Witch, please, you must help! My daughter... something''s terribly wrong!"


    As he spoke, the bundle in his arms squirmed, and the blanket fell away to reveal a small child¡ªa girl no more than five or six years old. Yuki''s medical training kicked in immediately, but her assessment stopped short when she saw the child''s condition.


    The little girl''s skin was turning a vibrant purple, spreading outward from her cheeks. More alarmingly, tiny green shoots were sprouting from her scalp, pushing through her blonde hair. As Yuki watched, one of the shoots unfurled into a small, delicate purple flower.


    "What in the¡ª" Yuki bit back her words, aware of the father''s panicked expression.


    "It started this morning," the man explained, tears welling in his eyes. "Lily woke up complaining her face itched, and within an hour, she was turning purple. Then the... the plants started growing." He looked desperately at Yuki. "Can you help her? Please, she''s all I have."


    The little girl whimpered, reaching up to touch one of the flowers sprouting from her head.


    "They tickle, Papa," she said with the innocent confusion only a child could maintain in such a situation.


    Yuki felt the blood drain from her face. Her first patient had arrived¡ªand nothing in her pharmaceutical training had prepared her for this.


    "Bring her inside," she said, stepping back to let them enter. Medical emergency or magical emergency, the first rule was the same: stay calm.


    "Put her on the counter here," Yuki instructed, quickly clearing a space on the large wooden counter. "What''s your name?"


    "Thomas, ma''am. I''m the village baker." He gently set Lily down on the counter. "And this is my daughter, Lily."


    "Hi, Lily," Yuki said, keeping her voice gentle despite her internal panic. "I''m going to take a look at you, okay?"


    The girl nodded, surprisingly calm for someone sprouting flowers from her scalp. Her purple complexion had deepened to a rich violet around her cheeks and forehead.


    "Well, well, what have we here?"


    Yuki nearly jumped at the sound of Milda''s voice. The ghost had materialized beside her, peering down at the child with interest.


    "Not now," Yuki muttered under her breath.


    "Who are you talking to?" Thomas asked, looking around in confusion.


    "Just thinking out loud," Yuki said quickly. She''d deal with the fact that apparently only she could see Milda later. "Can you tell me if Lily ate or drank anything unusual yesterday?"


    While Thomas thought, Milda floated closer to the child.


    "Moonglow Syndrome," the ghost declared confidently. "I''ve seen it before. The child must have eaten moonglow berries. They grow in the forest clearing during the full moon."


    "We did go berry picking yesterday," Thomas said, frowning. "In the forest clearing. Lily, did you eat any berries that Papa didn''t check?"


    Lily looked down guiltily. "Just a few pretty blue ones. They were glowing and looked like stars."


    "Moonglow berries," Thomas groaned. "I told her not to wander off."


    "Are they poisonous?" Yuki asked, her concern spiking.


    "Not poisonous," Milda answered. "Just highly magical. They cause temporary transformation in children. Adults just get a mild stomach upset."


    Thomas didn''t hear the ghost, of course, but he shook his head. "They''re not deadly, but they cause... well, this." He gestured to his daughter''s purple skin and flowering hair. "The village healer used to treat it, but she''s been gone for years. When I heard you''d returned..." His voice trailed off hopefully.


    Great. Her first case, and already Yuki was in over her head. She couldn''t exactly tell them she had no idea what she was doing.


    "Give me a moment," she said with a confidence she didn''t feel. "I need to check my reference materials."


    She picked up Milda''s recipe book from where she''d left it on the counter and quickly flipped through it, hoping for something about moonglow berries or purple skin or human flower pots.


    "Page ninety-three," Milda said helpfully, reading over her shoulder. "My Moonglow Antidote. Works every time."


    Yuki found the page and skimmed the recipe: Distilled moonwater, powdered silverleaf, three drops of morning dew, essence of rootbane...


    "I don''t even know what half of these ingredients are," she whispered frantically to Milda. "Let alone where to find them."


    "Most should be right here in the shop," Milda replied. "The organization system is quite logical. Herbs in the wall cabinet, minerals in the small drawers, liquids on the back shelf."


    Yuki glanced at Thomas, who was comforting his increasingly flowery daughter. More blooms had appeared in her hair, and the purple color had spread to her little hands.


    "I''ll need to mix a remedy," Yuki announced. "It might take a little while. There''s a bench outside if you want to wait, or¡ª"


    "I''ll stay," Thomas said firmly. "If that''s all right."


    "Of course."


    Yuki set the book on a stand and began searching the shop for the ingredients listed. To her surprise, the labeled jars and drawers were indeed organized logically¡ªalmost like a pharmacy. There was even a section labeled "ANTIDOTES" with subcategories for different types of magical accidents.


    Okay, maybe she could do this.


    "The silverleaf is in the blue jar with the silver stopper," Milda instructed, hovering nearby. "No, not that one¡ªyes, that one."


    "What''s going on down here?" came a grumpy voice. Fenrir padded down the stairs, yawning widely. He froze when he saw the customers. "Oh. Humans."


    Thomas gasped. "A familiar! The legends were true!"


    Fenrir puffed up slightly at the recognition. "Yes, yes, I''m quite magnificent. No need to make a fuss."


    Lily giggled, momentarily distracted from her condition. "Puppy!" she exclaimed.


    The wolf''s golden eyes narrowed. "I am not a ''puppy.'' I am an ancient mystical entity of great power and dignity."


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    "Can I pet you?" Lily asked, completely unfazed.


    Fenrir opened his mouth to object, then looked at the flowering child and seemed to reconsider. "Fine. But only because you''re sick." He sauntered over and positioned himself next to the counter where Lily could reach his fur.


    While the wolf distracted the girl, Yuki gathered the ingredients for the antidote. Milda continued to direct her, pointing out items and correcting her technique.


    "You''ll need the copper cauldron for this one, not the iron," the ghost instructed. "Magical transformations require copper to reverse properly."


    Yuki hauled the copper cauldron onto the hearth and lit the fire beneath it with matches she found in a drawer.


    "No, no, no!" Milda exclaimed. "You don''t use matches! Use the firestarting spell!"


    "I don''t know any spells," Yuki hissed quietly.


    "Hmph. Youngsters these days, always taking shortcuts." The ghost shook her head disapprovingly. "Very well. Matches will work, but it won''t be as potent."


    Following the recipe and Milda''s instructions, Yuki added the ingredients one by one. The mixture bubbled and changed colors¡ªfrom clear to blue to purple and finally settling on a shimmering silver.


    "Now three clockwise stirs followed by one counterclockwise," Milda directed. "And recite the incantation."


    "What incantation?" Yuki whispered.


    "Bottom of the page, dear. Do try to keep up."


    Yuki looked at the recipe again and found unfamiliar words scribbled at the bottom. She read them aloud uncertainly: "Florescentia reverso, corporis normalis restoro."


    The potion sparked and released a puff of silver smoke shaped like a flower that quickly dissipated.


