Chapter 7: Blue Braces

He was having the most pleasant dream. He was dreaming that he was free and reunited with his pup. But an incessant beeping woke him. How annoying. "Shut that off" he grumbled while keeping his eyes squeezed tight "whatever the hell that is". He turned and burrowed deeper into the fluffy pillow and soft blanket.

"I'm glad to see you are finally awake, Mr Black" spoke a soft male voice.

Sirius was instantly awake. His movements frozen in fear. Then with speed he didn't remember still having, he bolted up and out of the bed in a defensive position facing the source of the voice. The man was tall, in his forties perhaps, and he stood with his arms and hands stretched out to show that he meant no harm.

"Woah there. Take it easy. I'm not going to hurt you. My name is Paser and I'm a medic, a healer." The man gave him a kind, warm smile. He didn't look like a threat, but it didn't mean he wasn't one.

Sirius kept his distance. Keeping one eye on the stranger he took in the room. It was white, crisp, sterile. The beeping was coming from a machine on the other side of the bed he had been laying in. Muggle medical device, interesting. Two doors were behind the man, no windows. His eyes roamed over the man again, sizing him up. Maybe he could fight his way out. Unfortunately, he didn't know what was behind either door or where he was for that matter. He needed to get out that was clear. But before he could react the man spoke again.

"What is the last thing you remember, Mr Black?"

Sirius blinked in confusion. His memory was hazy for several minutes but then it all came rushing back to him. Azkaban. He was out, after who knows how many years. The Snowy Owl with the food, and the letters that showed up one day offering him freedom. He had hoped it wasn't a cruel joke but the owl came back once the food was gone. Then he had felt the hit of a stunner, and nothing. Until he woke up here. Clearly someone did get him out.

"Did Hedwig stun me? How did you get an owl to cast spells?!" he asked before he could stop himself.

"Good. You remember. I'm sure that.." but the healer was cut off when the door behind him opened. A tall, heavily muscled, dark skinned man entered the room.

Sirius recognized all the signs immediately. Vampire. He instinctively took a step back until he touched the wall behind him. He hoped that he wasn't rescued just to be eaten. That would suck. Well, pun intended, even in the face of death. But the vampire simply looked around the room quickly, accessing it, and then took a step to the right. Revealing behind him a younger man. He looked to be in his early twenties or late teens. Not a vampire. But more dangerous if even possible as he could feel the waves of power coming off him. It was almost intoxicatingly dizzying. Definitely more intimidating than the vamp. Who was that?

"Sir" greeted the healer as he bowed to the young man with his right fist over his heart.

"Paser, thank you for tending our guest. Piye will take over for the evening." The young man spoke with a strong yet quiet commanding voice.

"Of course, sir." Paser bowed again and left through the open door. The vamp then closed it and stood in front of it. Great. Trapped in a room with a blood sucker and a possible junior dark lord.

"Mr Black, you must have many questions. Why don't we sit and have a chat" the young man lazily waved his hand as he spoke and a table and two chairs appeared.

Wandless magic. He was impressed. "So, you're my rescuer?" asked Sirius and the young man gave him a smirk and a nod before sitting. Having nothing better to do he followed suit. The chair was quite comfortable. They sat in silence for several minutes. The young man sitting perfectly at home in the deafening silence. Sirius squirmed and finally relented. "Who are you? Where am I? What are you going to do with me?"

The young man smiled. "You may call me Evan for the moment. And you are in my domain. What I will do with you, well, that depends on how this conversation goes, if you cooperate of course."

"Cooperate? Your letter said you wouldn't demand anything of me!" he snapped.

"Hmmm yes. I'm glad to know that your time on that rock didn't completely rattle your memory. I am not demanding anything of you. But you are also not in any condition to help yourself. You need to get healthy. My people can help. Paser is a brilliant medic. He can make you regain all that you lost, and more." This man, Evan had a low and alluring voice, magical even, which made him snort to himself.

"Even if I believed that, at what cost?" Sirius asked as he eyed the vamp who had not moved from his spot. Maybe this Evan was a veela with the allure he was giving off. He was very good looking. Tall, light tan, brilliant green eyes, soft brown hair, chiseled jaw, broad chest, muscled arms and legs. Definitely a looker. And the clothes, they just molded to his body.

