rho psl

[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]

Family secret. But yeah.

[pyrighteous]

Family ...

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

Anyway, he heads through the portal. ]

Does the Emperor know about it?

[neonleon]

[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.

[pyrighteous]

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

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

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

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.

[neonleon]

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.

[pyrighteous]

Pops?

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

Oh. That sounds ... nice.

[neonleon]

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.]

[pyrighteous]

[ 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.

[neonleon]

Oh.

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

Sorry.

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

...Yeah, I. I get that.

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

[pyrighteous]

You have brothers??

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

So you're the best one.

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

... Who's Don?

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

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.