neonleon | rho psl

[ 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!

[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.

[ 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.

[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.

[ 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!

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.

[ 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.

[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.

-- 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.

[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?

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, ]

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.

[ 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. ]

[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.

Mostly?

[ Wait. Something occurs to him. ]

… Did you know the previous Guards?

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.

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

Huh.

Maybe because you're younger...

[ The guard pinks again. ]

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

[He holds both hands out, placating and backing up.]

Didn't say you weren't the best! Just making a note. You're the youngest so maybe he's a lil protective. I dunno.

O. Oh. I - guess. Maybe?

[ It gets him to decoil a little. ]

I don’t know what happened to the last one either. Maybe something dangerous.

I dunno either. I just... know I suddenly stopped seeing him around less and less until I didn't see him anymore at all.

[ The guard brightens a little? Curious but trying not to LOOK curious. ]

Did … you know him?

Ssssort of? Like, we weren't on first name basis or anything, but he let me hang around and talk some.

Yeah? What did he talk about? Was he strong?

He was pretty strong. Most of what he talked about was just day to day irritations and guard stuff.

... That's surprisingly normal.

I-...Yeah? Did you think it wouldn't be?

I - I don't know! He's a legendary figure, right? And I have to REPLACE him.

...Replace, huh.

[Leo definitely thought of it more as 'taking up the name' but maybe that's a more succinct way to say it.]

I dunno, just be yourself and try hard. Don't worry about it.

Too late, I'm EXTREMELY worried about it.

Oh.

[Welp.]

I'll be right there with ya?

... Wait, really?

For the most part, yeah? Part of the job.

R. Right. Since you're my guard. Guard to the Golden Guard.

Did the other Guard have a guard?

You're lookin' at him.

Well. Until he dismissed me and I've been just kinda waiting for my next assignment. Which is you.

... Why'd he dismiss you?

Dunno to be honest. Figured he was just done and didn't need me anymore, but then got order this morning to come to you so...

[ The guard startles at that. ]

Wait - do you think he somehow knew this would happen?

No idea. Way above my pay grade.

[He absolutely thinks that.]

I mean, if he dismissed you, and then he left ...

[ The guard brightens. ]

That means Belos must have given him a retirement! And we just don't know where he went! AND we could track him down!

Maybe. Couldn't hurt to look into after you're sworn in.

I mean - I could really use his insight. This is a little - uh -

[ He reddens. ]

I'm fully capable! Of course! I just - could use some advice!

[Was that... doubt? Well, Leo won't push that too much.]

If you want, we can look for him, sure. If it helps you out.

You wouldn't mind?

[ A beat. ]

We - should also maybe not tell the Emperor. Immediately.

[Leo catches on to that immediately, playing up a bit.]

No, no of course not. We'll only mention it if he needs to know.

Right! Exactly! Just because he has more important things and he doesn't need to know I'm - uh - looking for help!

Yes. Exactly. Just us and tracking down your predecessor to see if we can get some insight. The Emperor couldn't be mad if he finds out you're wanting to make sure you do things right. Right?

E-exactly! He'll probably be proud! AFTER I succeed, anyway.

When's the last time you saw him?

Hm... About... half a year ago? More?

... Oh. That's longer than I thought.

[ He thinks hard, leaning on one hand. ]

I mean - not that I saw him much either. I was still a Scout. But ... we did talk once.

...Yeah?

[Okay maybe he'll take the opportunity to sit on the edge of the bed with him.]

What'd he say?

He - uh -

[ The guard jolts a bit, uncertain of the gesture? Before letting Leo do that. ]

He was in one of the basement levels? Near Belos's workshop, the one he keeps locked. I was doing a patrol. And I told him he couldn't be there before I realized he was the Golden Guard.

He just stared at me for a moment. And then he - he mumbled something like "already?" and then he told me that if anything weird happened that day, I should go to the palistrom tree grove and stay there.

And that was my only conversation with him!

[Holy shit he definitely knew something was about to happen.]

Ominous and not in any way spooky at all.

... I mean, when you put it like that ...

But - nothing strange happened that day. At least nothing that made me go to the grove. The castle makes noises all the time.

The castle does make noises a lot...

All right, file that under 'weird stuff to look into'.