Evan noticed the ogling and smirked again. "That is up to you. You will be officially declared dead by the Ministry of Magic in less than a week."

"What?! How?" Sirius shrieked in shock.

"I did promise you a new face, name and life should you want it Mr Black. How do you think that would work if you were technically still alive? The British Magical government is corrupt. There are people in high places that would tumble down from their precarious perches should you actually get out legally. My specialty is dealing in the shadows. So, that is what is being done. I got you out without a problem. I can give you a new life just as easily. Even if you decline my very generous offer of further assistance the oath before your rescue guarantees your silence."

"That sounds like a threat. You'll kill me if I say anything."

"Don't be so dramatic. If I wanted you dead, you would be. Simple fact. In agreeing to be freed, you also agreed to silence. Magic, it is such a wonderful gift we have been given. Limitless. You remember saying 'Mr Padfoot swears he's up to no good' correct?" he paused and Sirius nodded. "Well, that's it. You can't say anything to anyone about what happened or what continues to happen while dealing with me or mine."

Sirius was shocked again. Magical oaths and vows without a wand or specific statements of silence given. Hot guy was very powerful indeed.

Evan continued. "If you decide you need no further assistance, then I will have someone drop you off wherever you want and you'll never hear from me again."

"How can I go back if I'm supposed to be dead soon? I have a family I need to return to. It will cause a panic if I am recognized after the Ministry lets out that I died."

"A family you say. Interesting. You were unattached and without any children when you were incarcerated. Your parents, dead. Your only brother, dead. You were also estranged from your cousins, Narcisa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange. Perhaps you mean Andromeda Tonks and her family? They are the only living relations that you had contact with before your stint."

"How do you know all that? And I don't mean them. I mean my godson, and my best friend. I already spent enough time away from them. I want to see them. Make sure they're okay."

"Hmmm. So? Do you want a new identify? You can even pick out your new name. It is always freeing to start anew, clean slate and all." Evan gave him another smirk, like he was telling a joke that Sirius wasn't in on. Jerk.

"Again, at what cost? And you haven't told me how you know all that stuff about me. Or the things you mentioned in your letters."

"Of course, I know everything about you. I do my homework on everyone before meeting them. Anyway, consider this experience a gift from a friend."

"It seems too good to be true. You get me out and give me a new life. You don't know me well enough to call yourself a friend of mine."

Evan gave him a wide dazzling, predatory smile. It was a beautiful and unnerving. "For your freedom, I ask nothing. For your revenge, well, that is a different matter."

Sirius was startled. "Revenge? What revenge?"

"Mr Black, don't tell me that twelve years locked up for a crime you didn't commit doesn't upset you. One of your best friends betrayed you. Caused the death of two other friends. Orphaning your godchild, no less. Then sets you up for not only their murders but that of a bunch of muggles. The rat deserves whatever your imagination can create as punishment. Let alone the people that never spoke up in your defense. Tossed into Azkaban without a trial. Positively barbaric. A simple Priori Incantatem on your want would have shown that you didn't cast the blasting hex that caused all those muggles to die." He said this all in a haughty tone while looking down his nose. Then he switched back, his voice was low, dangerous and seductive once again. "Look me in the eye and tell me, honestly, that you don't want revenge."

Sirius was stunned. Twelve years. He had lost twelve years. "Of course, I want revenge. But look where that got me last time. Instead of looking for Harry, I went after Peter. I failed my duty as his godfather. My quest for revenge cost me the most important person in my life. I don't know if I even deserve to look for him now. What must he think of me. I don't deserve a chance to apologize. Keep your damn revenge. I just want my freedom while I cling to the hope of seeing Harry again." He was shouting at the end. Heart racing, eyes wild.

Evan had been staring at him, unblinkingly the entire time. Blank face, no hint of any emotion during his tirade When Sirius stopped talking, rejecting his offer for retribution, Evan gave him a happy beaming smile. His whole face seemed to relax, warm, inviting. Sirius was confused. "Good" said Evan.

