AN: Enjoy the chapter. It'll be the French Branch next.
Ch 15 The Second Lesson
Azkaban Prison
On a distant island, far away from mainland Britain stood an island of which no Mundanes have little knowledge. It was hidden with a Ward made by Wizards to keep the most dangerous and notorious Wizard Criminals that ever existed.
Shadows fly around the Prison, these shadows are Dementors, beings made by a rogue Wizard. Now they act as Prison guards and Ministry Enforcers,
A boat landed at the pier, and exiting was two Wizards and two Aurors acting as their guards. "A-Albus, why are we here? Can't we just let the Dementors free to search for Mr. Potter?" The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge asked the Headmaster.
"We can't let the Dementors go and search for Harry," Dumbledore said to the Fudge, turning back to Azkaban. "Their presence will cause many international problems with the ICW."
The two proceeded to head into the Prison as the Aurors followed them. "Besides, there's a much easier way to search for Harry Potter," Dumbledore said.
Deep within the Prison, a shaggy-haired man was scratching the dark bricks, counting the years he was in. He smiles, seeing the marks on the walls. "By now, Harry should be eight years old." The man said before moving on to another brick with a large number of marks.
"And for you, let's see…you should be…sixteen…" Sirius Black, a Wizard framed for a Murder that he didn't do and now paying the price for it. He sat back, looking at the cloudy sky filled with Dementors. "By now you're probably studying hard in Japan and taking care of your Mother."
"Merlin, who would've thought I would become a Father at the age of thirteen." Sirius chuckles, curious about what his Child is doing right now. "I should've left James's house before they arrived. I've missed out a lot…" Suddenly the shaggy-haired man turns around, hearing chattering from outside his Cell.
Walking up to his Cell door were Dumbledore and Fudge, staring down at him. "Dumbledore, what are you doing here?" Sirius asked his former Headmaster.
"Sirius, my Boy. I'm afraid we have grave news regarding Harry, your Godson." Dumbledore informed the shaggy-haired Wizard. "He has disappeared."
"WHAT!?" Sirius got up from the floor, grabbing hold of the Cell door bars. "How could you let that happen!? I trusted you to put Harry in a safe place and now he has disappeared!" He shouted, angered by the sudden news he received over the years about his Godson.
Dumbledore steps back, knowing this anger is what he's been expecting. "Yes, unfortunately, we cannot locate him." He stated. "Even my instruments aren't working properly."
Sirius frowns, still angry at Dumbledore for failing what he said to do. "So what do you want me to do." The convict asked the old Wizard. "I have no idea who took my Godson, I've been here since you locked me up in this cesspool."
"I-It doesn't matter if you were the cause of Mr. Potter's disappearance. The fact is you have been convicted of murdering those Muggles along with Pettigrew." Fudge stammers before clearing his throat, "But I'll pardon those crimes if you would lend your aid in the search for Harry Potter."
"Huh?"
Fudge cleared his throat, taking out a parchment from his Auror guard. "By the order of the Ministry of Magic, I Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic hereby order the Prisoner Sirius Orion Black to aid in the search of the Boy-Who-Lived and shall do so for the Greater Good of all."
Dumbledore looks at the shaggy-haired Wizard, knowing this will get his attention. "So what do you say, Sirius my Boy." The old Wizard asked, "Do you wish to help to find your Godson?"
Sirius didn't take the time to give it a second thought. He stared at the two Wizards before him and gave his answer right away, "I'll do it,"
"I knew you would-"
"In one condition…" Sirius said, continuing to glare at the two.
"Anything, my dear Boy." Dumbledore doesn't mind the request Sirius was about to make. As long as he's willing to search for his tool for the Greater Good, then it doesn't matter.
Sirius looks at Dumbledore, making his request. "First, before I go and search for my Godson. I want to visit a…close friend of mine." He stated,
"Who is this close friend? Is he a Wizard?" Fudge asked, raising his brow suspiciously at the Convict.
"No, she's not. She's a Muggle, she doesn't know anything about the Wizarding World." Sirius said to the two men.
Dumbledore ponders if this friend of Sirius would cause hinder his plans. However, he decided to allow it, not wanting to get rid of a useful pawn. "Very well, I'll allow it."