    "I think it worked," Yuki said, surprised.


    "Of course it worked," Milda sniffed. "My recipes always work when followed correctly."


    Yuki carefully ladled some of the silver liquid into a cup and brought it to Lily.


    "This might taste a little strange," she warned, "but it will help with the... flowers."


    Lily looked dubiously at the potion. "Will it hurt?"


    "It shouldn''t," Yuki said, hoping she was right. She glanced at Milda, who nodded encouragingly. "It might tingle a bit."


    "Be brave, flower bud," Fenrir said unexpectedly, nudging the girl''s hand with his nose. "I''ll let you scratch behind my ears after you drink it."


    That seemed to convince her. Lily took the cup and, after a moment''s hesitation, drank the potion. Her face scrunched up at the taste.


    "Yucky," she declared.


    For a moment, nothing happened. Then Lily began to glow faintly with silver light. The purple color slowly receded from her skin, and the flowers in her hair wilted, the stems withdrawing back into her scalp. Within minutes, she looked like a normal little girl again, albeit with a few flower petals still stuck in her blonde hair.


    Thomas let out a cry of relief and hugged his daughter tightly. "Thank you, Witch! Thank you!"


    "You''re welcome," Yuki said, genuinely relieved the potion had worked. "But maybe keep her away from strange berries in the future."


    "I will, I promise." Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch. "For your services."


    Yuki hesitated, then accepted the pouch. Inside were several silver coins of unfamiliar design.


    "One more thing," she said. "She should drink plenty of water today, and if you notice any lingering symptoms¡ªeven small ones¡ªbring her back immediately."


    The advice was standard for any medication, but it felt right to say it. Thomas nodded seriously, then helped his daughter down from the counter.


    "The village will be overjoyed to know you''ve truly returned," he said, bowing slightly. "We''ve missed having a proper witch."


    After they left, Yuki sagged against the counter, the adrenaline rush fading.


    "I can''t believe that worked," she admitted.


    "Of course it worked," Milda said. "It was my recipe."


    Fenrir stretched lazily. "Not bad for your first day. Though you could work on your bedside manner. And your spell pronunciation was terrible."


    Yuki ran a hand through her hair. "I don''t know anything about spells or potions or magical berries. How am I supposed to be the village witch?"


    "You just were the village witch," Fenrir pointed out. "Successfully, I might add."


    "But that was with Milda''s help! I can''t keep pretending I know what I''m doing."


    Milda drifted over to the recipe book. "That''s why you study, dear. No one becomes a master witch overnight." She patted the book with a transparent hand. "Everything you need to know is in here. The basics, at least."


    Yuki picked up the book doubtfully. "And what happens when someone comes in with a problem that isn''t in this book?"


    "Then you improvise," Fenrir said, jumping onto the counter and sitting down. "That''s what witches do. They experiment. They try things. Sometimes they explode things, which is always entertaining."


    "Great," Yuki muttered. "Potential explosions. Just what I needed."


    She opened the pouch Thomas had given her and examined the silver coins. They were stamped with a crescent moon on one side and what looked like a plant on the other.


    "These are moonstones," Milda explained. "Ten moonstones is a standard fee for a simple remedy. More complex potions can cost up to fifty."


    "And what am I supposed to do with magical currency?" Yuki asked. "It''s not like I can use it back in my world."


    Fenrir and Milda exchanged a glance.


    "What?" Yuki asked, noticing their look.


    "Nothing," Fenrir said too quickly. "Just... you might want to hold onto those. For supplies and food and such."


    Before Yuki could press for more information, the shop door opened with a cheerful jingling of bells. A tall, lean young man with auburn hair and spectacles stepped inside, dressed in an elaborate blue and gold outfit that screamed "important person." He carried a leather satchel filled with books and scrolls, and his sharp green eyes instantly focused on Yuki with unnerving intensity.


    "Fascinating," he said instead of a normal greeting. "So it''s true. The Witch of Remedies has returned."


    Milda let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh, great. The royal pain in the cauldron is here."


    "Who¡ª" Yuki began.


    The man strode forward and bowed with a flourish. "Prince Elias Valerian of the Western Kingdoms, Royal Court Alchemist and Third Son of King Alaric. At your service, honored witch."


    Yuki blinked. "A prince?"


    "A pain," Fenrir muttered, just loud enough for Yuki to hear.


    Elias straightened up and adjusted his spectacles. "Word traveled quickly about your arrival. A witch who can cure Moonglow Syndrome in minutes? Most impressive." He peered at her with scientific curiosity. "Though you''re not what I expected. Your attire is most unusual."


    Yuki became acutely aware that she was still in her rumpled scrubs from yesterday, her hair uncombed, probably with dark circles under her eyes.


    "I wasn''t exactly expecting visitors," she said stiffly.


    "Oh, this isn''t a social call," Elias clarified, pulling a notebook from his satchel. "This is research. The Royal Academy of Alchemy has been documenting magical practitioners for generations. I''d like to interview you about your methods, your background, your power sources..." He flipped open the notebook, pen poised. "Let''s start with your full name and place of origin."


    "I, uh¡ª"


    "She doesn''t have to tell you anything, you nosy royal brat," Milda huffed, though only Yuki could hear her.


    "The Witch has just returned and already treated a patient," Fenrir interjected, much to Yuki''s surprise. "She isn''t taking interviews at the moment."


    Elias'' eyebrows rose as he regarded the wolf. "A speaking familiar. Even more fascinating." He made a note in his book. "Is it true you can detect magical auras? Transform into other creatures? Channel elemental forces?"


    Fenrir snorted. "Wouldn''t you like to know."


    "Indeed I would," Elias said earnestly, missing the sarcasm entirely. "The Academy''s records on magical familiars are woefully incomplete."


    Yuki felt a headache coming on. "Look, Your Highness¡ª"


    "Elias, please."


    "¡ªElias. As my... familiar said, I''ve just returned and I''m still getting settled. I''m not ready for interviews or research or whatever it is you''re hoping for."


    The prince looked disappointed but nodded. "Of course, of course. The rigors of interdimensional travel must be exhausting." He closed his notebook but didn''t leave. Instead, he began wandering around the shop, examining jars and equipment with obvious fascination.


    "Is there something else you needed?" Yuki asked pointedly.


    "Hmm? Oh! Yes, actually." Elias rummaged in his satchel and produced a sealed letter. "An invitation. The village is holding a welcome feast in your honor tomorrow evening. As the royal representative currently in the area, I was asked to deliver it personally."


    Yuki took the letter reluctantly. "A feast? That''s really not necessary."


    "Oh, but it is!" Elias insisted. "The return of the Witch of Remedies is cause for great celebration. The entire village will attend." He pushed his spectacles up his nose. "And I admit I''m personally quite eager to observe how you interact with the local magical currents. The confluence of ley lines beneath Moonflower Hollow is quite unique, you know."


    "Uh-huh," Yuki said noncommittally.