"What? What's good? I just turned you down!" This guy was mad.

"You've passed."

"This was a test?" Sirius was startled again.

"Of a sort. Congratulations. You just earned yourself temporary asylum."

"Temporary asylum" Sirius repeated stupidly and Evan nodded. "To where exactly?" he hedged.

"To the Kingdom of Pardes" stated Evan with an even bigger smile.

Sirius' eyes widened in shock. "You're joking. Wait, you said 'your domain' earlier. You're not the king or something, are you?" He was nervous again, and afraid if he was honest.

"Or something" was all Evan said

"Ummm." What the hell did that mean.

Evan smirked at his reaction. "Mr Black, do you accept my offer?"

"I'm not sure what your offer is at this point. This whole conversation has been confusing."

"Let me sum this up for you. Earlier today Piye" he gestured to the vamp "retrieved you from Azkaban. A decoy was put in your place. Said decoy will be declared dead within the week. A dead Sirius Black is a good thing for you. It's not like you liked the expectations that came with being who you were before your stay at Hotel Dementor. I am extending temporary asylum for you for the duration of your recovery. Once you are healed, physically and mentally, you are free to go. I can, as mentioned, give you a new identity. Which of course will be helpful since you will be declared dead. Got all that?"

Sirius nodded. "Well, I've never heard of anyone actually going to Pardes, the Kingdom's location is a big secret. The whole society is a big secret. It's supposed to be paradise; how could I say no to that. For how long will I be there?"

"We are already in Pardes, Mr Black."

Sirius looked around like an idiot. Somehow expecting the sterile hospital room to change. "You're joking?"

"This is one of the private rooms in the hospital. You were brought here directly from Azkaban. You have been here for several hours. Paser will heal you, you'll be better than ever in no time. You'll see."

"I'm really in Pardes. And I just leave afterwards. Get on with my life. Why would you do all this for me?" he asked suspiciously.

"I already told you. Consider it a gift from a friend."

"But we're not friends."

"I never said I was the friend."

"Then who is?"

Evan gave him a mischievous and dazzling smile before answering. "Harry Potter."

Suddenly a black smoke-like substance enveloped Evan, scaring Sirius even more than he was already. Sirius looked to the vamp who still had not moved. The black mass created a swirling cocoon around Evan and then in a blink it was gone. No longer was Evan sitting across from him. There sat an even younger man. A boy with his head bowed. Sirius couldn't see much beyond the messy long mop of black hair as it was casting a shadow over his face.

Then the boy slowly raised his head to face him. Sirius could have sworn that he was looking at his best friend. Had someone resurrected him? He was an exact copy of James, but also not James. His heart clenched when he realized who it was. "Pup?" Sirius asked in a shaking voice.

The boy gave him the same beaming smile as Evan had. Same piercing green eyes. "Hey Padfoot, it's been too long."

Sirius sprung up from his chair and pulled Harry into a hug. Sobbing, telling him he was sorry, that he loved him, that he would stay forever if he wanted him. Harry hugged him back, telling him it was all going to be okay now, petting his long brown hair, cooing like a mother hen. Soothing the broken, grieving, soul of his godfather.

-HPHPHPHPHPHPHP-

'The more it snows (Tiddely pom)

The more it goes (Tiddely pom)

The more it goes (Tiddely pom)

On snowing

And nobody knows (Tiddely pom)

How cold my toes (Tiddely pom)

How cold my toes (Tiddely pom)

Are growing...'

"Can't you shut it off? Please sir, I beg you" whined Piye.

"Come on, it can't be all that bad" teased Isaac.

"It's the same book on a loop. It's been on for days. Please tell her to select music or another book. Anything else. And not on repeat. I'm losing my mind here."

Isaac laughed. "I like it. It's lighthearted and silly. Just what the doctor ordered."

"He's going to wake up quoting the damn thing, mark my words." he growled.

"Well, this isn't Ho-Ho-ish anymore!" Isaac quipped.

"Not you too" growled Piye again.

"Hmmm, who knew the true enemy of an ancient vampire was A.A Milne. Good to know." Isaac laughed, and kept on laughing.