"Y-Yes, do whatever you can to bring back the Boy-Who-Lived." Fudge went with Dumbledore's decision, knowing he knows what was best.
Sirius nodded, seeing the Aurors were getting ready to release him. "Akari, Ritsuka…I'm coming."
Fuyuki City, Japan
It was early at night, and both Ritsuka and Mashu were in Kimonos. Ritsuka wore a blue one while Mashu wore a lavender one with floral designs at the bottom, "I wonder where's Harry…he wasn't in his room resting or studying." Mashu ponders where their Son was.
"Well we can scratch that he didn't leave the Estate" Ritsuka crossed his arms, happy that Harry didn't leave the grounds.
Hinako sighs, placing her arms into her black Kimono sleeves. "To think a place filled with Mages and Servants, we cannot find a singular Child." The Vampiric Elemental commented, finding this to be tedious. "Hmm?"
The Assassin hears some pattering of feet coming from behind them. She turns around, seeing Harry coming to them. "Ah, found him." Hinako informed her Kouhai and Mashu.
Both Parents turn around, seeing Harry coming from the back. "Harry-kun, where did you go? You weren't in your room or Dining Room." Mashu asked, approaching her Son.
"O-Oh, I…I was with Uncle." Harry answers his Adoptive Mother.
"Uncle?" Mashu blinks, confused about whom the young Boy was talking about.
"Oh, um…I met him at the center of the House." Harry points in the direction of the Training Room.
The Adults looks at where the young Boy was pointing, "That way? But that's where the Training Room-Harry, did you enter the Training Room?" Ritsuka asked his Son before him.
Harry paused, revealing that he visit a place in the Estate where he wasn't supposed to be. "Um…" Harry looks away from his Father's gaze, feeling like he's in trouble. "Yes."
"Fou…" Fou gave a small cry, unsure what would happen now that Harry admits the truth.
The young Boy sensed his Father kneeling down to his level, prompting him to look at him.
"Harry, you know very well that there are places here that aren't safe for you," Ritsuka said to his Son, not wanting him to be hurt. He saw the young Boy nodding in response to his statement. "Now what did you see there?"
Harry looks at his Father, seeing that he wasn't angry or disappointed, just concerned for his safety. After taking what he said to heart, he answers Ritsuka's question. "W-Well, I saw what the others said that the shadows were playing tricks on me."
Mashu chuckles, hearing that around the Outpost. "Well, everyone is just protecting you because you're just a Child, Harry-kun." She said, remembering hearing the conversations around her.
"So, what did you discover in the Training Room?" Hinako asked, getting a bit impatient by the delay.
"A large Machine that's shaped like a horse with four arms." Harry looks at the Branch director, which causes a bit of confusion about why he's looking at her. "He said that he's married to you, Auntie Hinako, and told me to call him Uncle."
Hinako squeals secretly, hearing that her beloved Xiang Yu has acknowledged Harry as his Nephew. 'To think Lord Xiang Yu has acknowledged the Boy as his Nephew. Isn't there anything cuter than my Lord taking a Child under his care…'
Harry blinks, watching his Aunt squealing beside his Mother. "Um…why is Auntie Hinako like that?" He asked, confused by her actions.
"Fou," Fou sighs, knowing what the Assassin was thinking.
"I think it's best for you to know when you're a bit older, Hars." Ritsuka sighs, watching the violet-haired Woman trying to calm his Senpai down. He looks at Harry smiling at him, "But if you're curious then to make it simple, she just loves your Uncle so much."
Harry nodded, seemingly understanding what his Father means. "Oh, okay."
Ritsuka cleared his throat, changing the subject, "So, Bud we're going to a Festival this evening and I don't think what you're wearing suits it." The Magus smiles down at her Son.
"Hmm?" Harry blinks, looking at his Father, unsure of what he means. His eyes then took not at what he, Auntie Hinako, and Mashu were wearing. "Does that mean I'm going to wear robes then like you, Daddy?" He looks up, asking him.
"That's right-"
"Ritsuka, I can help Harry-kun get dressed for tonight," Mashu said, walking up to her Husband and Son.