    Elias finally seemed to notice her discomfort. "But that can wait, of course. You should rest and prepare." He gathered his things and headed for the door but paused before leaving. "One question, though, if I may?"


    Yuki sighed. "Just one."


    "Your world¡ªis it true there are no magical creatures there? No spells or enchantments?" His eyes were wide with genuine curiosity. "I can''t imagine such a place."


    The question caught her off guard. "That''s... correct. No magic. Just science and technology."


    "Remarkable," Elias breathed. "A world without magic. I have so many questions about how such a place functions." He seemed to catch himself. "But those can wait. Until tomorrow, Witch." With a formal bow, he finally departed.


    The moment the door closed, Yuki collapsed onto a nearby stool.


    "What have I gotten myself into?" she groaned. "Magical illnesses, nosy princes, village feasts..."


    "Just an average day in the life of a witch," Fenrir said, jumping down from the counter to paw at a cabinet. "Now, about breakfast..."


    Milda drifted over to Yuki. "You did well with your first patient. Perhaps you have more aptitude for this than you think."


    "I just followed your recipe," Yuki pointed out.


    "Yes, but you executed it correctly. Not everyone can manage that, even with instructions." The ghost smiled faintly. "Old Milda''s potions are delicate things. They respond to the brewer''s intent as much as the ingredients."


    Yuki wasn''t sure what to make of that. She looked down at the invitation in her hand, then at the pouch of moonstones, then at the recipe book.


    "I still don''t understand why I''m here," she said quietly. "Why would a magic shop from another world kidnap a pharmacist from Tokyo?"


    Fenrir, who had somehow managed to open the cabinet and was nosing through its contents, paused. "Magic always has reasons, even if they aren''t obvious at first."


    "Very profound," Milda said dryly. "Now stop getting your furry nose all over my dried herbs."


    As they bickered, Yuki walked to the shop window and looked out at the village. People were going about their morning routines¡ªopening market stalls, sweeping doorsteps, chatting with neighbors. It was peaceful, quaint, and utterly foreign to her.


    Yet somehow, the potion shop felt... right. Despite the strangeness, despite her lack of magical knowledge, something about being here resonated with her in a way her sterile pharmacy never had.


    "I guess I''m staying for the feast," she said finally. "But I''m going to need some clothes that don''t scream ''kidnapped from another dimension.''"


    Milda brightened. "Oh! My old wardrobe is still upstairs! Second drawer in the bedroom."


    Yuki wasn''t sure how she felt about wearing a dead witch''s clothes, but it was better than attending a village feast in scrubs. As she headed upstairs to investigate, she heard Fenrir call after her:


    "Bring back food! A mystical entity requires sustenance!"


    For the first time since arriving, Yuki found herself smiling. Maybe being the Witch of Remedies wouldn''t be so bad after all.


    At least until she figured out how to get home¡ªif she even wanted to.

 Chapter 3: A Feast of Complications

    Yuki stood in front of the cracked mirror in Milda''s bedroom, trying to make sense of her reflection. The woman staring back at her wore a simple dark green dress with practical pockets and a fitted bodice, her short black hair freshly washed and combed. She looked like she belonged in this world, which was... unsettling.


    "You look almost presentable," Milda commented, hovering nearby. "Though in my day, proper witches wore their hair long. More dignified."


    "Well, in my day, proper pharmacists wear their hair however they want," Yuki retorted, smoothing the unfamiliar fabric. The dress fit surprisingly well, if a bit snug around the bust. "Are you sure this is appropriate for a village feast?"


    "Of course it is. That''s my third-best festival dress." The ghost circled Yuki critically. "You should wear the pendant too. In the jewelry box on the dresser."


    Yuki sighed but went to look. Inside the dusty wooden box, she found a simple silver pendant shaped like a mortar and pestle. "Really? That''s a bit on the nose, isn''t it?"


    "It''s the symbol of your position," Milda insisted. "The Witch of Remedies always wears it at official functions."


    Reluctantly, Yuki put on the necklace. It felt unexpectedly warm against her skin.


    "Now you''re starting to look the part," Milda said with approval.


    "Great," Yuki muttered. "All I need now is actual magical knowledge to back up the outfit."


    "You did fine yesterday," Fenrir commented from where he lounged on her bed. The wolf had claimed the best spot on the mattress and refused to move, even when Yuki tried to change clothes. She''d eventually given up and used the washroom instead.


    "I got lucky with the moonglow cure," Yuki said. "What happens when someone comes in with something that''s not in the book?"


    "Then you experiment," Fenrir yawned. "That''s what witches do."


    "Experimenting in pharmacy usually leads to lawsuits or death," Yuki pointed out. "Or both."


    "Details, details." The wolf stretched lazily. "Are you going to bring me back anything from this feast? I''m thinking roast lamb. Or venison. Or both."


    "I''m not smuggling food out of a celebration in my honor," Yuki said, though the very concept of a feast celebrating her still felt absurd.


    A knock at the shop door downstairs interrupted their conversation.


    "That''ll be your escort," Milda said. "The village elder always accompanies the witch to official functions."


    Yuki took a deep breath. "Okay. Let''s get this over with."


    "Such enthusiasm," Fenrir remarked dryly. "Truly, you embody the dignity of witchcraft."


    "You''re not helping." Yuki headed for the stairs, then paused. "Are you coming?"


    The wolf considered this. "Will there be food scraps thrown my way if I accompany the honored witch?"


    "Probably."


    "Then yes." Fenrir hopped off the bed and trotted to her side. "I shall grace the villagers with my magnificent presence."


    Downstairs, Yuki found Hazel waiting at the door, dressed in what was clearly her finest outfit¡ªa blue dress with embroidered flowers and a matching shawl.


    "Oh, my dear!" Hazel exclaimed when she saw Yuki. "You look just like¡ª" She stopped herself. "Well, you look very nice. And you''re wearing the pendant! Perfect."


    "Thank you for coming to get me," Yuki said. "I''m not sure I could find the feast on my own."


    "It''s in the village square," Hazel explained. "Everyone''s been cooking all day. We haven''t had a proper celebration in years¡ªnot since Old Milda passed."


    As they walked through the village, Yuki tried to ignore the stares and whispers that followed her. Children peeked from behind their parents'' legs, pointing at her and especially at Fenrir, who strutted alongside her like royalty.


    "Is that a wolf?" Yuki heard someone whisper.


    "It''s her familiar," another voice replied. "The legends said the Witch''s familiar was a creature of the night sky."


    Fenrir''s ears perked up at this, and he somehow managed to look even more smug.


    The village square had been transformed. Long tables formed a U-shape around a central space where a fire pit blazed. Lanterns hung from poles and nearby trees, casting a warm glow over everything. Every villager seemed to be present, dressed in their best clothes, and the tables were loaded with food¡ªroast meats, vegetables, breads, and pies.


    "There she is!" someone called as Yuki approached. A cheer went up from the gathered villagers.