Piye stood glaring at the blue glowing orb that was playing "The House on Pooh Corner" on repeat. "The moon-child is truly evil, sir. Tell her she wins this round."

"This is what you get for underestimating her. She can be happily vicious when she wants. It's one of her most endearing traits." he joked, sort of. "Alright, go ahead and play Chopin or something so you can get back some brain cells. But seriously, how is he doing?"

"He's doing well. Twelve years in that place did a number on him of course. He's now stable enough for the regenerator. Paser will put him in the chamber in a couple of hours. This time tomorrow he'll be good as new."

"Great. Thank you for watching him. I know guarding an unconscious person is not the most thrilling assignment, especially when Luna wants to kill you with Winnie the Pooh."

"Not funny, sir, not funny at all."

-HPHPHPHPHPHPHP-

"You know, Mr Black, you've taken all the recent news and changes in stride. I am surprised."

"I told you to stop calling me that. You're my pup. None of that Mr Black stuff."

Isaac laughed. "It's a habit. I apologize. Endless etiquette lessons. But honestly. I am surprised you have taken this all in stride."

"Well, I'm more taking this like the best and biggest prank ever pulled. Without the pensive memories, the oaths and seeing you change forms, I would not have believed you. I still can't believe you're only thirteen."

"Why? Because you were ogling me as Evan?"

Sirius spluttered. "What? I..um.. didn't. It's more the whole faking your death and breaking me out of prison that is unbelievable at your age"

Isaac laughed. It was a light, teasing laugh. "Sure that. But you were checking me out the whole time we were talking. Don't worry, you're not the first to give me those looks."

"Urgh I feel like a perv"

"Why?"

"What do you mean why? Not only are you my godson, you're thirteen."

"I know that. But we're not related, and you were eyeing the older version of me now. Not the Harry who would look like James. Once I went through the blood adoption I stopped looking like the Potters. Though I'm glad I kept my mother's eyes. Now I'm a mutt, four sets of looks mixed up. Call it a peek at what I will look like in ten years" he said as he winked at him.

"Oh, my goodness. Was that flirting!? Are we flirting here? I am definitely a perv."

"Don't get your knickers in a twist. I flirt with a lot of people. I'll stop it since it's making you uncomfortable."

"Thank you, Harry, err Evan, um Isaac?"

"It's Isaac, or Evan. Never Harry."

"Right, Isaac."

"Anyway, Paser is pleased with your progress. How would you like a tour of the Island?"

"What? Seriously?"

"Yes. I know you've seen my memories and seen where I grew up but it's different seeing it in person. I'll give you the grand tour, or the highlights anyway. It's early enough that most places are closed so no one will me around. You'll get to see it in it's quiet beauty before it roars to life. And we'll get your new credentials while we're out. Euryale should be finished with them by now."

-HPHPHPHPHPHPHP-

The pair had been walking for hours at a leisurely pace around the island. Blue skies, flowers in bloom, friendly faces everywhere.

"This place is amazing. Truly paradise. I've never seen so many creatures, wizards and muggles in one place living peacefully."

"Glad you like it. We have a very special community here. Everyone contributes to the overall wellbeing and balance of the Island and its inhabitants."

"How do you deal with visitors, or outsiders? Doesn't that disrupt the balance?"

Isaac pointed towards the west. "The Barrana is that way. The only way in and out. You can't exactly walk in but there have been those who stumbled upon The Gate on their own and have been welcomed. Most of them settle here as well."

"How does that even work? How is all this hidden from the rest of the Wizarding World?"

"That's easy. We're in a different dimension."

"I'm sorry, what? Did you say different dimension?" He stopped walking, staring at Isaac.

"Don't dawdle. Keep walking. I want to catch Euryale before her next class."

"Pup, you can't just drop something like that on me and not expect a reaction."

"You took everything else in stride. How is this different?"

"It just is. You mean there isn't' anything out there? What if you swam away from the island? What happens?"

"You come back to shore after a certain point. The magic of the island turns you around after several miles."

"But how does it work? How can we not be on Earth anymore?"

