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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]

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

[neonleon]

Yeah! And the pictures can act as training wheels.

[pyrighteous]

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

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

[neonleon]

It can still be nice now, if you want.

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

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.

[pyrighteous]

..........

[ 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.

[neonleon]

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.

[pyrighteous]

[ HE'S SO EASY. So naive. ]

Do you HAVE secrets?

[neonleon]

Bringing you to that room and then here for starters.

[pyrighteous]

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

[neonleon]

Absolutely could. So that's my secret.

[pyrighteous]

...

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

[neonleon]

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

...Yeah. Thanks.

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter rubs at his own shoulder a bit. ]

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

[neonleon]

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

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

[pyrighteous]

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

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

[neonleon]

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

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

[pyrighteous]

[ He takes it. Also the comic book. ]

Do - do you have other friends?

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

Is April your sister then?

[neonleon]

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

[pyrighteous]

You have a HUMAN? Here?

[neonleon]

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.

[pyrighteous]

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??