The Magical Saffron Flower

Once Upon a Time, there was a kingdom named Pots. This kingdom is known for its delicious foods. There are no words that one can express how eminent the food is. From savory to sweet, this kingdom has it all!

...

Pots is located in the corner of a planet named Saffron. The shape of Pots is so round, it almost looks like a plate. The kingdom is divided into two sections: The capital, Potto, and the Leftover Lands. These two sections are cleaved by a gate called the inner circle. Inside the inner circle is where all the magic lies. It is also a great tourist attraction. This place is where great food is displayed and eaten. Though this area is vast, only certain persons are allowed in: The tourists, the Fast Foodies, and Queen CheeseCake.

Her name might sound funny, but never...never...make fun of her surname. Anyone who does so will be sent directly to the dungeons for treason. Queen CheeseCake has sent a little boy to prison before. His name is Ollivander Feature. Ollivander was released from the prison a week later, but only because the tourists started asking about the rumors they have heard.

The inner-circle folks thought the Queen indeed snatched him for treason. The outer-circle people thought Ollivander did something reckless, like breaking a vase or wandering into her castle.

Ollivander Feature can tell you the real reasons.

Now, I shall tell you what is outside the inner circle. It is what the people call the Leftover Lands. These lands are made up of all the tourist attractions. Only Queen CheeseCake and her servants (including the guards) live in the inner circle. Food that is not wanted or needed in Potto is sent to the Leftover Lands. People in the outer make food out of the leftovers. That food is sent to Potto, so it can be displayed or eaten by the tourists. It keeps going in this cycle forever and ever. It never changes.

And let me tell you, the result of this was not very pretty. It came out nicely for the inner circle people, for they now have beautiful pasta buildings and gram cracker streets. The outer people now have mushy streets and soggy buildings. Their village is the most polluted on all the planet. The outer-circle people have learned to live with it because it is all they have.

Having something is better than nothing.

The kingdom of Pots is not only known for its food but also its Saffron flowers. This kingdom grows the greatest. People from all over the globe used to come to see these luscious flowers. These Saffrons are not your ordinary garden flowers. They have very rare powers. Once you eat the Saffron flower, it gives you what you want the most.

People no longer come to see the flowers, though. They have gone extinct. No one knows why or how.

Some have said that these Saffron flowers have a mind of their own. I can tell you that it is quite a fact because I am a Saffron flower myself.

I am Azafran, the one and only.

{Jazz Hands}

Well, technically, I am no longer the one and only, but you get the point.

So, please, go ahead and applaud….

Part...01

Ollivander is looking out the window. He is waiting for the kettle to go off. Today is the day he gets promoted from Inner Food Delivery to the Fast Foodies job. The Fast Foodies job meant he can travel outside the outer circle and into the inner circle. Ollivander wanted to go into the inner circle, even if it meant confronting the Queen CheeseCake again. Yes, it might sound a bit odd that he would like to go back, but Ollivander has always wanted to travel and explore...it was in his blood. His grandfather is a retired Fast Foodie and was once Queen CheeseCake's butler. This meant that he has seen and traveled all over Pots. Sometimes, when his grandfather would visit during tea time, he would tell Ollivander all about his adventures. Ollivander was so in love with the idea of it, he vowed to take the job of a Fast Foodie and explorer, just like his grandfather did.

Just as he tried to wander away, the kettle beamed from the stovetop. Ollivander quickly placed it on a mat next to the pampered teacups. His grandfather would be here any minute now. Ollivander sat by the window and watched as the little children played in the yard. He wished he could play in lush green fields with tall, brown trees. He has never gotten to do that. In fact, he has never seen grass before. He lives in the mushy Leftover Lands. This is one of the many reasons he would like to travel. His grandfather has told him many stories about the other kingdoms. Vessel kingdom was by far Ollivander’s favorite. His grandfather told him that it was a tiny island in the middle of the Great Salt Sea. The waters surrounding the island are crystal blue and are made up of tiny raspberry fish. Ollivander has always wanted to see a fish, especially a raspberry one!

But, Ollivander lives in Pots. And Pots is the only land that is polluted and dirty on all of the Saffron planets.

