After his parents died, Ienzo moved into the castle with Ansem the Wise and his apprentices. One apprentice in particular, Even, was especially uptight about everything and often complained about how much of a nuisance Ienzo was. Ienzo thought Even despised him, though if that was the case, he couldn't figure out why Even would always keep a close eye on him. One day, when Even had invited Ienzo to take a walk with him to the Outer Gardens. Ienzo nodded in agreement, and they were off. When they arrived, Even sat down by the fountain, and Ienzo followed him. Even pulled a book out of his lab coat. Ienzo saw that it was one of his favorite books, Advanced Psychology. "I thought perhaps you might enjoy it if I read this to you. Would you like that, Ienzo?" Even asked. Ienzo nodded in response.
As Even started reading to Ienzo, a song formed in Ienzo's mind.
Ienzo: There's something sweet
And almost kind
Sometimes he's mean, and also coarse, yet still refined
And now he's dear
And so unsure
I wonder why I didn't see it there before
Even made his own observations of Ienzo, and the same song was continued in his mind.
Even: He glanced this way
I thought I saw
He seems to have taken to me despite my flaws
No, it can't be
I'll just ignore
But then, he's never looked at me that way before
Even tried something he had never done before. He placed his arm across Ienzo's shoulders. Ienzo remembered his own father doing the same thing.
Ienzo: New
And a bit familiar
Who'd have ever thought that this could be
True
That he's not my father
But there's something in him that I simply didn't see
Later that night, Ienzo took the book to Even and held it out. "What? You want me to read more to you?" Even questioned. Ienzo nodded. "Very well." Even took the book and sat in a nearby chair. Ienzo hesitated before climbing into Even's lap. Even sighed but didn't complain. He read the book until Ienzo fell asleep in his lap. He didn't want to move Ienzo and risk waking him, so he set the book down and slept in that position. Ansem had been discussing things with his other apprentices when they entered the room and saw the Even and Ienzo together.
Aeleus: Well, who'd have thought?
Ansem: Well, bless my soul
Dilan: Well, who'd have known?
Ansem: Well, who indeed?
Aeleus: And who'd have guessed they'd come together on their own?
Ansem: It's so peculiar
Aeleus, Ansem, and Dilan: We'll wait and see
A few days more
There may be something there that wasn't there before
Dilan: You know, perhaps there's something there that wasn't there before
"What are you talking about?" Braig asked.
Ansem: There may be something there that wasn't there before
"What- oh, never mind," Braig groaned. They left the room to allow Even and Ienzo to rest.
7/19/22: This chapter has been rewritten.