"I said a different dimension, not planet. Pardes exists in a separate plane and is anchored to Earth. The founders of Pardes were from the Wizarding World as you know it, from the dimension you recognize as home. It's not like we're on the moon, though the lunar resorts are amazing." He said as he smirked again. "Basically, if you were to hold an atlas of Earth, and folded it in such a way in which the Gulf of Aden and the Ise Bay overlapped, that's where we are."

"Uh…"

"They should really teach geography at Hogwarts" Isaac grumbled then continued "The Gulf of Aden is off the coast of Ethiopia and the Ise of Bay is on the main Japanese Island of Honshu."

"Right."

"Don't worry about how it works. It just does, accept it."

"So where does the gate open to then?"

"Well, it's more of a portal, and it drops you off wherever you want in the world. We have Gatekeepers that deal with the logistics."

"Now that is cool."

"I think so too."

"Alright, so we are in a space bubble over what, China?"

"No, but if it helps you think of it that way, then sure. Now that you're staying here, you definitely need to take some classes at the Institute."

"Go back to school?" he asked horrified.

"Yes. Everyone who settles here permanently takes classes. Like an immigration learning plan. Then on top of that you need to know your placement in our society. Everyone has a place."

"I wasn't a fan of school when I did it the first time around" he complained.

"I know, I have a copy of your transcript" Isaac laughed "but I can help you with the lessons. I'm a pretty good tutor."

"He is being too modest" spoke a woman walking towards them. "He's a bloody genius and won't own up to it."

"Stop embarrassing me Euryale. Auntie, this is my godfather, Osiris Black. Osiris, this is Master Euryale Garjan, Headmistress of The Orchard Institute aka the Institute.

They shook hands and walked in silence towards her office building. Once inside she turned towards them.

"So, you're the infamous Sirius Black?" she asked raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at him.

"It's Osiris now Auntie. No need to scare him off" replied Isaac seeing his godfather nervously fidget.

"You're no fun, Izzy. You know the rest of the family are going to put him through the wringer."

"Which is why I always go to you first. My favorite Aunt!"

"I'm your only Aunt here you brat."

"Doesn't mean you can't be my favorite" he quipped back.

"Fine, my little prodigy, no messing with your new toy. But, he gets no mercy if he gets recruited."

"Sounds fair enough"

"Prodigy? Recruited? What are you talking about?"

"You haven't told him?" Euryale asked Isaac.

"He's been getting an overload of information as it is. I decided it would be best to let him settle into normal island life before pulling out the skull and bones."

Euryale chuckled at his explanation. "Are you going to introduce him to the family?"

"Yes, tomorrow night"

"Coward" she teased.

Osiris was confused. "Why is Friday night a cowardly time to introduce me to the rest of your family?"

Euryale gestured for them to sit. A tea service appeared on the table instantly. "Help yourself. As for your question, Friday night to Saturday night is a time of rest on the Island. No one works and no one talks of unpleasant things. It's the best time for Izzy to introduce you because they will all be nice and hold their tongues if they want to stay anything rude or pester you with questions. It's a complete day of peace."

"Wow, sound nice. Clever pup."

"I thought so" joked Isaac. "Auntie, Osiris needs his identification documents and of course he needs to start the Intro classes as soon as possible."

"I have them right here" she said as she got up and walked over to her desk. She tapped something that Osiris couldn't see but heard the woosh of air and then she was walking back to them. "Here you go Mr Black. Memorize your profile. Along with your new name, you have a completely new background. From date of birth to schooling and what you've been doing since."

"Wow, just wow" he said as he flipped through the papers. "How did you do this?" he looked at her.

Euryale smiled. "Don't worry about the logistics. Once we test you, you'll get more credentials such as a driving license and even an NHS number should you need to integrate into British Muggle society."

Osiris looked at Isaac. "Do I really need to go back to school?"

"Yes, everyone does. You said you wanted to be there for me and for you to do that you will need to know more. This isn't England, this isn't Hogwarts or the Ministry, this is Pardes. This is my home and now yours." Osiris nodded. "Alright, Auntie has about an hour before her next class, she can tell you all about the wonderful school she runs."

"Thanks Izzy" she smiled at him warmly and turned to Osiris. "Mr Black, Welcome to The Orchard Institute, the island's learning hub. Here we teach everything and everyone….