Ollivander’s spirit rises as he sees his best friend, Valerie Rose, walk down the street. Her curly, blonde hair falls down her back. Her cheeks are naturally pink because of the smoke in the air. She has a basket full of flowers in one arm and an envelope in the other. She is wearing a pale blue, victorian dress. Ollivander knew that Valerie was going to be sent to view probable suitors. That is the likely reason she is wearing such a fancy dress. Most people in the Leftover Lands wear tattered tunics, like him.

Valerie is from the inner circle, which explains her blonde hair and fair complexion. Her family had to move out when Queen CheeseCake took the throne. She is very different from the other girls in the outer circle. They love to braid hair and play with dolls. Not Valerie. She loves to run around the villages, exploring with Ollivander. She tends to get in trouble with her single-minded parents. They believe girls should have nice manners, never get dirty, and be well-educated. When Valerie turned 17 in December, her parents went on a wild search for the right suitor, or the right man to marry. She had proposed Ollivander, her long-lasting crush since she was 12. But her parents had obviously said no. They think he is a bad influence on her, always running around and getting dirty. What they don’t know is that she runs around with him, all the time. She just cleans herself up by tea time.

Ollivander is rather fond of Valerie. He always gets this strange feeling when he is around her. It makes him feel giddy and nervous but also excited. His grandfather called this feeling love. He says love is when you feel committed to someone. It is when you feel attracted, and all you do is want to be with that person. Ollivander did not feel committed. The children at the schoolyard called this feeling a foolish crush. Ollivander did not feel that way. He felt this feeling was invincible.

He simply felt...compelled to her.

They’re quite opposites, Valerie and Ollivander. Except for their love of adventure. Valerie is very mature, excels in school, and has great confidence. Ollivander, on the other hand, is obnoxious. In every way possible. He’s always out and about doing something improper. He was born and raised in the outer circle. His parents are always out to work, which leaves him alone most of the time. His wondrous imagination always gets him in trouble with the locals. Ollivander’s grandfather, who is well respected by most, usually comes and gets him out of trouble. His grandfather is much like a father figure to Ollivander. He looks up to him with great respect. In school, Ollivander is usually teased by the children his age. His grades are failing due to his tendency of daydreaming in class. Nevertheless, Ollivander takes whatever adventure possible. He has always dreamed of going to the fairytale world much like Neverland. Where the skies are a clear blue and the grass is green. His confidence level, though, is not at its highest. Ollivander gets nervous easily. But with Valerie around, he feels invincible.

The doorbell struck from the front door. In excitement, Ollivander runs and opens the door to find his grandfather, smiling up at him. His grandfather is a short, plump man with a little white mustache framed under his nose. He always carries a briefcase, and of course, his cane with him. Today, he is wearing trousers with a purple bowling hat. Some people thought his grandfather was a rather peculiar man, but only because he was different. He tended to drift off dreamily and think of the adventures he used to have. He likes to sit on the bench in the middle of the park and close his eyes, feeling the life around him. People in the Leftover Villages did not do this, ever. Which makes him different from everyone else.

He strutted inside and sat on the stripped, old chair Ollivander set out for him. Ollivander pours some lavender tea into his grandfather’s cup and sits in front of him.

“What are you doing sittin’ here, boy?”

“I’m having tea with you, grandfather,” Ollivander says, confused.

“Surely you have somewhere else to be? I am only here to salute you for your travels, then I am off,” His grandfather says, waving his free hand. Ollivander’s brows furrowed. He had not the slightest clue of what he is talking about.

“Oh boy! You have not heard yet, I presume?” His grandfather baffles, in shock.

“Grandfather, what are you talking about?” Ollivander asks.

“I cannot tell you, boy! Now go, or else the train is gonna leave without you!” He said while glancing out the window.

“Wherever am I supposed to go?” Ollivander shakes his head.

“Go to the train station, where all the Fast Foodies are!”

His grandfather rushes him out.

Ollivander is left outside, with only his satchel and coat for comfort. He lets his feet sink into the mushy street. He coughs as the thick, heavy smoke hangs in the air. The houses down the terrace look soggier than ever, with grease stains and tiny cracks in the corners. The sky is the color of pale mustard, though it smells like sweet cherry pie. Ollivander walks towards the station, wondering why he would have to go there so early. Perhaps he received the Fast Foodies job, and that is why his grandfather wanted to salute him? The thought excited Ollivander, leading him to jog merrily to the station until he stumbles over something...or someone. He looks up and sees Valerie, along with a pot on the ground.

