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[neonleon]

[The changing of the Golden Guard happened every few years or so. One would be doing fine, then gradually disappear and fade only for a new Golden Guard to be sworn in. Leo had seen it happen a few times as castle staff and security, working on becoming part of the guard team himself under the emperor's coven. It was slow going though, something about him "not being ready" despite having been ready for four years now.

But the newest Golden Guard being sworn in is the youngest yet. Not that Leo can tell behind that mask, but he was shorter, lankier. His voice sounded a lot younger than the previous Golden Guards.

So maybe he'd do some snooping. If he found out a kid younger than him became a Golden Guard, he'll start fighting his superiors. Leo makes his way through the castle like he's on a mission, carrying a box of food to where he knows the previous Golden Guards always ate. He knocks on the door once.]

Delivery.

Comments

[pyrighteous]

[ A kid answers the door. And Titan it is a kid - pale hair freshly trimmed into a neat cut, bright magenta eyes wide and a touch arrogant, and with all the nervous energy of someone waaayy under prepared for a huge job that they are desperate to keep at all costs. How old is he? Thirteen? Fourteen?

Leo might still be forgiven for mistaking him for the Guard's servant. Except, if ever saw under the mask before ... the family resemblance is unmistakeable, isn't it? ]

-- Scouts aren't allowed in this part of the castle!

[neonleon]

[And he is a small turtle. If it were his big brother, he likely wouldn't get any resistance or be mistaken for a scout like this. As it is, Leo sees him, how young he is and stands up straighter holding the box out.]

Not a scout, just a guard bringing breakfast for the newest Golden Guard on his inhiation day.

[pyrighteous]

[ The kid eyes him. Eyes the box. Eyes Leo again. ]

You can't possibly be a guard. I've never seen a turtle demon this pathetically small.

[neonleon]

[GUFFAW??? He's taken aback a little at that.]

I've been a guard longer than you've been in this castle, I know that.

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard goes rather pink; it gets up to the tips of his ears. ]

W-well - that's because I didn't spend very long in scout training! Because I was exemplary! That's why I'm here now!

[neonleon]

Uh huh.

[He just... He's gotta do this Right if he wants to be in any good graces. He holds out the box of food - one of the finer specials from the cafeteria, almost always sells out within minutes.]

Well. Can't get sworn in on an empty stomach.

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard finally accepts the box, though he looks a bit ... nervous? Uncertain. And peeks inside of it.

It looks amazing. Smells amazing. And trapjacks? Even he couldn't get ahold of those unless he camped outside the cafeteria. He practically drools over it before slapping another scowl on his face. ]

I'm not allowed to have this. The Emperor has STRICT guidelines about what I can eat.

[neonleon]

[Oooh he can tell this guy wants to eat it.]

Hm. That's unfortunate. In that case- [He reaches to take the box back.] I'll see that it goes to someone who can eat it so it's not wasted.

[pyrighteous]

-- Wait!

[ Darn it, he can't go eat his morning nutrient gruel with that temptation right in front of him. He'll be thinking about it all day. And during the ceremony...

He snatches it away a split second before Leo can grab it back. ]

I - uh - I'm sure the Emperor would understand having a proper meal to commemorate my ascension!

[ He still looks around the hallway nervously. ]

Just - come in quick and close the door so nobody else sees.

[neonleon]

[Soon as the Guard is pulling it back, Leo lets his hand hang in the air between them.

But also being told to get in. Don't have to tell him twice.]

Don't have to tell me twice. [He ducks inside the door, letting it close behind him and just looks around the room.] I'm sure he would absolutely understand. Can't have you passing out during the ceremony, right?

[pyrighteous]

R-right! Exactly! That would look incredibly bad for both of us.

[ It's a small, bare room. A shelf mostly full of books and notes. A bed with a patched over pillowcase and duvet. An end table with more notebooks and a regulation book that looks rather worn. And of course, the guard's commission as the new Guard displayed proudly above the bed.

He sits on the edge of the bed, eager to take his first bite. Crunchy, with all the legs still wiggling - YUM. He looks as though he might melt on the spot.

Muffled: ]

Thibs ish mubch bebpter.

[neonleon]

[He wants to grease this wheel, he wants to get in good with the new Golden Guard for possible favors later. So instead of sitting and getting comfortable, he stands by the door Professionally.

But... God, this guy's his age, isn't he? Sounds like it, seems like it. Guy's probably nervous.]

Yeah, it uh. I'm good with the chef so I got first pick before the mess opened just now.

[pyrighteous]

O-oh. I - didn't even think of that.

[ The guard eagerly takes the next trapjack and crunches on that one too. ]

I have a LOT of strict rules. Diet, for sure, but also no fraternizing with - uh. Well, scouts. Or servants.

[neonleon]

Hm. Well, good thing I'm neither.

And I can fraternize with scouts and servants and the other staff.

[He just grins and pulls out a carefully wrapped krillsant pastry to start munching on himself.]

Nahmth Leo. Lohwer guard.

[pyrighteous]

I ... I guess you're not. Huh.

[ A loophole? The guard will take it for now. The second trapjack disappears into his mouth as he considers whether to eat the third and last one now - or save it for later. ]

I'm - um. Well, you know. I'm the new Golden Guard. Technically that makes me your boss.

[neonleon]

Iiiit does, yeah.

I could list my skills, but honestly I'm amazing at everything I do so that's irrelevant. [He takes another bite to munch in for a minute or so.]

I'm also here to walk you there, but figured I'd come a few minutes early.

[pyrighteous]

Oh. I mean, I can walk on my own.

[ a pause. ]

But it’ll look more official with a guard of my own, won’t it.

[ and also Belos doesn’t want this one escaping at the last minute, ]

[neonleon]

Exactly. New Golden Guard being sworn in, he wants an escort. [Finishing his breakfast up, just folds the napkin and puts it back in his pocket.]

It's a formality thing, don't think too much about it.

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard carefully wraps up the last trapjack and stashes it under his bed. For later! as a post-swearing in treat. That’s reasonable too, right? ]

R. Right. Definitely not the Emperor treating me like a kid! I’m a prodigy.

[ he’s really trying to convince himself of this. ]

[neonleon]

[Is he trying to convince himself of this?

Leo won't judge, not really. But he just watches for now.]

Right. He wouldn't do that, he expects his guards to all act independently. Mostly.

[pyrighteous]

Mostly?

[ Wait. Something occurs to him. ]

… Did you know the previous Guards?

[neonleon]

A few of 'em, yeah.

Most of the time he wants guards to act on their own, except the times he doesn't. I could never really figure it out.

[pyrighteous]

… That’s confusing. I’m supposed to do EXACTLY what he says. Nothing else.

[neonleon]

Huh.

Maybe because you're younger...

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard pinks again. ]

I’m a prodigy. That’s all that means! I’m the youngest because I’m the best!