    Yuki forced a smile, fighting the urge to turn and run back to the shop. This was all too much. She wasn''t a witch, she wasn''t their savior, and she definitely didn''t deserve a feast.


    "Just smile and nod," Fenrir murmured. "Humans love that."


    Hazel led her to a place of honor at the center table, where the village officials were seated. To Yuki''s dismay, Prince Elias was already there, his formal blue and gold attire even more elaborate than yesterday. Next to him sat a portly man with a impressive mustache who wore a chain of office around his neck.


    "Witch," the portly man said, standing to bow deeply. "I am Mayor Thistleton. It is my great honor to welcome you to our humble celebration."


    "Thank you," Yuki said, taking the seat Hazel indicated. "This is... overwhelming."


    "Nonsense!" the mayor boomed. "Nothing is too good for the Witch of Remedies. Your return brings hope to our village." He clapped his hands, and servers began bringing out more dishes. "Let the feast begin!"


    The food was simple but delicious¡ªhearty stews, fresh bread, roasted vegetables, and sweet pastries. Yuki found herself genuinely hungry for the first time since arriving in this world. Fenrir settled under the table, where villagers "discreetly" passed him choice bits of meat.


    "I must say," Prince Elias said, leaning toward Yuki, "you seem to be adapting remarkably well. Most interdimensional travelers experience severe disorientation for weeks."


    "I''m still plenty disoriented," Yuki assured him, taking a sip of what turned out to be surprisingly good apple cider.


    "Yet you successfully treated a case of Moonglow Syndrome on your first day." Elias pushed his spectacles up his nose. "Most impressive. The standard treatment takes days, yet yours worked in minutes."


    Yuki shifted uncomfortably. "I just followed a recipe."


    "Ah, but whose recipe? Old Milda''s?" Elias leaned closer, his voice dropping. "The Royal Academy has been trying to obtain her formula for years."


    "That''s probably why she never shared it," Yuki replied, trying to deflect.


    Elias laughed. "Touch¨¦! Witches and their secrets, always a fascinating dynamic." He filled her cup with more cider. "Perhaps we could discuss a cultural exchange? Your world''s knowledge for ours?"


    Before Yuki could answer, a gangly teenage boy approached the table, carrying a silver pitcher. He had the mayor''s same round face and prominent nose, though his expression was far less jovial.


    "Percy!" Mayor Thistleton said. "Come meet our guest of honor. This is my son, Percival."


    The boy gave a stiff bow. "An honor, Witch." His tone suggested it was anything but.


    "Percy is apprenticed to our local blacksmith," the mayor explained proudly. "Though he''s always been more interested in potions and remedies. Used to hang around Old Milda''s shop all the time as a boy."


    "Dad," Percy hissed, clearly embarrassed.


    "What? It''s true! Always mixing things, this one." The mayor turned to Yuki. "Perhaps he could learn from you?"


    Yuki noticed Percy''s face redden further. "Maybe someday," she said diplomatically. "When I''m more settled."


    Percy placed the pitcher on the table with a bit more force than necessary. "I made the cider," he said. "Special recipe."


    "It''s delicious," Yuki offered.


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    Percy just nodded curtly and walked away.


    "You''ll have to excuse Percy," the mayor said with a sigh. "He''s at that difficult age."


    "Teenagers are the same in every world, it seems," Yuki remarked, which earned a chuckle from the mayor.


    As the feast continued, villagers approached Yuki one by one, introducing themselves and often mentioning ailments they hoped she might treat. Yuki tried to be noncommittal, painfully aware of her limited knowledge. She spotted Thomas, the baker, with his daughter Lily, who waved enthusiastically.


    After the main courses were cleared, the mayor rose to make a speech.


    "Friends and neighbors," he began, his voice carrying across the square. "Today marks a momentous occasion for Moonflower Hollow. After fifty years without the wisdom and healing of our cherished witch, the prophecy has finally been fulfilled!"


    Cheers erupted from the crowd. Yuki wanted to sink under the table.


    "The return of the Witch of Remedies means renewed health and prosperity for our village," the mayor continued. "No longer will we need to travel for days to seek magical healing. No longer will our children suffer from enchanted mishaps without remedy!"


    More cheers. Yuki took a large gulp of cider.


    "And to commemorate this joyous occasion," the mayor went on, "my son has prepared a special toast. Percy?"


    Percy returned, carrying a tray of small cups filled with a silvery liquid that looked disturbingly familiar to Yuki.


    "Is that¡ª" she began.


    "A variation on your moonglow remedy," Percy announced, not meeting her eyes. "I observed your work yesterday and was... inspired."


    Alarm bells rang in Yuki''s head. "Wait, you did what?"


    But Percy was already distributing the cups to the head table.


    "To the Witch of Remedies!" Mayor Thistleton declared, raising his cup. "May her presence bring blessing to Moonflower Hollow!"


    "Wait!" Yuki tried to say, but it was too late. The mayor downed his cup in one gulp, as did several others at the table.


    For a moment, nothing happened. Yuki began to hope that perhaps Percy had simply made a harmless imitation.


    Then the mayor''s son collapsed face-first into his soup bowl.


    Gasps and cries erupted from the crowd. Yuki jumped to her feet as the mayor''s hands, gripping the edge of the table, began to transform before everyone''s eyes. His fingers elongated and turned brown, the skin hardening into bark as branches sprouted from his fingertips.


    "What''s happening?" someone screamed.


    Yuki rushed to the mayor, who stared in horror at his transforming arms. "Don''t panic," she said, though she was plenty panicked herself. "It''s a reaction to the potion."


    She spotted a familiar silver potion bottle on the table¡ªidentical to the one she''d used for Lily''s remedy, but clearly tampered with. And worse, as she surveyed the room, three more villagers who had drunk from the cups began showing similar symptoms¡ªskin turning wooden, fingers extending into branches.


    Apparently, someone had sabotaged her remedy¡ªand now everyone was watching to see if the new Witch of Remedies could fix a magical disaster unfolding in front of the entire village.


    "Fenrir," Yuki hissed urgently. "Get Milda. Now."


    The wolf was already on his feet. "On it." He dashed away toward the potion shop.


    "What''s happening to them?" Hazel asked, her face pale with fear.


    Yuki examined the mayor''s transforming arms. Unlike Lily''s floral symptoms, this looked more like the villagers were turning into trees. Branches continued to sprout from the mayor''s fingers, and his skin had taken on the texture of bark up to his elbows.


    "It''s a modified version of Moonglow Syndrome," Yuki said, trying to sound confident. "But more aggressive."


    Prince Elias appeared at her side, scientific curiosity temporarily overriding his alarm. "Fascinating. A cross-species transformation. The cellular reorganization must be¡ª"


    "Not now," Yuki snapped. She turned to Hazel. "I need to get back to my shop for supplies. Can you keep everyone calm?"


    "Of course, dear," Hazel said, though she looked anything but calm herself.