“Valerie! I am terribly sorry!” Ollivander says while helping her up. Valerie flattens her dress. She picks up her basket that fell when she stumbled across Ollivander.

“It’s quite alright. I should pay attention more often, anywho.” She smiles brightly. A giddy feeling settles uneasily in Ollivander’s stomach. Valerie’s lightning blue eyes gaze at Ollivander’s sachet. He smiles at her, not sure what to say.

“Where were you off to?” She asks curiously.

“To the train station. I believe the results for the Fast Foodies job is out.”

“Oh, I was just about to meet another possible suitor.” She huffs.

So far, Valerie has met over 50 different suitors from around the planet. She has not approved of any one of them.

“What an odd pot, is it not?” Valerie wrinkles her nose. She puts her hands on her hips and examines it.

“I do not think I have ever seen anything like it,” Ollivander agrees. Simultaneously, they both lean-to touch the pot.

Their stomachs churned as if they were seasick. They felt dizzy and light-headed. Valerie tried reaching for a handle (that was not even present) but instead grabbed Ollivander’s arm. Their knees buckled as they fell to the ground in agony. Ollivander was attempting to watch the once mushy alley turn into swirls of purple dust and glittery smoke. But his eyes felt heavy, and he could not keep them open for much longer.

Part...02

Valerie Rose and Ollivander Feature woke up a couple of minutes later, after their interaction with the pot. Valerie was the first to realize the place they have landed in. She shakes Ollivander's shoulder in shock. His eyes widen when he sees Queen CheeseCake merrily gaping at her reflection. She is wearing a regal, grandiose dress. Her hair is up in a pouf, with flowers and beads styled upon it. Valerie and Ollivander quickly hide behind a dressing rack, not sure what to do. Ollivander looks at his hand, purely shocked he is still alive. He then looks at Valerie, who is an odd shade of pale. She is clenching her stomach and appears to be dizzy. Ollivander guides her to sit behind a clothing rack full of poofy dresses.

Ollivander kneels to the floor, pondering intently. Could he be in the castle...the CheeseCake castle, per se? The thought made him shiver. The last time he was here he was locked up in a dungeon. He remembers it so clearly it frightens him sometimes. He remembers the cold, dark room. There was no light except for the tiny bulb that hung over his head. The walls were made of moss and the floor of damp dirt. At night, he heard faint crying and echoes of someone screaming. Every. Single. Night.

He looks back at Valerie, trying to forget the memory. She is quivering now, and her eyes are wide in panic. Ollivander straightened himself up and decided to posh up his stance in mind. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see something in the gleam of silver. He squints and sees that it is the pot that transported him and Valerie here. Maybe if he touched it again, it would take him back to the Leftover Lands. The Queen hums and calls for a maid. When no one comes, she grumbles out of the room.

Ollivander slowly emerges from behind the clothing rack. He finds a cup of water sitting on the vanity.

He seized the cup gingerly and splashed water on Valerie’s appalled face.

“Ollivander, how could you?” Valerie puffs.

“I’m ever so sorry, but we are in the Queen’s castle. We need to get out of here,” Ollivander tells her urgently. Valerie nods, finally perceiving the situation. Ollivander touches the pot gently and waits for something to happen. He does not feel sick, nor are there any swirls of purple dust. He glances at Valerie, who shrugs her shoulders.

They both stride out of the room, determined to find a way out.

After a couple of hours, Ollivander shakes his head in disbelief. He knew there was a way out, but he was not sure where. He almost felt that they were progressing in circles. Which, at the thought, is no progression at all.

“Perhaps we should attempt to open each of the doors?” Valerie suggests. Not sure what else to do, Ollivander agrees. They start by opening the door to their left. It turns out to be a storage room, as most of the rooms are. Ollivander starts to feel the need for resignation until Valerie brushes her hand by his. He regards her with the sudden feeling of charm. She simply smiles at him, and he smiles back.

A boost of aplomb rises in his chest as he and Valerie plod towards the last door. It looks like all the others, rustic and partly beaten. Except it is different from all the others. A little light is beaming from the creaks under the door. The light is golden and embracing, almost as if it were inviting them in. An anxious feeling sat quietly in Ollivander’s throat, ready to burst. He peeked at Valerie, who nods for him to go on. Ollivander places his hand on the silver handle and opens the door.