Yeah. We can ask him when we find him. Along with everything else!

[ And then, after a beat: ]

Were you friends?

Edited 2023-06-14 21:28 (UTC)

When we find him, yeah.

[Oh... That's a question though... Leo thinks on that.]

...I don't really know. It felt like we were until it didn't anymore.

... What do you mean?

I mean...

[How does he explain this...]

Like. We were friendly? I thought we were becoming friends. And then he started not being around as much or telling me to stay behind while he did stuff, and then one day just. Told me to leave and I got put in limbo waiting for a reassignment.

...

That ... that seems really weird to me.

Right? I don't really get it. But didn't have any chance to really find out anything.

[ He’s thoughtful for a long moment. Staring down at the box of food Leo brought. ]

I guess - if we investigate - that would be a good thing, right? We can even report it to the Emperor afterwards!

Exactlyyyyy if it's something he should be worried about, we can get all the deets and let him know once we have a plan.

And we'll prove how competent and amazing we are!

[Leo just gives a happy little clap before leaning in a little. Yep this is comfortable space now.]

Yes! You get it. We got this.

[ The guard jolts a bit? Not in a bad way, just - ]

What are you doing?

Oh.

[Immediately leaning back away.]

Right, got it, not friendly space.

N-no, I just - I've never had anyone do that? I don't think it's allowed.

[Yeah previous Golden Guard was like that too.]

Nah, don't think it is. My b, sorry.

[ He winds up looking down at his hands. For a moment it looks like the bravado might come back up... ]

Hunter.

[He's thinking about his own job and what he should be doing, maybe getting his scroll out to look at a few things -

But stops and looks at him.]

What?

That's - that's my name. Hunter.

If you're going to be friendly, you should know that.

[He blinks pleasantly surprised at that. Even smiles a little.]

Oh. Nice to meet you, Hunter.

Y-yeah! Nice to meet you, uh -

[ Wait. Mild panic. ]

I-I forgot your name!

[He laughs kindly at that.]

Leonardo, but everyone calls me Leo.

Leo! Then! I won't forget this time, I promise! My word as the Golden Guard!

It's fine if you do, won't be upset.

W-well - I should do better! In general!

[It's weird how familiar that sounds. Almost word for word.]

If you're sure, just don't beat yourself up over it.

... I'm not beating myself up! I'm just holding myself to the Emperor's standards.

... Right...

[What if the Emperor's standards are shit though.]

I'm just saying, I'm not gonna be upset.

I'll keep that in mind! But!! Obviously you understand my position.

I do, yeah.

And you understand mine when I say - we're about to be late.

-- What??

[ He looks at the clock and - ]

Muck! You're right! I gotta get my mask on and -

[ Time for a mad dash to finish getting dressed. ]

[Yep. He'll just gather the things he has to carry and head back to wait at the door.]

[But he'll stage whisper-] Don't forget the cloak.

I CAN'T FORGET THE CLOAK

[ Good thing Leo reminded him though. He whirls it onto his shoulders before practically leaping into the hallway. ]

H-how do I look?

[Just. Takes a look at him, head to toe once before settling on the expressionless mask. It really does not do him any favors.]

Like... The Golden Guard.

[ It really does not. His body language shifts, too, resuming that stuffy over-zealous posture. ]

That's EXACTLY what I want.

Then you got it. Dead on.

[Just... Takes a breath and turns to open the door. All professional duty now and none of the familiarity he just had for a few minutes.]

After you, sir.

Thank you, guard.

[ And he whisks through, heading through the castle to the ceremony ... ]

[He follows, and it is boooooriiiiinnnnnnnnng. He doesn't remember much of the last one, but he remembers it was just as much a snoozefest as this one is. Or maybe he's just hyperactive with nothing to entertain himself- can't think too hard on that.

He stands close by for when it's over though, keeping his voice low.]

So? How's it feel?

[ The guard is practically beaming under his mask - full of that arrogance once again. ]

Amazing? It's - it's all real now. And you heard him, right? I'm the youngest one in history!

[Leo watches him, starting to lead him out and back down the hall.]

Yeah, I heard. Congratulations, Golden Guard.

What's with that face? You can be happy for me, you know.

I am happy for you.

Just also doing my job.