    "I''ll help," Elias offered, his expression becoming serious. "The Royal Academy has documented similar cases. Tree transformations usually spread slowly, so we have time, but we need to act before it reaches their vital organs."


    That was the most useful thing he''d said since they''d met. Yuki nodded gratefully.


    Percy, who had been pulled from his soup and was coughing on the ground, looked up with horror at what was happening. "I didn''t mean¡ª" he sputtered. "It wasn''t supposed to¡ª"


    "We''ll discuss what you meant later," Yuki said firmly. "Right now, I need to know exactly what you put in this potion."


    The boy looked terrified. "I just... I wanted to improve it. I added bark from the old oak tree at the forest edge. And... and some silver moss."


    Elias inhaled sharply. "Silver moss? From the Twilight Forest? That''s a powerful transformation catalyst!"


    "I thought it would make the remedy stronger," Percy said miserably.


    "Help me get the affected people to the shop," Yuki instructed, taking command of the situation despite her inner turmoil. "I need space to work."


    With Elias''s help, Yuki organized several strong villagers to carry the mayor and the other affected people toward the potion shop. The victims were conscious but increasingly distressed as the wooden transformation continued to spread up their arms.


    By the time they reached the shop, the mayor''s arms were completely wooden, branches extending a foot past his fingertips. Leaves were beginning to bud from the smaller twigs. The other victims showed similar symptoms, though not as advanced.


    Milda was waiting inside, looking more agitated than Yuki had seen her.


    "What in the seven moons happened?" the ghost demanded.


    "Percy decided to ''improve'' my moonglow remedy," Yuki explained quickly. "Added silver moss and oak bark."


    "That foolish boy!" Milda exclaimed. "Silver moss is never used in healing potions! It''s for woodland glamours and forest enchantments!"


    "How do we reverse it?" Yuki asked desperately.


    The villagers had laid the mayor and the others on blankets on the floor. More people crowded at the windows and door, trying to see what was happening.


    "You''ll need a reversal potion," Milda said, drifting to her recipe book. "Page one hundred and seventeen. Woodland Disentanglement."


    Yuki flipped to the page while Elias examined the victims more closely.


    "The transformation is accelerating," he reported. "The mayor''s chest is beginning to show signs of bark formation."


    The recipe for Woodland Disentanglement called for ingredients Yuki had never heard of¡ªdewdrops from a midnight bloom, essence of untransformation, bark of the reversed oak.


    "I don''t have half these things," she said in a low voice to Milda.


    "Check the emergency cabinet," the ghost instructed. "Behind the painting of the forest."


    Yuki hurried to the wall where a dusty landscape painting hung. She removed it to reveal a small cabinet built into the wall. Inside were dozens of tiny vials labeled in Milda''s neat handwriting. To her relief, she found "Essence of Untransformation" and "Reversed Oak Extract" among them.


    "What about dewdrops from a midnight bloom?" she asked Milda.


    "Regular dewdrops will work in a pinch," the ghost said. "But the potion won''t be as potent. You''ll need to strengthen it with your intent."


    "My what?"


    "Your will, dear. Your desire for the transformation to reverse. Magic responds to intent."


    Great. Now she needed to believe in herself, like some children''s fairy tale. But with four people turning into trees in her shop, Yuki didn''t have time to argue.


    She worked as quickly as she could, following Milda''s instructions while Elias and Fenrir kept the increasingly panicked villagers at bay. The wolf had positioned himself at the door, growling at anyone who tried to push their way in, while Elias explained the situation with scientific detachment that somehow managed to be reassuring.


    "The potion needs to come to a full boil," Milda instructed as Yuki mixed ingredients in the copper cauldron. "And remember to add the moonstone dust last."


    "Moonstone dust?" Yuki looked at the recipe. "That''s not listed here."


    "It''s not in the book because it''s expensive," Milda explained. "But for a case this severe, you''ll need it. Small black jar on the top shelf."


    Yuki found the jar and carefully added a pinch of the glittering powder to the bubbling mixture. The potion immediately changed color from murky brown to a clear, vibrant green.


    "Perfect," Milda said approvingly. "Now, as you ladle it out, focus your intent. Visualize the wood receding, the human form returning."


    Feeling slightly ridiculous but desperate to help, Yuki concentrated as she filled four cups with the green liquid. She thought about the bark smoothing back into skin, branches becoming fingers again. To her surprise, the potion seemed to pulse gently in response.


    "How exactly do they drink this?" Yuki asked, looking at the mayor whose mouth was starting to stiffen with wooden transformation.


    "They can still drink," Elias said, lifting the mayor''s head. "The internal transformation happens last. But we must hurry."


    With Elias''s help, Yuki administered the potion to all four victims. The mayor went first, choking slightly but managing to swallow the green liquid. The others followed suit.


    For a terrifying moment, nothing happened. Then the mayor gasped as the smallest branches on his fingertips began to recede. Slowly, the transformation reversed¡ªbranches shrinking, bark softening into skin, leaves withering and falling away.


    A collective sigh of relief went through the shop as the victims began to return to normal. It took nearly twenty minutes for the transformation to completely reverse, but eventually, all four were fully human again, albeit exhausted and shaken.


    "Thank the Crystal Moon," Mayor Thistleton breathed, examining his now-normal hands. "I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life as a potted plant."


    "You might have, if the witch hadn''t acted so quickly," Elias said, giving Yuki an appraising look. "That was most impressive spellwork."


    Percy pushed his way into the shop, his face streaked with tears. "Dad! I''m so sorry! I didn''t mean for this to happen!" He turned to Yuki. "And I''m sorry to you too, Witch. I just... I wanted to show I could do it too."


    The mayor''s expression softened slightly. "We''ll discuss this at home, Percy." He turned to Yuki. "I cannot thank you enough, Witch. You saved us."


    "Just doing my job," Yuki said weakly, suddenly feeling the exhaustion of the ordeal.


    As the victims were helped to their feet and the crowd began to disperse, Elias lingered behind.


    "That was no ordinary reversal potion," he said quietly. "I''ve studied transformation remedies for years, and I''ve never seen one work so quickly or completely."


    "I just followed a recipe," Yuki said, which was becoming her standard response.


    "Perhaps," Elias said, his green eyes studying her intently. "But there''s more to magic than just following recipes. There''s power and intent." He adjusted his spectacles. "You have both, whether you realize it or not."


    After everyone had finally left and Yuki had closed the shop door, she collapsed onto a stool, physically and emotionally drained.


    "Well," Fenrir said, sitting beside her, "that was quite a feast."


    "I didn''t even get dessert," Yuki complained weakly.


    Milda drifted over, looking unusually pleased. "You did well, child. Very well indeed. Your instincts are good."


    "It wasn''t instinct," Yuki protested. "It was panic and your instructions."


    "Call it what you will," the ghost said with a knowing smile, "but that potion responded to you. And that, my dear, is the beginning of real witchcraft."