An unforeseen light hits Valerie and Ollivander violently, almost blinding them. Ollivander places one arm around Valerie and another around his eyes for protection. The golden light fades into a flower, but not just any flower...the Saffron flower. Behind them, the door shuts in de trop. Valerie clutches Ollivander’s arm in fright. Ollivander stands tall and skims the room.

The Saffron flower sits in the middle of the room with alluring shades of purple and blue. The walls are damp and covered in moss. Tree vines hang lazily around the room. Under the flower is a glass case. Its shining appearance attracts Valerie's curiosity. She scratches her chin as she pulls out an elderly book from the glass case. Its pages are crumpled, and the corners have turned yellow.

"Why look at this. It's a book!" Valerie excitedly runs her fingers through the pages while Ollivander looks around the room. His grandfather told him many enthralling tales about the Queen's castle, but none about this room. Though it seems exciting, Ollivander felt that there was something off about this room. It is quite evident that this place is supposed to be a secret...but why? He turns around to ask Valerie, but it seems that she already has an indication of what it could be.

“This Saffron flower has powers, look.” Valerie points to a page from the book. There is a messy sketch of the flower they see before them. Next to it is a poem:

Endure the flower

And it will provide you with desire

Give back what you take

Or your life will be in ever most stake

Ollivander shakes his head. The kingdom of Pots used to be famous for this flower. He knew this because his grandfather told him about it many times. This flower was said to be extinct after the kingdom stopped growing them. No one, not even his grandfather, knows why the Pots did such a thing. But here it is, the last Saffron flower, glowing like never before. It still seems off though, why would the inner-circle, or Queen CheeseCake for that matter, want to hide it? Could it be that she is eating them? Suddenly, the door swings open to reveal Queen CheeseCake. What great timing! In alarm, Valerie and Ollivander run through the long, twisty vines. Queen CheeseCake catches them before they can escape. Two guards hold their arms tightly behind their backs.

“Why don't we have some tea?” Queen CheeseCake says informally. Loathe is hidden in her face. Valerie and Ollivander glance at each other. Chills creep up their spines in fear.

There are matching plates, cups, and silverware all aligned flawlessly on the royal Calacatta table. Valerie has always wanted to attend a tea party, but not when she is in trouble. Ollivander is examining the room from his chair, thinking of ways to flee the scene. Queen CheeseCake smiles grandly and narrows her eyes at Ollivander.

“Do I know you?” she asks suspiciously but still smiling. It was a strange thing to look at. The Queen takes a tart, which has a purple petal on top. After swallowing, she coughs harshly, almost as if she was choking. The guards reach to her for help, but she waves them off, pretending nothing happened. Her face is pale, and her plump fingers are pale blue. Ollivander shifts in his chair when he realizes where the petal is from.

“Indeed you do. I am the boy you imprisoned years ago.” He says politely.

Valerie's eyes widen as she looks down at her plate. The Queen's smile falters. She looks at the guards and then back at Ollivander. She fancies herself to another tart, which leads her fingers to be even paler and bluer than before. She throws her hands in the air, pretending once more that nothing was happening.

“It was nice meeting you again,“ she says flitting her lashes innocently. Ollivander sees the guards touch their swords. If he did not get out of here on time, he and Valerie would be the next ingredient in Queen CheeseCake tarts. He grabs Valerie's hand and runs. They run into a storage room, so the guards do not find them. Ollivander closes the door as silently as he can and then spins to face Valerie.

"I think the Queen might be eating the flower," he whispers quickly. His ideas and theories of this flower start to mingle anxiously. His hand reaches for his satchel, but Valerie snatches it. She takes out the elderly book and flips pages furiously but warily while muttering to herself.

“You are right, Ollivander. You are right. Queen CheeseCake is eating the flower. It is why she turned blue during tea. She might be getting sick, but so is the flower. It is dying because she is not giving back what she is taking, just like the poem stated,” she says in a trance. Ollivander’s mouth opens and closes, unsure what to say. It all came quicker than he expected.

“What does all this convey?” He finally whispers back.

Valerie shakes her head, “I am not quite sure, yet.”

She flips through the pages once more. Ollivander slumps back onto the damp wall, trying to understand the situation. Come to think of it, he traveled here by the pot. It must have sent him here for a reason. But why? Why? Valerie jumps up, holding the book in her hands.

“I found it. It was not the answer I was looking for...and it seems a bit grave, but I have got it.”