Well - I - uh. Okay! I guess that's true.

But you almost look as dour as Darius did.

[He shrugs.]

Just kinda doing business as usual here. [And then leans his head back to whisper a little.] I'm not supposed to be friendly.

[ oh. Hunter stiffens a little under the mask. ]

R. Right - right. We're both working right now.

[That gets a nod as he faces where they're going again.]

I'm supposed to escort and show you around but you already know your way around, right?

[He does... right?]

Uh -

I mean. Most of the castle! Yes! Or at least the parts where Scouts were allowed.

Oh.

Then you haven't seen the best spot. I can show you.

... Really? Where is it?

[He just. Points up with one finger.]

About six floors up.

Wh - what? How?

You'll see.

[Just walking him back to Hunter's room for now]

When will I see??

[ He trots along to keep up. ]

Whenever you're ready. I'm just supposed to stick by and keep an eye on you, so.

Well - then my first order as your Golden Guard is to take me there right away!

Woooow, already feelin' that power, huh?

All right. Up we go. [Just veering a different direction down a hall to stairs. Going up.]

[ He laughs a little and follows. ]

I should get used to it, right?

Probably? I dunno. Never had the opportunity myself.

[Up the first floor! Now the second, still going.]

Maybe you could, though! After I get promoted to - I don't, know, CAPTAIN Golden Guard.

[Never heard of a captain golden guard. Just gonna not think about that.]

I'm not holding my breath, no offense. I've been in this position for a while now.

... How long?

Like... iunno, three years? Was training into it for a few years before that, too.

You've been at this longer than I've been a Scout then.

[Thinks about that while they go up to the third floor.]

I guess that's true. Hadn't really thought about it.

... I wonder what the Emperor's criteria is for the Golden Guard then.

Not sure. Never really thought to find out, if I'm honest.

[He stops at the third floor landing and looks around for a second, then motions for Hunter to come to the window and leans out. He points to a balcony about twenty feet up.]

That's where we're going.

[ Hunter sticks his head out. ]

Huh. I never realized that was here.

Right?

There's no hallway or door to get there that I can find, so I've got a lil trick to get there. Lookit.

[He steps back and grabs his sword from his back and draws a circle with it in the air in front of them. A blue, electric portal appearing with the motion - its exit appearing on the balcony above.]

Tada!

[ He swivels his head around rather sharply at that. ]

Wh - what kind of magic is that? Portal magic...?

Family secret. But yeah.

Family ...

[ He's awed? But there's something else in his voice ...

Anyway, he heads through the portal. ]

Does the Emperor know about it?

[Just. Makes a mental note of that tone... He'll come back to that at a later time.

The portal just leads them to the balcony landing.]

This balcony? Probably. My portals? Probably not.

[ He goes to the railing, then, taking in the view. ]

I meant the portals. Yeah. That's ... an unusual kind of magic.

I guess... But he's never asked and I never use it in front of him. So I dunno if he knows.

Oh! You should then! He talks about portal magic sometimes - I guess he used it to visit the Human Realm once? He'd be SO impressed if he knew you could do it.

Hmm... Pops says I shouldn't. It's supposed to stay a family secret, I shouldn't even be showing you really. I'll think on it.

Pops?

Yeah, my dad. Taught me most of what I know.

Oh. That sounds ... nice.

I mean.. Sure. He can be a little overbearing sometimes, but it's all right.

[What is this. There's a whole mystery room to explore and Hunter sounds Sad.]

[ He does sound sad, in a distant sort of way. ]

I never knew my parents. They were killed by wild magic when I was young.

Oh.

[What does he even say to that???]

Sorry.

It's - it's okay. It's just ... the Emperor rescued me from all of that. I owe him my entire life.

...Yeah, I. I get that.

[He shrugs] I've only got my dad and brothers, I dunno any other family so. I get it.

You have brothers??

Three of 'em. They're in the regular scouts though.

So you're the best one.

I mean, I like to think so. But I think it's more I was the only one interested in doing this kinda stuff.

Why WOULDN'T the others want to do stuff like this?

Mikey and Raph hate being stuck inside, and Don says it's [air quote and all] """boooriiiing""" so. Just me.

... Who's Don?