    As if to underscore Milda''s point, a soft knock came at the door. Yuki groaned but went to answer it. Outside stood Hazel, holding a covered basket.


    "I thought you might want this," the village elder said, presenting the basket. "Since you missed dessert."


    Inside was an assortment of pastries, still warm, and a jar of honey. But beneath them was something else¡ªa bundle of herbs Yuki didn''t recognize.


    "What are these?" she asked, lifting the strange plants.


    "Midnight blooms," Hazel said with a smile. "For your supplies. They only grow in my garden, and only under the full moon." She patted Yuki''s hand. "Every witch needs proper ingredients."


    After Hazel left, Yuki stood in the doorway of the shop, looking out at the peaceful village night. Somewhere in the distance, she could hear villagers singing as they cleaned up after the interrupted feast.


    "I could have died in my bathroom in Tokyo," she said quietly. "Instead, I''m here, saving people from turning into trees."


    "Life is full of surprises," Fenrir agreed, eyeing the pastries in the basket.


    Yuki turned back to the shop¡ªher shop now, it seemed¡ªwith its mysterious bottles and ancient recipes and impossible magic.


    For the first time since arriving, she felt something unexpected. Not confusion or fear or even resignation, but a flicker of something warmer.


    Maybe, just maybe, she belonged here after all.

 Chapter 4: Open for Business

    Yuki woke to the sound of voices outside her shop.


    For a moment, she lay still in Milda''s old bed, hoping it was just a lingering dream from her world. Maybe she''d fallen asleep during her break at the pharmacy, and the voices were just customers waiting for their prescriptions.


    "There are fourteen people outside," Fenrir announced, jumping onto the foot of her bed. "I counted. One of them has a chicken in a basket. It smells delicious."


    So much for that hope. Yuki groaned and pulled the blanket over her head. "What time is it?"


    "Early," the wolf replied unhelpfully. "The sun''s barely up."


    Yuki peeked out from under the covers to see faint dawn light filtering through the bedroom window. "Why are there people here at sunrise?"


    "Word spread about your tree-reversal miracle last night," Fenrir said, starting his morning grooming routine. "Apparently, you''re a magical prodigy now."


    "Great," Yuki muttered, reluctantly pushing herself upright. Three days in this world, and she was already developing a reputation she couldn''t possibly live up to.


    She dressed quickly in another of Milda''s dresses¡ªa practical brown one with plenty of pockets¡ªand splashed water on her face from the basin in the washroom. As she headed downstairs, she could hear the voices more clearly now, an excited murmur punctuated by occasional laughter.


    Milda was already in the shop, floating near the window and peering through the dusty glass. "They''ve been arriving since before dawn," the ghost informed her. "Quite the queue."


    Yuki peeked through the curtains. Sure enough, a line of villagers stretched from her door halfway down the street. They carried baskets, jars, and in one case, a squirming burlap sack. Most were chatting amiably, as if waiting in line for a popular restaurant rather than magical remedies.


    "I can''t help all these people," Yuki said, panic rising in her throat. "I barely managed last night, and that was with your step-by-step instructions."


    "Nonsense," Milda replied briskly. "You''ve performed admirably so far. Besides, most of them probably have simple problems¡ªwarts, love troubles, minor curses. Standard witch business."


    "Love troubles?" Yuki repeated. "I can''t fix relationship problems with potions! That''s what therapists are for."


    "You''d be surprised," Fenrir remarked, joining them downstairs. "A little confidence potion, a drop of clarity elixir... works wonders."


    Yuki took a deep breath. "Okay. I''ll just... tell them I''m not taking patients yet. That I need more time to settle in."


    "And disappoint all those hopeful faces?" Milda said. "A witch never turns away those in need. It''s the first rule of magical practice."


    "I thought the first rule was ''do no harm,''" Yuki muttered.


    "That''s doctors," Fenrir corrected. "Witches can do plenty of harm if necessary. But preferably don''t."


    Yuki glanced around the shop, which was still in disarray from last night''s emergency. The cauldron needed cleaning, ingredients were scattered across the counter, and she had no system in place for treating patients. But the hopeful faces outside her window made her resolve weaken.


    "Fine," she sighed. "I''ll see what they want. But I''m not promising anything."


    She straightened her dress, ran a hand through her hair, and opened the shop door.


    The conversations immediately hushed as all eyes turned to her. Then, to Yuki''s surprise, several people bowed deeply.


    "Witch of Remedies," an elderly man at the front of the line said reverently. "We seek your wisdom and healing."


    "Um, good morning," Yuki managed. "I... wasn''t expecting so many visitors."


    "Word of your miracle cure spread through the village," a middle-aged woman explained. "How you saved the mayor from becoming a maple tree!"


    "It was more like an oak, actually," Yuki corrected automatically, then mentally kicked herself. "I mean, yes, I helped with that. But I''m still getting organized here."


    "We can wait," the elderly man assured her, and murmurs of agreement rippled through the line. "Take all the time you need."


    Yuki realized they weren''t going anywhere. With a resigned nod, she retreated back into the shop to prepare, leaving the door ajar.


    "They''re treating me like some kind of magical celebrity," she hissed to Milda. "I can''t live up to this."


    "Of course you can," Milda said confidently. "Start with the basics. Clean the shop, organize your supplies, create a workspace. Efficiency is essential for a busy practice."


    Despite her anxiety, Yuki found herself following the ghost''s advice. She cleaned the cauldron, wiped down the counters, and arranged her herbs and remedies in a more logical order. She set up a small waiting area with the shop''s only two chairs and cleared the main counter for consultations.


    When she finally reopened the door properly, she felt marginally more prepared. "I''ll see you one at a time," she announced to the waiting villagers. "Starting with... you, sir."


    The elderly man from the front of the line shuffled in, clutching his hat to his chest. Fenrir positioned himself regally by the counter, earning wide-eyed stares from everyone who caught a glimpse inside.


    "Name?" Yuki asked, trying to sound professional.


    "Tobias Wheatley, ma''am. I farm the north fields." He twisted his hat nervously. "It''s my cow, you see. Bessie."


    "What seems to be the problem with Bessie?"


    Tobias leaned forward and lowered his voice. "She''s speaking in riddles. Started two days ago. Won''t give a straight answer about anything."


    Yuki blinked. "Your cow... talks?"


    "Well, not normally," Tobias said, as if this clarified everything. "But she ate some of those purple flowers that grow near the fairy stones, and since then, it''s nothing but riddles. Can''t understand a word she''s saying. Makes milking time very awkward."


    Yuki glanced at Milda, who was hovering nearby.


    "Riddlefern poisoning," the ghost supplied helpfully. "Common problem with livestock. Page forty-two."


    Yuki flipped through the recipe book while Tobias waited patiently. Sure enough, there was an entry titled "Riddlefern Antidote (For Livestock)" with a detailed recipe and illustrations of the purple flowers in question.


    "I think I can help with this," Yuki said, surprised at her own confidence. "It''ll take about an hour to prepare the remedy."


