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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]

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

[neonleon]

[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.

[pyrighteous]

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

What are you doing?

[neonleon]

Oh.

[Immediately leaning back away.]

Right, got it, not friendly space.

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

[Yeah previous Golden Guard was like that too.]

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

[pyrighteous]

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

Hunter.

[neonleon]

[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?

[pyrighteous]

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

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

[neonleon]

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

Oh. Nice to meet you, Hunter.

[pyrighteous]

Y-yeah! Nice to meet you, uh -

[ Wait. Mild panic. ]

I-I forgot your name!

[neonleon]

[He laughs kindly at that.]

Leonardo, but everyone calls me Leo.

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

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

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

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

... Right...

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

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

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

I do, yeah.

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

[pyrighteous]

-- 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. ]

[neonleon]

[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.

[pyrighteous]

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?

[neonleon]

[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.

[pyrighteous]

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

That's EXACTLY what I want.