-HPHPHPHPHPHPHP-

His head was spinning. He had thought the island was impressive during his tour but that was nothing compared to the school. After getting an overview from Euryale, his cub's Aunt and Headmistress of the school, he was given a bunch of brochures and a course catalog. The place was intense. So many classes, trainings, intensives, electives, the works. He was now back in his hospital room resting. Isaac had some things to do and told him he should take some time to himself to get his bearings. Mostly Osiris was flipping through the brochure and catalog in awe.

The Institute was amazing. They did teach everyone and everything. From alchemy and literature, to spell crafting and international law. There were also a bunch of seminars and month long accelerated courses. Classes were offered year-round but the official start of term was in April ending in July. The second term from August to December. The third from January to March. Exact dates depended on festivals dates each year. The school followed the tenets of some sort of religion that was only referred to as The Path. So far it seemed like a hippy 'live and let live' sort of religion. The start of classes and days off all corresponded with whatever calendar was established by The Path. He made a note to ask more about that later since the calendar was also what the rest of the island followed so it seemed like the government was in on it as well. And that was another thing he needed to learn about, the government of this place. He had seen a couple of municipal buildings on his tour but no ministry, no aurors and no mention a prison. He would leave that for later too.

He was surprised that he was actually interested in some of the classes. And glad that almost all of them could be audited instead of going towards an actual degree. He really didn't want to go through official schooling again. It was also interesting that all the clubs were open to the entire island populace. The most popular ones being quidditch, dueling, karate, and the book club funnily enough. He guessed they were all a bunch of fit bookworms.

The logistics of the school was mind boggling. Nurseries for the little ones until the compulsory education began at three and ended at sixteen. After sixteen the students could continue university level studies, get a job or apprenticeship. OWLs and NEWTs were set to international wizarding standards so the variety of subject that could be taken was insane. It was amazing that kids as young as three were learning literacy let alone magic. There was the option to home-school but it was rarely done as the education system was inclusive, eclectic and free until sixteen.

Boarding was not an option until eleven like at Hogwarts. Before that they live at home and could continue to live at home if they wanted after eleven. The flexibility of choosing to board or not was given each term. A great option for both the students and parents. He couldn't imagine having to live at home to deal with his crazy mother when he was at school, but if he had the Potter's to go back to every evening he could see the benefits.

Magic wielders, that's what the brochure called Wizards and Witches, are taught both the light and dark arts equally. He wasn't sure what he thought about that since he only had bad experiences with Dark Wizards in his life, from his family to Death Eaters, but he was holding judgement on that like on everything else. Also, the school discouraged the use of a wand or external foci. The pamphlet said that Magic lived within those that can wield it and as such there was no need for silly wand waving since tree branches were superfluous in spell casting. He chuckled at that. What would Ollivander say to that, calling a wand a tree branch was too funny.

And for those that could use magic there wasn't a law against under use. The trace did not exist since there was no wand and the use of magic was encouraged but not for everything. Magic was a gift, not a tool, and as such should be respect and not abused. It was discouraged to use magic for everything and as such almost all graduating students knew how to blend into the muggle world.

The students were also not sorted into houses which was weird to him. Euryale said that it was ridiculous to judge the path of a child's life based on one trait and that each student could be loyal, intelligent, brave and cunning. They could gain and lose all kinds of traits as they grew older and learned more. The school did not believe in putting them in boxes. He did agree with that last bit. He was worried about all the new things he had to learn. Old dog and new tricks didn't meld, right? Isaac was positive he could help him with classes and integrating into the Island but Osiris wasn't too sure.

Isaac. Thinking of this pup made him so happy, but also sad. He had missed so many years of his life. Isaac had given him an overview of his life these last twelve years but he could spot holes in the story. There was a lot he generalized or skipped over. Something more was going on, he just knew it. He knew that after James and Lily were killed Dumbledore took Harry to the Dursley's. Something that Osiris was furious about. What was that white bearded bastard thinking leaving a magical child with Lily's magic hating sister?