    Tobias beamed. "Bless you, Witch! What do I owe you?"


    Yuki hesitated, still uncomfortable with the idea of charging for services she barely understood. "Let''s say... five moonstones?" She glanced at Milda, who nodded approvingly.


    "A fair price," Tobias agreed, placing the silver coins on the counter. "I''ll return this afternoon for the remedy."


    As Tobias left, the next patient entered¡ªa frazzled-looking mother with two young boys, one of whom seemed perfectly normal while the other''s shadow was unmistakably dancing on the wall, completely out of sync with the child''s movements.


    "It''s been three days," the mother explained wearily. "Ever since he jumped over the old wishing well at midnight on a dare." She glared at the other boy, who looked appropriately guilty. "His shadow won''t stop dancing, even when he''s standing still. The neighbors are complaining about the shadow-noise at night."


    "Shadow-noise?" Yuki asked.


    "Like tap dancing, but squeakier," the woman clarified.


    Yuki consulted with Milda again. The ghost directed her to a recipe for "Shadow Binding Tincture," which required moonlight-infused water and a personal item from the affected person.


    The morning continued in this bizarre fashion. After the shadow-dancing boy came a gardener whose vegetables had started singing lullabies at sunset, a young woman whose hair changed color with her emotions, and a baker whose bread kept rearranging itself into messages he couldn''t read.


    For each problem, Milda guided Yuki to the appropriate remedy in her recipe book. Some were simple, requiring just a few common ingredients. Others were more complex, involving precise timing or unusual components that Yuki had to search for among Milda''s extensive collection.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    By midday, Yuki had a counter full of remedies in progress and a growing list of patients to return later. Fenrir had made himself useful by entertaining the waiting villagers'' children with "magical" tricks that mostly involved looking impressive and occasionally allowing the braver ones to touch his starry fur.


    Just as Yuki was about to take a break for lunch, the door opened to admit a familiar face¡ªPrince Elias, royal satchel in hand, looking far too eager.


    "Good day, Witch of Remedies," he greeted with a formal bow. "I see business is booming."


    Yuki suppressed a groan. "Prince Elias. What brings you here?"


    "Professional interest," he replied, adjusting his spectacles. "After your remarkable demonstration last night, the Royal Academy would be remiss not to document your methods." He patted his satchel. "With your permission, of course."


    "I''m quite busy, as you can see," Yuki gestured to the cluttered shop and the line still waiting outside.


    "All the better!" Elias exclaimed. "I can observe you in your natural environment, dealing with a variety of magical ailments. The Academy has never had the opportunity to study a witch from another world before."


    "I''m not a specimen," Yuki said irritably.


    "Of course not," Elias backpedaled. "You''re a colleague. A fellow practitioner of the arcane arts." He smiled hopefully. "Perhaps we could even collaborate? I have some experience with alchemical remedies."


    Before Yuki could refuse, the door burst open and Percy, the mayor''s son, stumbled in, out of breath and wild-eyed.


    "Witch!" he gasped. "You have to come quick! It''s the baker''s daughter¡ªLily. Something''s gone wrong with her again!"


    Yuki felt a chill. "Lily? What happened?"


    "She was fine after your remedy, but this morning, she started saying strange things. Talking about ''the whispers from the old tree'' and ''the moon''s secret name.''" Percy swallowed hard. "And now she''s... she''s started glowing. Like, actually glowing blue."


    "Where is she?" Yuki was already reaching for her remedy bag¡ªa practical satchel she''d found in Milda''s closet.


    "Her father took her to the old oak at the edge of the forest," Percy explained. "She insisted. Said ''the tree was calling her.''"


    "The old oak?" Elias interjected, his scholarly interest piqued. "That''s on a ley line convergence point. Highly magical. This is most¡ª"


    "Not now," Yuki cut him off. She turned to Fenrir. "I need you with me."


    The wolf, who had been pretending to nap, was immediately on his feet. "Finally, some action."


    Yuki addressed the waiting patients. "I''m sorry, but I have an emergency. Please come back tomorrow."


    There were disappointed murmurs but no protests. Medical emergencies, it seemed, were respected in any world.


    Milda floated to Yuki''s side. "Take my emergency kit," she advised. "Small red box under the counter. For magical surges."


    Yuki found the box¡ªa carved wooden container filled with tiny vials of brightly colored liquids, each neatly labeled. She added it to her bag and hurried out, with Fenrir at her heels and, unfortunately, Prince Elias following close behind.


    "I do have some expertise in magical fluxes," Elias insisted as they rushed through the village. "The Academy''s research on ley line disturbances is quite extensive."


    "Fine," Yuki conceded. If Lily was in danger, she needed all the help she could get¡ªeven from an overeager royal academic.


    They reached the edge of the forest quickly. The oak tree Percy had mentioned was enormous¡ªeasily hundreds of years old, with a massive trunk and branches that seemed to reach for the sky. A small crowd had gathered around it, keeping a respectful distance. Yuki spotted Thomas the baker among them, his face etched with fear.


    "Where is she?" Yuki asked, pushing through the crowd.


    Thomas pointed upward. "She climbed up there. Won''t come down. Says the tree is teaching her things."


    Yuki looked up and felt her stomach drop. Lily sat on a high branch, at least thirty feet above the ground. The little girl was indeed glowing¡ªa soft blue light emanated from her skin, pulsing gently like a heartbeat. Her eyes were closed, and she appeared to be whispering to herself.


    "How long has she been like this?" Yuki asked.


    "Almost an hour," Thomas said, his voice breaking. "She''s never climbed trees before. She''s afraid of heights! But she just... walked up to it and started climbing like she''d done it a thousand times."


    Yuki turned to Elias. "You mentioned ley lines. Could this be related to the moonglow berries she ate earlier?"


    The prince was already examining the area, pacing in a wide circle around the tree. "Possibly. Moonglow berries absorb magical energy from their environment. This tree sits at a confluence of at least three ley lines." He pointed to the ground, though Yuki couldn''t see anything unusual. "The magical resonance here is extremely high."


    "In normal person terms, please," Yuki pressed.


    "The tree is magic, the berries were magic, and the child still had magic in her system," Fenrir translated bluntly. "Bad combination."


    "Precisely," Elias agreed, apparently unperturbed by receiving confirmation from a talking wolf. "The remnants of the moonglow essence in her body must have reactivated when she came near this power source."


    "So how do we help her?" Thomas demanded.


    Yuki opened her remedy bag, searching for inspiration. The red emergency box seemed her best option, but none of the labels specifically mentioned "child glowing in magical tree."


    "Can we climb up and get her?" she asked.


    Thomas shook his head. "I tried. The trunk became too slippery. Like it was coated in oil."


    "The tree is protecting her," Elias observed. "Or keeping her. Hard to say which."


    Yuki thought quickly. "Fenrir, can you climb up there?"


    The wolf looked affronted. "I''m a mystical entity, not a squirrel."


