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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

[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.

[neonleon]

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.

[pyrighteous]

Thank you, guard.

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

[neonleon]

[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?

[pyrighteous]

[ 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!

[neonleon]

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

Yeah, I heard. Congratulations, Golden Guard.

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

I am happy for you.

Just also doing my job.

[pyrighteous]

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

But you almost look as dour as Darius did.

[neonleon]

[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.

[pyrighteous]

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

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

[neonleon]

[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?]

[pyrighteous]

Uh -

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

[neonleon]

Oh.

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

[pyrighteous]

... Really? Where is it?

[neonleon]

[He just. Points up with one finger.]

About six floors up.