Zach opened his eyes.

“Good morning sleepy head.” Conner said.

Confused, Zach looked around and tried to sit up.

“Whoa there, don’t be too hasty Zach.” Conner said gently pushing Zach back down on the bed.

“What happened? Where am I?” Zach asked Conner.

“Mr. Rook said that your Connection had been established and you are in the recovery wing of the Academy.” Conner said smiling.

“Wait what? My connection had been established? I never had thought that it would be that painful.” Zach said.

“Painful? Zach It shouldn't have been painful.” Conner said with concern in his voice.

“Tell that to my body. It was like every cell was ripped apart and was stitched back together.” Zach said.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry for you.” Conner said.

Just then Mr. Rook swept through the doors at the end of the room.

“Ah you are awake Zach, I hope you are feeling better.” Rook said.

“I've felt worse.” Zach said half heartedly.

“Well in due time. I look forward to seeing you in class Zach.” Rook said.

“Class? What are you talking about?” Zach said.

“Well since your Connection has been established, you need to learn how to control your ability. If you don’t learn then you could injure yourself or worse someone else. Conner can you help him to his house he needs to pack his things.” Rook said walking out of the room.

“Can you walk?” Conner asked Zach.

“I think so.” Zach said.

As he slipped from the covers Zach realized that he was wearing a pair of scrubs. Looking down he said, “Um who changed my clothes?”

Blushing Conner responded with “M-Me, It is not permitted for the administrators to do that sort of thing.”

“Oh… Um ok.” Zach said, his face wearing an identical heat.

“Come on let me help you.” Conner said

Together they walked down the hall of the Academy. Everybody was staring at them, more actually at Zach.

“Why is everybody staring at me?” Zach asked Conner.

“Oh um. I think you should look in the mirror.” Conner said, directing Zach to the nearest bathroom.

Looking in the mirror Zach was appalled. His skin was iridescent and was giving off an oil like complexion. When Zach moved, his skin would shimmer.

“What the actual hell!!!” Zach yelled.

“It is not that bad Zach.”Conner said.

“Bad? I look like oyster vomit!” Zach said.

“Oyster vomit?” Conner said, deeply confused.

“Pearls.” Zach said

“Oh, well to me you look better than before.” Conner said.

“Thank you.”Zach said, half believing it.

They managed to make it to Zach’s house before dark, when they got there Mr. Avner was there waiting.

“Heimdals beard, what the hell happened to you Zach?” Avner said.

“I will fill you in Mr. Avner. Zach you should go in and lay down.” Conner said.

Zach left the two and laid down. He was sore all over and the walk from the Academy did not help. He closed his eyes and fell gently to sleep.

When he awoke the sky was beginning to lighten. He looked over and saw Conner still sleeping on a pile of blankets. Zach smiled and got up. Thinking about Conner’s sleeping form Zach realized that Conner was cute. With that thought in his mind Zach started a pot of tea.