He's my twin brother - sort of? Not identical, that's the thing.

Huh. That sounds nice, though? I wish I had siblings.

They can be really good.

They can be real annoying too. Mixed bag.

[But he wouldn't trade them for anything. He looks into the door of the balcony, the room inside just still dark.]

Still have no idea what's in here, I can't ever see.

... Why don't you light it up then?

I don't have a light spell.

Pfft. That's easy! Just watch this.

[ He gestures, and the crystal on the end of his staff lights up with an eerie red glow. ]

Ta-dah~

Eerie.

[Just noting that but now they CAN see. Sort of. Everything is all red tinted. A lot of piles of cloaks and masks. Huh.]

What've we got here....

[ IT ... sure is! A bit creepy really? Hunter jolts a bit as the light illuminates the space. ]

Is this Belos's closet?

[ He moves to rest a hand on one of the masks? ]

Ooooh, if it is we definitely should not be in here.

[But he is looking at one of the cloaks, seeing the crest... seal? whatever design on the back.]

It's storage of some kind.

Some of these look like they could be Golden Guard outfits too.

[ He can't help but rummage around and find ... ]

Oh! Look, here's a box.

They do, yeah....

[Filing this info away for later consideration. But he bounces over to see.]

Box of what?

I don't know! I didn't open it yet.

[ He gestures to a wooden box lying tucked away under a pile of cloaks. ]

...All right, well.

You're the Golden Guard, so probably better you open it and not me, a lowly security detail.

...

R. Right. I mean - if either of us are allowed to open it at all, it'd be me, right??

R...right. Yeah, it'd be you.

I can just, uh. Witness. Make sure you don't get hurt.

-- right! That's your job anyway! And - if it's clearly not for me, I'll just put it back.

[ His hands still tremble a bit as he lifts the lid and ...

Inside is a book? It's a Golden Guard handbook, actually. Looks pretty worn. ]

[Leo nods and steps back, letting Hunter open it and....

Well, it doesn't make noise or blow up, so he leans in a little]

What is it?

It's a book? It's ... a handbook for the Emperor's Coven. Old, I think.

[ He picks it up, turning it in his hands carefully. ]

Huh.

[He keeps the space there between them but he's still trying to look closer.]

Wonder why that'd be kept up here... Wouldn't it be more useful for you guys?

Y. Yeah. It looks like it SHOULD be mine. Right?

[ He opens the front page -

Ye Emperor's Coven, Protocols and Procedures, Firste Edition
So You Want to Join Ye Emperor's Coven

DON'T

DON'T has been written in directly in scratchy but neat handwriting. The O is a perfect circle. ]

[Yeah he's seeing that.]

...Looks like a first draft... Anything after that though?

[ He keeps flipping through! It's an old guide, but still solid at first. The first few pages are normal, and then several pages after that have words underlined in them seemingly at random?

... and then about 10-15 pages in, the guide has been replaced carefully by pages and pages of handwritten fanfiction.

They tell a lurid (and improbable) tale of the forbidden romance between the Abomination Coven Head and the Bard Coven head. Apparently Devon Deamonne is quite the outrageous flirt compared to Alain Helicoverpa, an uptight bard with more pride than sense. The two used to be friends, but have since fallen into more of a vicious rivalry. Both are frantic to prove their worth to Belos, who is not yet Emperor.

Hunter can't help but stare down at that. ]

What. What am I looking at.

[Leo, meanwhile, is reading along and is absolutely delighted.]

Ohmigosh someone was bored with an active imagination. Amazing. Love this for them. Happy for the couple.

Th - this is inaccurate though! Those are real coven heads from history! I studied them!!

[ Actually, it does seem to be reasonably historically accurate? This relationship results in a short series of escalating conflicts, which then results in the two of them being assigned to a dangerous mission hunting wild magic at the summit of the left Knee. All goes well until the wild witch they're hunting uses ice magic to strand the two of them in an abandoned cottage. With barely any fuel, and only one bed, the two have to work together to stay warm...

Based on the subject matter and the timing and references to popular books at the time, the original text was written approximately two hundred years ago; Belos has not yet made himself Emperor, but the Coven system is gaining traction fast. Some pages in the middle have been torn out and replaced in an attempt to "update" sections later on.

