Life has a tendency to take unexpected turns. Len was discovering that for himself. After years of living on the streets, he realized he was now walking alongside the leader of his people in one of the fanciest buildings he could only dream of before, the Imperial Palace. Gold, bronze, and silver decorations lined the hallways. In the main entrance was a huge atrium with painted ceilings. Len watched all the many Irkens moving about. Some of them looked like regular workers and others were dressed quite officially. The walls here were nearly all made of stone but Len got a feeling of warmth and welcome from them in contrast to the cold dark atmosphere he felt at the academy.

Tallest Silu turned down a hallway that had much less traffic that the other corridors. Len followed him closely. Two advisors greeted them at the end of the hall. Silu walked on, tailed by Len. The Tallest went to a pair of wooden double doors tucked away to the side. He opened them and ushered Len inside.

The room was large and wide. In the middle were three sofas centered around a table. Len observed the countless books that scaled up the walls.

"Sit down, Len," Silu motioned towards one of the couches. Len did as he was told. Silu sat down across from him.

"This is my private library Len. My personal collection. You're free to look through these whenever you wish." Silu waved his had at the bookshelves. Len nodded.

"Please excuse us," the Tallest said, looking at the advisors. The two of them bowed respectfully and left the room, closing the doors behind them. Once they were gone, Silu looked back at Len.

"Len," he started, "You're going to be living here now. That means you could see and hear things that you may now understand." Len kept his eyes on the Tallest. "I want you to know, Len, I'm going to keep you close by my side. If there's ever anything you need, I'll be there."

Len stepped out into the palace courtyard. he followed a cobblestone path to the far end, where a wide open gate led to the gardens.

There was only him and the trees and flowers. No one else seemed to be around. At the entrance to the gardens, his field of vision was bombarded with bright colors. There were so many different kinds of flowers to count. As he walked along the path of blues, reds, yellows, oranges, and purples, he saw just how far the royal gardens spread. They dropped down the slope of a small hill and expanded the length to the far wall of the palace grounds in a thick green carpet. Len saw trees higher than any he had seen before. Small bird-like creatures and insects darted their way from plant to plant. It amazed Len that so much life thrived here. It was like stepping into another world. The palace gardens were a sanctuary from the busy urban streets and alleyways of the city.

It was peaceful. Len could feel his body and mind slink into calmness. But he felt guilt. He was there without Garnet. She deserved to be with him, she had been his only friend. He didn't like leaving her behind even though she had told him herself to go.

"Don't worry Len. I'll see you again someday." That's the last thing she said to him before she turned away and went back inside the school grounds. Len felt like she was walking out of his life forever.

Though he couldn't help feel that Tallest Silu was right. He was starting a new life and Len knew it was possible to take it wherever he wanted. There was something about Tallest Silu that made Len confident. It was only his first day at the palace but Len felt safe there. He felt safe around Silu. The Tallest's aura strangely reminded him of his brother.

Len turned around and headed back towards the courtyard. He stepped back under the gilded roof of the palace and made his way to his new chamber. Len smiled inwardly. It wasn't just a room with a bed and a table and chair, it was a full suite, a miniature house, more than Len had ever asked for.

His chamber was on the far side of the structure, with windows that overlooked the courtyard and gardens. It was located a small ways from Tallest Silu's quarters and office. Len didn't walking down the long hallways just to get to his room. He felt safe knowing he was close to Tallest Silu.

Opening the door to his room, he stepped inside for only the second time that day. He found new clothes folded neatly on his bed. He picked them up and observed their texture and color. They were a dark purple and made of a light but sturdy material. He set them back down, not really knowing if he should change into them right away or not, and let himself fall on the soft wide bed. It was much comfortable than the small narrow one he had at the school.

Len suddenly felt very drowsy. He let his eyes shut and he breathed deeply, taking in the fresh air that crept in through the partially open window near the bed. He felt his body sink into the soft mattress and let every muscle go limp. Nothing was on his mind and he didn't want to think at all. He slowly passed into a light peaceful sleep.

-

"Is something bothering you Purple?" Red asked.

Purple sighed. "It's nothing Red."

Red eyed the other suspiciously.

"Incoming transmission," said one of the communication officers. "It's from Zim."

It was Red's turn to sigh. "Here we go…"

Purple grinned despite himself. Zim was usually one to make him laugh.

"Greetings My Tallest! I have some interesting news for you!" Zim saluted them proudly on the screen.

"What is it now Zim?" Red droned. Purple watched the little Irken carefully.

Zim continued, grinning wide. "I've discovered some odd energy readings emanating from somewhere on the planet's surface. Expect a full report from me very soon!"

"Alright Zim…"

"Invader Zim, signing off sirs!" Zim saluted once more and the monitor went black.

"Well that was interesting. If you don't mind, Red, I'll be in my quarters," Purple said, getting up and walking away. Red watched him go, confused.

"Pur?"

The other Tallest didn't answer him as he disappeared into the hall.

-

It had been nearly a month. Len was doing quite well with his new life so far. Tallest Silu promised he could study what ever field of interest he wanted. Len chose Irken history and language, his favorite subjects while at the academy. Tallest Silu also made sure to continue the rest of Len's education, giving him a personal instructor to cover all the important subjects. Len didn't mind. He actually enjoyed it. He only sometimes wished Garnet was there to learn with him.

Len heard a knock on his door and there was a click as it opened. He smiled as he watched Tallest Silu approach the chair where he was sitting, reading one of the many books found in the Tallest's library. Len marked his page and set the book on the small table in front of him. He turned to look at Silu. His smile faded.

"What's wrong?" Len asked carefully. Silu's eyes looked worried. Len had formed a deep bond with the Tallest. They had learned how to sense when something bothered one or the other and were quite well at helping each other. However, Tallest Silu was not one to be worried or sad. The expression on his face unnerved Len.

"Len," Silu began but stopped. It was as if he didn't want to speak the words he was about to say. "There's something I need to tell you."

Len was confused. "What?"

The Tallest looked Len right in the eyes and held his gaze. "It's about your brother."

Purple stared blankly around his room. He instinctively went to his bed.

"Mek? What? What's happened? Where is he?"

Purple laid down on the bed. He turned over on his stomach.

"I'm sorry Len…You're brother's dead."

Purple buried his face in the pillows.