    "You''re the only one with claws," Yuki pointed out.


    Fenrir sighed dramatically. "Fine. But you owe me extra treats." He approached the tree, sniffed it suspiciously, then began to climb, his claws digging into the bark. Surprisingly agile for his size, he made steady progress upward.


    While Fenrir climbed, Yuki searched Milda''s emergency kit for anything useful. Among the vials, she found one labeled "Magical Dampening Solution" with a note: "For excess magical absorption. Three drops on the tongue."


    "This might work," she said, showing it to Elias. "If she''s absorbed too much magical energy from the tree or the ley lines, this could suppress it."


    The prince examined the vial with interest. "The coloration suggests phoenix tears as a base. Powerful nullifying agent." He nodded. "It''s worth trying."


    Above them, Fenrir had reached Lily''s branch. The wolf approached the girl cautiously, speaking to her in a low voice that didn''t carry down to them. Lily, eyes still closed, turned toward him as if listening.


    "What''s he saying to her?" Thomas asked anxiously.


    "I don''t know," Yuki admitted. "But he seems to be connecting with her."


    After a moment, Lily reached out and placed her small hand on Fenrir''s head. The blue glow surrounding her seemed to dim slightly at the contact.


    "The familiar is absorbing some of the excess energy," Elias observed. "Fascinating."


    Fenrir carefully nudged the girl, guiding her to hold onto his fur. Then, with agonizing slowness, he began leading her back toward the trunk. Lily followed in a trance-like state, her movements precise despite her closed eyes.


    "He''s bringing her down," Yuki said, relief flooding her voice. "Everyone stand back and give them space."


    The descent took much longer than the climb, with Fenrir constantly looking back to ensure Lily was secure. When they finally reached the lower branches, Thomas rushed forward, arms outstretched to receive his daughter.


    The moment Lily''s feet touched the ground, her eyes flew open. They were glowing the same eerie blue as her skin.


    "The roots go deeper than anyone knows," she said in a voice too mature for her small body. "The old ones sleep beneath the forest floor."


    "Lily?" Thomas reached for her, but hesitated, afraid to touch the glowing child.


    Yuki uncorked the Magical Dampening Solution. "Lily, I need you to take this medicine. It will help with the glowing."


    The girl turned to Yuki, her luminous eyes seeming to look through rather than at her. "The witch who isn''t a witch," she said cryptically. "The shop chose well."


    A chill ran down Yuki''s spine. Before she could respond, Fenrir butted his head against Lily''s side.


    "Enough cryptic nonsense, small human," the wolf said gruffly. "Take the medicine so we can all go home."


    Something in his no-nonsense tone seemed to reach the girl. She blinked, and for a moment, her eyes looked normal again. "My head feels funny," she said in her regular child''s voice.


    Yuki seized the opportunity, stepping forward with the vial. "Three drops of this will make it better. Open up."


    Lily obediently opened her mouth, and Yuki carefully administered three drops of the solution onto her tongue. The effect was almost immediate. The blue glow pulsed once, twice, then began to fade from her skin. Her eyes returned to their normal blue color, and she swayed slightly on her feet.


    Thomas caught her as she stumbled, gathering her into a tight hug. "Lily! Are you all right?"


    The girl looked confused. "Papa? Why are we at the big tree? I was having such a strange dream."


    "What kind of dream, kiddo?" Fenrir asked, sitting back on his haunches.


    Lily''s eyes widened at the talking wolf, but she answered readily enough. "I dreamed the tree was telling me secrets. About the forest and the stars and... old things sleeping underground." She frowned. "It''s getting fuzzy now."


    Elias had been scribbling notes furiously in a small book. "Remarkable. The child was temporarily connected to the ancient consciousness residing in the oak. There are theories that the oldest trees in magical forests retain memories of¡ª"


    "Prince Elias," Yuki interrupted firmly. "Perhaps now isn''t the time."


    The prince looked up from his notes, taking in Thomas''s still-frightened expression and Lily''s confused one. "Ah. Yes. Of course." He put his notebook away. "My apologies."


    Yuki knelt down to examine Lily more closely. The girl''s color was returning to normal, and her pupils reacted properly when Yuki checked them. "How do you feel now? Any dizziness? Ringing in your ears?"


    Lily shook her head. "Just tired. And hungry."


    Thomas laughed shakily. "That''s my girl." He looked at Yuki with immense gratitude. "Thank you, Witch. Again."


    "You should keep her away from magical sites for a while," Yuki advised. "The moonglow essence should fully leave her system in a few days."


    "I''ll keep her home," Thomas promised. "No more forest adventures."


    As the crowd began to disperse, Yuki felt the adrenaline draining from her body, leaving her trembling slightly. This had been too close.


    "You handled that exceptionally well," Elias said, falling into step beside her as they headed back to the village. "The Academy''s records show that magical tree enthrallment usually lasts for days without intervention."


    "I got lucky with the right potion," Yuki said.


    "Luck had nothing to do with it," Fenrir countered, trotting alongside them. "You knew what to do and did it."


    Yuki glanced at the wolf. "Thanks for getting her down. That was... impressive."


    "Of course it was. I''m impressive by nature." Despite his haughty tone, Fenrir looked pleased.


    Back at the shop, Yuki was relieved to find the crowd had dispersed, though several remedies still sat half-completed on her counter. Milda materialized as soon as they entered.


    "Well? How is the child?" the ghost asked anxiously.


    "Recovering," Yuki reported. "Your Magical Dampening Solution worked perfectly."


    "Of course it did," Milda said, echoing Fenrir''s earlier confidence. "My emergency kit has saved countless lives over the years."


    Elias lingered in the doorway, clutching his satchel. "I should report this incident to the Academy. Tree enthrallment combined with moonglow exposure is an extremely rare occurrence."


    "Will your report mention me?" Yuki asked warily.


    "It would be remiss not to credit the practitioner who successfully treated the condition," Elias replied. Then, noting her expression, he added, "But I could perhaps omit some of the more... unique aspects of your methods."


    "I''d appreciate that," Yuki said sincerely.


    After Elias finally departed, Yuki collapsed onto a stool behind the counter, emotionally and physically drained. "Is every day going to be like this?"


    "Welcome to the life of a village witch," Milda said, not unsympathetically. "Some days are singing vegetables, other days are children possessed by ancient tree spirits."


    "Keeps things interesting," Fenrir added, curling up by the hearth. "Now, about those extra treats you promised..."


    Yuki looked around the shop¡ªat the half-finished remedies, the open recipe book, the emergency kit that had saved Lily''s life. This wasn''t what she had trained for. Pharmacy school hadn''t covered talking cows or glowing children.


    And yet, somehow, she was managing. More than managing¡ªshe was helping.


    "I should finish these," she said, gesturing to the remedies. "People will be coming back for them."


    "The Witch of Remedies is officially open for business, it seems," Milda observed with a hint of pride.


    Yuki nodded slowly. "I guess she is."