It's quite extensive. There's some WEIRD misspellings throughout. Different spellings? Different handwriting. Was this a group effort? ]

[Reading along, reading.]

Omigosh there was only one bed...

[Sorry Golden Guard, he is WHOLLY invested in this narrative. But the other bits are important too. Things that he files away for future thought. Someone was trying to make this useful in a way, but he's curious about the underlined words before and this. What did it mean about 'don't' join the emperor's coven?]

Looks like someone really did have a lot of free time.

[ CLEARLY SOME SHENANIGANS but look at that fanfiction. Delightful. ]

Well then they weren't focused enough on guarding Belos!!

Looks like they weren't having to guard Belos yet. Power to 'em.

[ SIGH ]

I'm confiscating this. I don't know WHY it's here but I'm going to FIND OUT.

Hey, I wasn't even here so I'm not saying anything.

W-well - yes! This is clearly from before your time.

[ He slams the book closed - and a single sheet of paper falls out of it. ]

We aren't even supposed to be here now, so we definitely didn't see this.

[Even still, he leans down to pick the paper up.]

[ There's a single circle drawn on it with an odd, angular shape inside of it. ]

... R. Right. I. Should re-hide the box. Just in case.

[Just.... Looking at that...]

Yeah, definitely. Like we were never here.

[Just. Stuffing that paper in his pocket. Gonna look at that closer later.]

I can get us out no problem.

O-okay, then let's do that! We shouldn't stay here any longer.

Yeah, probably not. I'd never been in here, so thanks for lighting the way.

[Just putting the box back how they found it before getting his odachi back in hand to portal them out.]

Whenever you're ready.

Yeah uh.

[ Suddenly he has cold prickles. ]

We - we should leave. Now.

On it.

[Just gets that portal back to the second floor stair landing, still kind of dark since no one is using it.]

After you.

[ Just as they’re through and the last flicker of blue vanishes… a hidden door in the room they just came from opens. And there’s Belos for a split second -

Hunter tumbles out of the portal looking like he’s just had a heart attack. ]

D-did he see us?

[Leo is likewise having his own panic attack here, making sure the portal is completely gone.]

N-no, I don't think he did. Might've saw a flash of blue for a split second, but not us.

R. Right! We could have been anyone! It’s fine!

Let’s go somewhere completely different!!

We absolutely should go somewhere completely different, agreed.

[Not Leo just walking them downstairs] You like reading, right? I've got the place. [And then stops at the second floor to head down a different hallway.]

I - uh - I do like reading. Actually. How'd you know?

[ He hurries alongside. ]

Just got that vibe from you. Call it a hunch.

[That jock-nerd vibe. Jerd.]

[ JERD. ]

You barely even know me.

I'm good at reading people, don't worry about it.

[It didn't help the previous golden guard was also a jerd.]

I - well - okay that's good then! I'm not so!

[Leo's expression softens just a little at that. Cute.

Should not fucking think that. Fuck.]

Hey, you got me long as you want me around so I can help with that.

[ RIP LEO ... he is very cute, alas, and so is this face. ]

Let's just go find some books so I can calm down.

So you can calm do- Oh man, yeah. We're doing that, c'mon.

[He'll walk them down a quieter hallway to a ...Well, it's not the Main Library Hunter's probably used to. But a smaller library door off to the side. There's definitely shelves of books but also shelves of picture books, comics, all kinds of reading that look very well worn.]

Here we are.

[ Smaller library is good, at least. He's going to find a spot to sit and ... uh... ]

What kind of library is this? I've never been here before.

A library for those who can't get access to the emperor coven library.

[So. y'know. The library for Everyone Else Ever.]

A lot less academic books in here.

... Oh. I definitely haven't been in here then.

[ He sets the guard book down for a moment to go investigate the shelves. ]

[Leo just picks the book up so it doesn't get lost or misplaced. Doing his job of keeping up with the Golden Guard.]

It's pretty quiet t-b-h. Doesn't get talked about much so you gotta know somebody to know about it.

[ Good Leo. Hunter doesn't notice just yet. ]

Is it a secret?

...In not so many specific words.

[ Hunter laughs a little as he takes a book off the shelf. ]

Why are there so many pictures?