The Magus nodded, hearing his Wife was going to help their Son with his outfit tonight. "Alright, we'll be waiting here," Ritsuka informed the two.
He watches as Mashu guided Harry to his room where she's going to help him get dressed for the festival. He turns to his Senpai, hearing her muttering to herself about something. "Hinako?" Ritsuka called her name.
"Uncle Xiang Yu, yes…an adorable title for my Lord." Hinako giggles silently in her corner. "Harry you do have eyes for greatness…"
Ritsuka gave a light chuckle, hearing his Senpai has gone into her Xiang Yu obsession fit. "Well…at least she approved of Harry being here." He commented.
In Harry's room, the young Boy looked in the mirror, wearing a green Kimono like Ritsuka and everyone else. "There," He turns to a black-haired woman wearing purple garments and armor with a large bust covered by a purple tarp with a heart. "It's been ages since I've done something like this for someone."
Minamoto no Raikou turns Harry to the mirror, kneeling next to the Child. "Ara, Harry-kun you look so handsome in traditional Japanese wear." The Berserker smiles, placing her hand on her cheeks. "Ah, this reminds me of how I used to dress my own Child in the old days."
"Yes, thank you so much for helping with Harry's Kimono, Berserker-san." Mashu smiles at the Leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, appreciating her assistance.
"Ara, Ara, Mashu, this is nothing to me." Raikou gleefully smiles, adjusting the sleeves on Harry's arms. "Any chance to help a young Child out is always something I would do firsthand. Now, Harry-kun, is this too tight on you? Please do tell dear Mother…"
Harry looks at the Berserker, confused with the term she called herself. "Mother? But, Miss Mashu is my Mommy." He stated, causing Mashu to blush.
"Oh my, I don't mean any disrespect, Harry-kun."' Raikou gasps, feeling like she oversteps her bounds with Mashu currently present. "It's a tendency I can't get rid of." She smiles,
"Okay then," Harry looks back at the mirror, smiling at the new clothing he was wearing. "It's comfy, I like it!" He gave a childish grin at the Berserker.
Raikou smiles happily, clasping her hands at the compliment given by the young master. "Why thank you, young master." The Berserker smiles at the young master. "Your words honor me dearly."
"Harry-kun, you look very handsome." Mashu smiles, approaching her Son next to the mirror.
Harry blushes, looking away from the mirror. "T-Thank you, Mommy." He said with a small smile.
After a few more adjustments made by Raikou, Harry was ready to head out to the Festival in town."
A knock caught the attention of the three, prompting them to turn to see who it was. "Lady Mashu, young master, are you two finished? Everybody has gathered at the foray ready to head out to the Festival." Prince of Lanling opens the door,
Mashu smiles, getting up from her Son's floor. "Alright, thank you, Saber-san." She looks over to Harry, holding out her and to her Son. "Let's go, Harry-kun,"
"Hmm," Harry took his Mother's hand, heading to the foray to meet with everyone.
Once everyone met, the group made their way to the Summer Festival location. They soon arrived at the Festival, located near the riverside of the City,
Harry was in awe at the stalls and People walking through the stalls. "There's a lot of People here," The young Boy commented, feeling a bit nervous.
Ritsuka smiles, placing his hand on Harry's head. "Of course, a Summer Festival in Japan celebrates the coming of Summer. It also means that a lot of food is in season," The Magus explains to his Son.
"What kinds of food, Daddy?" Harry asked, curious about what types of food are in season.
Mashu smiles, kneeling beside him. "There's watermelons, seasonal seafood, some frozen treats, and most of all… Shaved ice with flavors of different kinds." The former Demi-Servant further informed their Son of what he can look forward to while they are here. "Does that sound fun?"
Sanzang skips forward, happily informing Harry the other things are apart. "And don't forget, master, Mashu. There are games, entertainment, and a fireworks show later," The Caster grins, raising her hand. "Now, ready to explore this Festival?"
Harry nodded, hearing the many things that are waiting for them at the Festival. He nodded, ready to go with everyone inside the Festival. "Yeah!"
"Fou!" Fou barks, sitting on his shoulders.