Her smile halts as she reads more, realizing what the book means now.

“Oh my,” she whispers.

“What? What is it?” Ollivanders says desperately.

“If the queen does not give back to the flower, she will soon pass away. Her kingdom and people will perish along with her,” Valerie says, her face turning pale. Ollivander’s eyes widen. Perish along with her? That is not good, not good at all.

“Should we go warn her? Perhaps she does not know that she has to give back,” Valerie proposes.

Ollivander shakes his head, “She should have been giving back to it anyhow.”

Valerie closes the book and places it back into the satchel. She sighs deeply and dusts off her dress.

“Well then, let us go inform her. Maybe she will understand and change her ways,” She says dolefully. Ollivander straightens his tunic and opens the door quietly.

“After you, my lady,” he smiles, attempting to hide the fear in his face. Valerie smiles and walks arm-in-arm with Ollivander. They march happily (or try to, at least) to Queen ChesseCake's throne room, which is filled with beautiful Saffron flowers. Valerie knocks on the throne room door. The large echo startles some of the guards, who were falling asleep. The Queen’s head darts directly to the two children, who almost shudder in fright. The Queen’s eyes bulge out of her head, making her seem a bit mad. Valerie marches down the long carpet to stand in front of Queen CheeseCake. Ollivander follows closely behind, fiddling for the book in his satchel.

“Your majesty,” Valerie starts. The queen smiles at this remark.

“My dear friend and I have found that the flower you choose to consume is...magical. I believe you already know this, for it gives what you most desire. This desire is to have power and to have the heir to the throne, am I correct?”

The queen stares at Valerie, startled. Her plump red face turns pale. Her arms hang from her side, unsure of what to do with themselves. Valerie was short of breath. She has never been this hasty before. She was scared that the Queen would send her to be executed. Her whole body was shaking. She stood as still as possible, trying to prove to the Queen that she was not scared.

Ollivander was shocked. No one has ever talked to Queen CheeseCake like that before. Perhaps that is why she is such a...brat.

“Is that correct?” Valerie presses, arching an eyebrow. Her heart was hitting her ribcage too hard. She was sure everyone in the room could hear it. The Queen folds her hands, playing along with Valerie’s game.

“Mayhap,” The Queen replies. All the guards gasp, and Queen CheeseCake gives them a sharp look.

Ollivander huddles the little courage he has left and presents the book.

“You have to give the flower however much you take from it. If you do not, you and the flower will die. Along with the kingdom and your people,” Ollivander’s voice cracks. The nervous worm that reached his throat was now in his mouth, craving to come out. The Queen crosses her legs and stares at him intently.

“And why should I listen to you imbeciles?” Queen CheeseCake asks coarsely.

“Because we care, Queen CheeseCake,” Valerie curtsies. Ollivander follows her lead. The Queen purses her lips, taken back from what young Valerie said.

“You must understand that you should change your ways to save not only the kingdom but yourself as well,” Ollivander nods.

“Having power and the throne will not make you any more important than anyone else on this planet, your majesty. Have you not noticed that you aren’t happy? That is possibly the reason you sought the flower for help,” Valerie continues. Ollivander flinches, and the guards take a step back. Valerie stands there, confidence rising in her chest. She felt as if she could tell off the Queen all day.

Queen CheeseCake gives them both a bewildered face. She scoots to the edge of her chair, wanting to hear more.

The Queen never listened to herself much. She was told as a young lassie that her ideas and thoughts did not matter. They were not meant to be heard. Perhaps if she listened to these two children then she would be happy. Like she was forever ago.

It was when she found the flower that she turned vain.

“I suppose so,” The Queen says softly, tapping her chin. Valerie and Ollivander look at each other, smiles faintly inching onto their faces. She looks back at the two children as if just noticing them. She smoothes her dress and looks at them serenely.

“I shall think of this matter tonight,” The Queen waves to the guards.

“But where are we to go, your majesty?” Valerie pleads. The Queen stiffens. She almost tells the young girl to the dungeons until she remembers that she imprisoned Ollivander there years ago.

Queen CheeseCake locked the boy away when she found out what he had inside of him...she thought that if she could get it out, then she would be happy. But she was wrong. Because of that behavior, she now has a disruptive reputation throughout the kingdom.

She would not be a fit queen if she sent him there again, this time for no reason. If the Queen were to change her ways, then she would have to start now. She whispers to a guard next to her and smiles at the two children.

