Chapter 10: Strange Guests

It was hard not to feel small when comparing yourself to the humongous walls of Radiant Garden castle. Especially in his own case, but at the same time he was not worried either. He was only six and a half years old but could confidently navigate the corridors and rooms blindfolded (not that he was anyway).

Door upon door slowly passed by as Ienzo Hale walked along, a little excited. Today, he planned to go out and play in the courtyard for a while. Or maybe just relax by the cool oak tree. Contemplating his choices, he never noticed the other boy run out in from of him from no where it seemed.

Thus, Ienzo and the stranger boy collided which sent them both sprawled on the floor. He rubbed his head where a slight pain throbbed and knew immediately that there would be a bruise in the morning. Grey eyes glanced up and locked with wide aqua blue ones.

The boy had spiky red hair that stuck upward from a widows peak and wore normal clothes that consisted of a sleeveless orange jacket with a white shirt underneath it and tan baggy pants. A yellow and brown stripped keffiyeh hung loosely around his neck.

After staring for a few seconds, Ienzo finally gained the nerve to ask the boy " W-who are you?" He questioned trying his best to sound brave. The older boy just snickered at his attempts and replied "My name is of , um... no importance." He got up and quickly looked behind his back where yelling could be heard.

"Get back here kid!" Dilan's irritated voice echoed through the halls. Another boy ran around the corner, this one with blue hair that went past his jawline. This boys green eyes were also kinda wide as he caught up with the other.

"Lea, there coming!" He yelled almost out of breath. The red haired boy that Ienzo now knew was 'Lea' nodded. It all seemed to happen so fast. Ienzo's mind just couldn't keep up with what was happening before him. Here he was , the smartest six year old in this world, staring dumbfounded on the floor at two strangers that could have been thieves.

Suddenly, he was pulled up hastily by a soft hand grabbing his own tiny one. "What are you doing? We need to get outta here now!" Lea protested at his friend.

"We can't just let this boy sit here all day. That man will see him and think we assaulted him. Next time be more careful, Lea."

Grumbling to himself, Lea forcefully nodded.

Ienzo, now on his feet , finally caught up with what they were saying. These people weren't thieves. They were just a couple of kids who risked their time playing jokes and breaking into castles. Besides, if they had intended to hurt Ienzo they would have already.

He smiled slightly at the two boys and said "I'll help you get away."

Lea and ' the other guy ' stared at him. Meanwhile, Dilan's footsteps became louder throughout the halls.

"Please, quickly!" Ienzo said urgently and began to sprint forward as fast as his little feet could take him. He could hear their anticipating feet behind him , the walls now sped by faster then before. Already knowing where to lead them, he turned a few corners and glanced back now and then to see if they were still following.

They trust me. He thought while quietly opening a door and looking in to see if anyone was around. Empty. Holding open the door while the other two walked in, he pondered if anyone knew he was helping these two or if he would get in trouble for it. Oh well. He thought Its not like I can just turn around now.

Closing the door, he turned to face the boys. They were panting from running and breathing heavily.

"Do you need some water?" Ienzo asked politely, not sure what to say.

"Nah," Lea said as he straightened a bit "Thanks for the save though , kid. I'm Lea, if you didn't already figure that out, and this is Isa." He indicated to the boy next to him. Now that they weren't running practically for their lives, Ienzo could see what Isa was wearing. A navy blue short sleeved jacket with an odd yellow crescent moon on it and white pants.

"Not a problem. Oh! Almost forgot, my name is Ienzo." he stated cheerfully then moved slightly to look around the room. They were on the first floor, in an unused room that had no furniture in it. A window poured light into the small space and was able to open, which Ienzo planned Isa and Lea could escape through.

"After you go through that window, there will be a small stone path that you can follow out onto the main streets. I'll go back and point Dilan in a different direction. You will be safe." Ienzo reassured.

Isa looked skeptical "Why do you want to help us?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Ienzo retorted, probably not at all like the normal young boy they would expect.

Isa smirked "Alright. Thanks." He said as Lea opened the window beside him and put one foot out onto the seal "Come on, Isa!"

Isa sighed at his friends stubbornness then walked over to the window and followed Lea. Ienzo paced over and was about to close the window when Lea and Isa stopped in their tracks and waved a short goodbye. Ienzo hesitated , but then decided to wave too.

He closed the window completely and exited the room. What was this funny feeling stirring inside him? It wasn't those nauseous butterflies or anxiousness... no, a feeling that he had never felt before...

It was the feeling of friendship.

To Be Continued!

Yay! Ienzo is finally old enough to have a POV! I just had to add Isa and Lea into this story, I promise there will be more friendly fluffiness (Isa and Lea and Ienzo) next chapter! This is short too, but its better than putting nothing up at all. I'll probably work on chapter 11 tomorrow... might even get it finished. Anyways, tune in next time and thanks for all the wonderful reviews that help me write more!