Forgetfulness Leaves

Forgetfulness Leaves
Origin	Makan Village, Sairou
Power(s)	Amnesia Healing properties Drowsiness Flu-like symptoms

Forgetfulness Leaves, are a type of medicinal herb that originates from the South of Sairou in Makan Village. It is used on both Amiboshi and Miaka in Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play.

Background

Traditionally prepared by village healers, the Forgetfulness Leaves are dried and later steeped to create a potent tincture. In low doses, the leaves numb most pain and aids in the healing process of physical wounds. However, slight amnesia is common side effect and allows whoever drinks it to forget they were ever in pain. In higher doses, it causes flu-like symptoms such as fevers, weakness, and convulsions. In some cases, severe memory loss can occur and even death.

Story

Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play

Byakko's Shinzaho Arc

In Chapter 55, after Amiboshi, under the name of "Kaika," saves an injured Miaka from a giant polecat, he takes her back to Makan Village. There, Amiboshi's adoptive parents give her a low dose of the Forgetfulness Leaves to heal her wounds. When she wakes up, Miaka discovers that Amiboshi has no memory of his life as a Seiryuu Warrior. She questions him about his memory loss, angrily wishing she could simply forget all of her pain, too.

Preparation of the Forgetfulness Leaves

Overhearing their conversation, Amiboshi's mother gives Miaka soup containing a large dose of the Forgetfulness Leaves. This causes her to collapse with a high fever. The mother apologizes profusely, explaining that she was afraid Amiboshi would leave Makan after learning about his true past. She adds that she only wanted Miaka to forget about her pain like Amiboshi had done.

They try to bring down Miaka's fever but when she begins violently convulsing, they panic. After some quick thinking, Amiboshi kisses her, allowing his chi to pass into her body. While this succeeds in bringing Miaka back into consciousness, it severely weakens the warrior. Unfortunately, the mere presence of his chi alerts his brother, Suboshi, to their location.

Amiboshi then asks Miaka to stay in Makan with him and offers her a controlled dose of the Forgetfulness Leaves. After some consideration, Miaka refuses to forget the people she cares about despite her grief and trauma, prompting Amiboshi to reveal that he faked his amnesia to avoid fighting the Suzaku Seven and the pain that came with it. But Miaka insists on continuing to fight, even if it means getting hurt.

Suddenly, Kutou soldiers storm the village. One tries to attack Miaka but Amiboshi protects her. He then senses Tamahome's chi nearby and rushes off in that direction, promising to reunite the warrior with Miaka. But before he leaves, his father gives him some of the Forgetfulness Leaves for safe keeping.

Miaka follows Amiboshi outside the village where they discover Tamahome being tortured by the Seiryuu Warrior, Tomo. After seemingly disarming their foe, the three reunite. But the emotional moment is short-lived as Tomo restrains Amiboshi and attacks Tamahome, sending him tumbling off a steep cliff. Tomo then traps Miaka in an illusion using his Shin but a determined Amiboshi breaks free from his restraints. He grabs his flute and plays a song that snaps Miaka out of Tomo's spell and shatters his Shin.

Jar with the Forgetfulness Leaves solution

After a bloody battle, Amiboshi kills Tomo just as Suboshi arrives. Cradled in his brother's arms, Amiboshi presents the Forgetfulness Leaves and begs Suboshi not to summon Seiryuu, explaining they could forget all of their pain and live in Makan together. Suboshi takes a large sip of the tincture but then kisses Amiboshi, slipping him the dose. He apologizes, claiming he is in love with Yui and cannot betray her.

Suboshi's attention then turns on the defenseless Miaka but Tamahome returns from his fall, having been saved by Tokaki. The rest of the Suzaku Seven also arrive, having been freed from their own illusion after Tomo's Shin was destroyed. Outnumbered, Suboshi escapes and takes the unconscious Amiboshi back to Makan. A villager finds him and takes him back to his parents' home while Suboshi tearfully looks on, wishing his brother a final goodbye, knowing all of his memories are now lost for good.