“You both may stay in the guest rooms and have tea with me later. I thank you, children, for helping me see that I can change my ways to be happy,” she says. Ollivander bows and Valerie curtsies, trying not to show how pleased they are. The queen smiles as they march merrily behind the guards. She felt that she made her first, fine decision as a fit queen.

Part...03

Valerie and Ollivander set off to return the elder book to the Saffron flower. They walked through the halls hurriedly and quietly. Their whispered voices capture the attention of guards who stand around the castle in the most furtive places.

Valerie squeals when they stand in front of the door. Tree vines pour from the creaks and cracks of the wall. Ollivander tightens his grip on his satchel. His stomach lurched anxiously as Valerie put her hand on the doorknob. She looks back at Ollivander, who is shuddering.

“Whatever is wrong?” Valerie asks.

Ollivander shakes his head, “I suppose I’m a bit frightened to go in.”

“Why?”

Ollivander shakes his head hesitantly.

“It's alright, Ollivander. What’s the worst that could happen?” Valerie smiles and takes Ollivander by the hand. He smiles back at her, butterflies fluttering in his chest.

Valerie opens the door and walks in cheerfully. The Saffron flower still sits in the middle of the room. It is now covered with a fragile, dome cloche. Intricate designs of swirls and glitter are engraved onto the glass. The flower itself is blooming with magnificent shades of purple. The room smells of fresh, damp dirt. The walls and floor are covered with thick, burly tree vines, the same ones they saw creeping through the cracks of the door. Ollivander places the elderly book back in the glass case beneath the flower. Just as they turn their backs, the flower opens its beady little eyes.

“Oh my,” the flower observes. Valerie turns around first, wide-eyed and stiff. She smiles when she sees the flower. Ollivander, on the other hand, practically jumps out of place, the poor thing. The flower stretches its tiny leafy hands and feet.

“It’s been such a long time since I’ve been able to...well, you know, move! All thanks to that plumpy brat, anywho.” The flower says in a high-pitched voice.

“You can talk!” Valerie and Ollivander remark, in very different tones.

“Of course I can!” The flower snaps, folding its arms.

“I’m sorry, I never meant it as an offense. I’ve never seen anything else talk beside a human,” Valerie says quickly. The flower regards her with consideration. It tilts its head and gazes at Ollivander, who is curiously examining the flower from afar.

“It is fine, dear…” The flower starts.

“What...pardon me...who are you?” Ollivander interrupts. The flower spreads its tiny arms out as if presenting itself.

“I am Azafran, the one and only!” The flower sings joyfully. The children just stare at the flower.

“Azafran!” The flower sings again. Valerie glances at Ollivander, who shrugs.

“How could you not know who I am?” The flower grimaced. It puts its hands on its hips. The flower opens its mouth to argue but then closes it shut. It leans on the glass and places both of its hands on the glass firmly.

“You---it’s you,” The flower says. Its beady eyes lit brightly in the dim room. When no one moves, the flower pointed at Ollivander, “You, come!”

Ollivander walks swiftly to the glass cloche and kneels to level with it. The flower sits down and faces Ollivander, its mouth hanging open.

“You are the Saffron boy!” The flower exclaims, throwing its hands in the air.

“Er, the Saffron boy?” Ollivander asks, confused. The little flower shakes its head up and down frantically.

“Quite sad, though. I will longer be the one and only once you come along,” the flower adds thoughtfully.

“But how do you know he is the boy?” Valerie asks, looking at Ollivander funny. Ollivander looked at the flower, curious to know the answer as well.

“It takes a flower to know a flower,” The Saffron smirks, or so the children think. It can be very hard to tell at times. Valerie scrunches her nose and Ollivander cocks his head, skeptical of the flower’s word.

“Open the book, I’ll show you,” the flower points downwards. Ollivander grabs it gently and looks at Valerie, who takes a deep breath. The flower clears its throat and raises its hands, ready to tell a story.

“It was long ago when I was an itty bitty seed that my great-grandpoppy told me the legend of the Saffron Boy.”

“How old is that flower?” Valerie mutters.

“Do not interrupt!” The flower snaps. Valerie nods, her cheeks pink with humiliation.