The group is made of Hinako, Lanling, Sanzang, Kiyohime, Danzo, Ritsuka, Mashu, and Harry along with Fou.
Harry smiled while going around the Festival, they went and tried the many foods that were sold by the Vendors. Played games at stalls in attempts to win a prize,
However, Harry noticed that most stalls were ripping them off. Though Ritsuka and Mashu were alright with it, Sanzang however didn't.
He watched the Caster Servant confront the Vendors behind their booth. Demanding some fair compensation, many did so because of what Monk said. "If you don't play fair, then I'll tell the People around us this booth is rigged." The brunette Caster said with a smile. "Now we don't want any of that, do we?"
Harry witness many things that Sanzang does during the Festival. There was a moment when someone stole a Woman's purse, only for her to stop him with her hand-to-hand combat, returning the bag only to refuse the Woman's reward.
Another is when there was a stuck Cat in the tree, she leaps in the air and brought it down gently. Another moment Harry witnessed was when there was a lost Child,
The group stayed with the Child while Sanzang selflessly went off to find the Parents.
A few moments later, she return with the Parents in tow and reuniting the Family.
"Man, it's really hot tonight!" Ritsuka commented, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I could go for something cold."
Kiyohime points to the Shaved ice stand in the distance, "Master, there's some Shaved ice over there," The Berserker informs her master, "Oh, there's Watermelon flavor!"
Mashu smiles, standing from her seat. "Then, Berserker-san, Ritsuka, shall we purchase some for everyone?" The violet-haired Woman spoke. "Hinako-san and Saber are probably going to join us later after getting some food."
Ritsuka nodded, turning to Harry for his order. "Hars, is there anything you want?" He asked,
Harry ponders before answering his Father, "I'll have whatever you're having, Daddy."
"Alright, Caster, Assassin, can you keep an eye on Harry while we're gone?" Ritsuka asked his Servants to look after his Son.
Danzo simply replies as always to an order. "Of course, master."
"You can count on me, master!" Sanzang sat next to the young master on the bench. "He'll be with his Onee-san while you're gone,"
"Thanks, I know I can count on you two." With that, Ritsuka, Mashu, and Kiyohime left for the stand, ordering the Shaved ice.
Harry looks at the Monk, finding it the right time to ask her something. "O-Onee-san, can I ask you something?" He asked the brunette Caster.
Sanzang blinks, turning to Harry in response to his voice. "Of course, Harry. What is it you wanted me to answer?" The Caster asked, ready for his question.
"I-I noticed that you were helping everyone while walking around the Festival," Harry spoke, continuing with his question. "Why do you do that?" He looks up at his Father's Servant.
The Monk knew that Harry was observant, she was prepared to answer when he asked. "I knew you would ask something like that," Sanzang commented.
Harry blinks at her, surprised that she suspects that. "You did?"
"Oh yes, very. You see, Harry, I follow the Buddha's teachings." Sanzang explains to the young Boy. "It's my way of life, Buddha's teachings give me purpose in life, and helping others gives me purpose." She said, looking at Harry who still had a confused expression.
Harry was still confused by what Sanzang said, "Hmm?"
Sanzang giggles, realizing that the young master is still a Child and doesn't fully understand Adult Language yet. "Let me put this into something you might understand," She cleared her throat, explaining why she helps People.
"There's no logic behind my actions. I do things how I want to do them." Sanzang paused, realizing it was still complicated for Harry. "No, that's not it…"
The Caster snaps her fingers, finding the right thing to say,
"I hold my head high and do what I believe must be done."
Sanzang stands up, turning to Harry with a bright smile, hands behind her back.
"You're the same as me," She tilts her head, closing her eyes with a smile. "I just know it,"
Harry was taken aback by what Sanzang said to him, her words made him ponder about the many times he tried to do the right thing. "(Same…as me…)"
Soon Ritsuka and the others returned with handfuls of Shaved ice for everyone. With the three return, Hinako and Lanling returned as well with the food they bought at the stalls.
The young Boy smiles, receiving the food everyone got. He enjoyed the food, eating with everyone while thinking about the lesson Sanzang taught him.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.