Because sometimes they help you visualize what's going on better! Especially if there's a lot of action.

Can't you do that with words already?

Sure, but sometimes the pictures are fun. And some witches aren't that great at visualizing.

I mean, I guess. But that's what practice is for.

Yeah! And the pictures can act as training wheels.

[ Hunter takes down a comic book to flip through it. ]

This ... would have been nice to have when I was younger, yeah.

It can still be nice now, if you want.

The Emperor will think I'm a child if he sees me reading children's books.

Okay gonna not take it personally that you're calling this comic a kid's book, but also maybe just don't let him see it then.

..........

[ He opens his mouth to object to that too ... then glances over at the guard book that Leo has. ]

I - I guess he doesn't need to know everything.

Up to you.

[He doesn't want to be manipulating the new Golden Guard, but... he's so... easy believing.]

But your secrets are my secrets.

[ HE'S SO EASY. So naive. ]

Do you HAVE secrets?

Bringing you to that room and then here for starters.

... Oh yeah, I guess that's not exactly what you're supposed to be doing. You could get in trouble for that.

Absolutely could. So that's my secret.

...

I-I'll protect it! I don't want you to get in trouble with Belos! N-not like the last one.

[Leo blinks at that. a little surprised by the earnestness. No one ever really cares what happens to him.]

...Yeah. Thanks.

[ Hunter rubs at his own shoulder a bit. ]

I mean it. You really should be careful. Belos doesn't like me having friends.

...Then. Far as he knows, I'm still your security.

[Gonna just hold deep in his heart that Hunter thinks they're friends.]

[ He SURE DOES. Also he slumps in relief. ]

Good. I just - this is nice, you know?

[His smile does soften at that, offering the Guard book back to him.]

Yeah. Yeah, it is. I think so too.

[ He takes it. Also the comic book. ]

Do - do you have other friends?

Uh. Mostly just my brothers and April. We don't get out a lot.

Is April your sister then?

Sort of, yeah. Human that's basically family to us after this long.

You have a HUMAN? Here?

Shhhh-shh-sh! [Frantic and looking around despite literally being completely alone in the small library.]

Yes, just- She still looks enough like a witch no one asks questions.

S-sorry!

[ He takes his voice down a notch. ]

That's still - how did she get here? You know you're legally obligated to turn her over to the Emperor, right??

She said she just walked through a door but we couldn't find the door to send her back. So we've been looking for it while she's staying with us.

...

What kind of door?

Just - A door. Sounded like a normal door when she described it.

[ Hunter hesitates. He knows something that he shouldn't. ]

There's ... something like that in Belos's laboratory. The one at the Head.

...Really?

[Wait so what does that mean? He'll file it away to think about later.]

I'll ask her if she remembers any details about it.

I-I don't know if it's the same one. Or if he has a copy.

He - does sometimes talk about visiting the Human Realm. I guess he went a long time ago.

Who knows, but I'll ask her about it sometime. See if some dots can be connected.

... Yeah. And - maybe the Emperor can help her.

Maybe... We'll see.

[But he's not holding out for that option.]

I mean, if anyone can, it'd be him! He's incredibly brilliant. That's probably why we're supposed to turn in humans if we see them - so he can help them!

..Help them get back?

[He doesn't sound super hopeful about that.]

To the human realm! Exactly.

Uh...huh....

Let's put a pin in that and come back to it once we know for sure everything else. And keep all of this to ourselves for now, all right?

-- Right! The emperor will be much more impressed if we do everything ahead of time instead of giving him partial results.

Exactly, you get it.

We'll do as much as we can on our own and present everything aaaaafter that.

[If at all. Leo doesn't have the strongest feelings about it.]

[ Oh yeah. Hunter will also change his tune later ... but for now he beams. ]

So what do we do next?

Go back and have a snack?

[That's normal, right? Totally fine.]

I -

[ THAT’S WEIRD, he would say, except. ]

I am kind of hungry.

Then snack it is, lesgo.

[Absolutely NO hesitation walking them back.]

[ He trots after, still a bit lost but … ]

Have you done this kind of thing before? You’re so relaxed.

[He leads Hunter along, keeping track of where they're coming from.]

Oh yeah, lots of times. I've got a whole system mapped out.

rho psl

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