“Now, I shall continue. Legend says that a baby boy will have a small seedling of the Saffron implanted in his heart. No one knows why or how it was planted there. It just was. Anywho, the boy with the seedling is supposed to grow along with the flower in him. In his mortal life, the boy will have the traits the powers typically have. He is kind, caring, compassionate, and giving. Very, very giving.”

“He has much of that already in him, miss,” Valerie says, squeezing Ollivander’s hand. Ollivander at her, soaking in this wonderful moment.

“Enough! What did I say about interrupting?” The flower shouts. For a Saffron, this flower can be quite snappy. Valerie jumps and lets go of Ollivander’s hand. The flower huffs and then continues with its story.

“When the boy’s time in the mortal world ends, he will turn into a flower. No matter where he is or who he is with. After the transformation, the boy is to take on the role of a normal Saffron. This means he will help people give them their most wanted desires, to a certain extent. Just like the poem said, the person must give back to the flower. Or else, the flower will pass and become a despairing seed that cannot grow.”

Valerie’s eyes widen just as Ollivander’s body stiffens.

“It is also said that the Saffron boy will have the most powerful powers and can live the longest.”

“How old do Saffrons typically live?” Valerie asks curiously. The flower glares at her, but then her expression softens.

“One million years old.”

“And how old are you, if I may ask?”

The flower struts its chest out proudly, “Only 105,897 years old!”

The children’s jaws drop. She is a young flower...in Saffron years.

“Do you have any questions?” The flower asks, now examining the tip of its petals.

Valerie was bursting in excitement. She couldn’t believe magic was real. And on top of that, her best friend had it within him! Ollivander, though, was bewildered. He cannot believe that magic was real, and it was inside him this very moment. Was this why he always felt off? He always felt different from everyone else. Ollivander always assumed that he got this from his grandfather, who is quite an odd bot himself. But now, here is a talking flower telling him that he is a magical boy from a sacred legend. This is heavy news, especially for a seventeen-year-old boy. The Saffron flower rolls its eyes as if not interested in their questions anymore.

The flower struts to the middle of the glass and faces the children.

“I am the one and only Azafran!” The flower shakes its hands furiously.

“Well, that was a rather arbitrary act,” Valerie mutters, hands on her hips.

The Saffron glares at her, clearly not amused with her reaction.

“Does that mean you were once a human, as well?” Ollivander asks, ignoring both of them.

“No, darling. That is why you are legendary,” the flower huffs, folding its arms tightly.

“But then, what makes you so special and grand?” Ollivander asks curiously. The flower’s eyes widen as large as a button’s. Valerie elbows him in the stomach. Ollivander winces. He didn’t mean anything by it. He wasn’t trying to be rude. But it turns out he was. Valerie starts clapping. After a moment, Ollivander understands. He starts clapping and praising the flower, as well.

“Finally, someone understands my excellency here!” The flower glowers.

...

The Royal Council allowed Azafran to rule the kingdom, for its great duties of serving others on the planet of Saffron. So, the next month, Azafran was crowned as the royal ruler of Pots. The Saffron scowled at everyone for not realizing its greatness until now. Ollivander and Valerie had to convince Azafran that no one knew about the flower until now. People from all over the planet come to see the new Saffron ruler. As you know, Azafran is ever most pleased with this.

The old queen, Madam CheeseCake, is now Azafran’s headmistress. After Azafran was revived into its great glory, Madam CheeseCake was kicked off of the throne for her awry behavior as Queen. She had to do a great deal of community service to regain some trust towards the people of Pots. She now plans all the royal events and is Azafran’s first lady.

The gate that separated the inner and outer circle was taken down, and the villages have integrated into one. The Leftover villages are now recovering from its mad pollution of mushy food.

Valerie got to choose a suitor. She chose Ollivander. Their wedded ceremony was held in the castle gardens. They live in a little cottage near the castle. Ollivander is a botanist who travels all over the planet of Saffron. He always comes home with a bouquet for his lovely wife. Valerie is now a royal chef and bakes the most stupendous flowered cakes.

...

At the age of 98, Ollivander departed from being a human. He turned into a beautiful, white Saffron with bright red threads in the center. When Valerie departed, Ollivander turned her into a ravishing, rogue tulip with his powers as a Saffron flower. Valerie blossoms in the center of the castle gardens, where she and Ollivander got married.

Azafran stayed as the royal ruler of Pots until it too departed at the age of 999,993. Ollivander used his powers to help people all over the globe.

They all lived happily ever after, of course.