Instead of telling him what happened at the Dursley's, Isaac gave him a copy of the report that Paser compiled when he first arrived on the Island. The list of injuries was telling on their own. They told of a life of abuse that would break many grown men and women. Harry had endured it for years. Per the report, he was on the brink of death when he arrived on the Island. His heart had stopped once. He had died if only for a minute.

Osiris cried as he read that medical report. What else could he do? It was all his fault. If he had stayed at the cottage instead of running after Peter none of that would have happened. He told Isaac he was sorry for letting him down. Isaac gave him a sad smile and said "I was reborn, I hope the same will happen to you."

The kid was mature beyond his years. He understood, after seeing the endless list of broken bones and bruises, why Isaac did not return to the Wizarding World. Everyone there had failed him. Here, in Pardes, he had people who cared for him, truly loved him. Something he didn't have before. Osiris understood why the decision was made to kill off Harry Potter, because in reality, he was truly dead. Harry Potter died in that river. Harry was dead. He was learning to accept that. But Isaac, oh Isaac, he was very much alive.

Isaac didn't tell him about his recovery and rarely spoke about the years before he became Isaac. He did talk about his schooling and training. From almost his arrival until the age of ten Isaac was taught by Bia, Chrysaor and Euryale. All Masters are the Institute. He met them all while touring the school was impressed. Bia was beautiful and quiet; apparently, a master of enchantments specializing in traps. Chrysaor was graceful like a tracking wild cat, and just like one he was fighter. He was a master swordsman and looked like he was floating in the air when he moved. Euryale was by far the coolest. She was a master of illusion. She could blend in anywhere. Like a human chameleon. The three were all Shadow Mages as well. Something Osiris didn't even knew existed. The smoke cocoon that Isaac used to change his appearance was not smoke at all but shadows. The shadows could be manipulated to appear in many ways, to looking like those cast by people and objects to complete darkness. He learned that Isaac loved the look of shock on his face when he used the smoke-cocoon version. Show off.

After meeting those three at the school Isaac had dragged him to the student center to meet some of his friends. There he saw Piye, who still creeped him out. But he also met Pentu who was twenty-two and training to be a healer, Nito who was seventeen and wanted to follow in her parent's footsteps and go into finance, Maya who was fourteen and wasn't sure what she wanted to study, Cameron who was twenty and hated school but was finishing a university degree in business and Sam who was also twenty, loved school and wanted to learn everything and was collecting degrees like stamps. They were all different ages which was surprising, kids, teens, adults, to of course Piye who apparently was 2,725 years old. They were a weird bunch of friends to have. But they all gathered around Isaac as soon as he entered the room. Gravitating towards him like he was their sun.

After chatting with them for a bit Isaac took him to a coffee shop in town, The Crater, that was owned by Maya's parents, Rane and Roma that also happened to be a mated werewolf pair. He also met Tia, Paser's wife, who worked at the cafe as well. They had taken their coffee in plastic cups and walked around a beautiful park. The walk had introduced him to a plethora of Islanders as well. Light wizards like Imeru and Iset, dark wizards like Ahmore and Sitre; Kape and Osor who were faeries tending the gardens; Seneb and Nehi who were goblins playing football with a bunch of kids. They were all very friendly, stopping whatever they were doing to come over and greet Isaac. Again, he was their sun.

Isaac gave happy smiles and hugs. Giving each one attention even if only for a minute. Asking about their studies; their parents health; their children's marks and hobbies; the crossword puzzle they were having issues with last time they ran into each other at The Crater; the muffin recipe that he must be taught to make next time he came over; their shared surprise at the ending of the book they both just finished for the book club; high fiving the kids and ruffling their hair. They all seemed to bask in the warmed that he gave them with his attention. What was going on? Osiris didn't ask. He watched, shook hands when introduced and watched some more.

Then Isaac dropped him off at the hospital, telling him he would be back in a couple of hours to take him home. No longer was the room white and sterile. When he had woken up a couple of days ago the room had been transformed to look like a lush hotel suite. Everything was opulent. He felt like a king. Soft bedding, exotic fruits in a basket, a view of the beach. It was paradise. So now here he sat waiting and thinking. He wondered when the other shoe would drop.

-CHAPTER END-