"Stop it right there, Shiro."
Drat.
Outside the merchant guild's main building, a guard tried to make his way to the gathering that was being held inside. Unfortunately for him, his colleagues caught him in the act of sneaking in.
"Um, can you guys turn a blind eye this time? I need to step inside, it's important."
The guards looked at each other, contemplating the thought of letting him proceed, but ultimately they both shook their heads. "Sorry Shiro, but this is an important meeting. Only the higher ups are allowed. If it were another case, then sure, we wouldn't care."
"Listen, the higher ups are never in town and all of the sudden they've gathered here tonight. Doesn't that pique your interest?"
"It does..." one of the guards said.
Shiro nodded, "Right?, if that's the case, why not go inside together? No one will know."
"Don't listen to him." One guard said smacking the other's head, "Shiro, as tempting as it may be, the chief is being extra vigilant tonight. You of all people should know how he gets. If he catches unauthorized personnel inside, we're done for."
"Oh, him? Don't worry about it. If we move quickly, no one will know we're gone, especially the chief."
"--Is that so?" a voice interrupted.
The three guards stiffened. A drop of sweat rolled down Shiro's cheek as he slowly turned to look at his chief officer.
"Oh, hey chief..."
On a superficial level, he looked calm and collected with Shiro's mischief, but Shiro knew him better than anyone. He was sure the Chief was outraged by his actions.
"There better be a good explanation as to why you're here and not at your assigned position."
"Well, you see we were..." Shiro turned to looked at the other guards for help, but the two figures were nowhere to be seen.
What a bunch of traitors!
Shiro sighed, "I just wanted to see what was happening. That's all."
"What's happening inside is none of your concern, at least for now. Regardless, I already know what you're really trying to do. If I were you, I would leave matters be. It is not your place to intervene."
"Sir, with all due respect, you don't understand anything at all."
He glared at Shiro, "Listen here, the general's got more important matters to attend than to be dealing with someone who is considered nothing but an embarrassment to the family."
"Ironic, you could be saying the same for yourself, yet here you are."
The Chief grabbed the young man's arm, "Look at me." he demanded. Shiro glared at him back as if edging him on to a fight.
"Don't you dare test me... You're a good soldier, but know your place." The chief said as he let go of Shiro's arm.
"Sir—" Shiro tried to plea.
"--Enough."
"…Yes, sir," Shiro muttered looking down. His hands clenched into fists. He hated how his fear kept him silent.
The chief shook his head and opened the door to the main building, "Don't get involved with the wrong people. It'll waste your potential." he said before the door closed on Shiro's face.
***
"Ron!"
Shiro was guarding the front gate when he spotted his friend approaching the guild. He lit up and rushed over to him, "Where the hell were you?"
"Sorry man, I was doing some stuff around the town."
"Out of all nights, this is the one you decide to come in late?"
"I said I was sorry, okay?" He said in a stern voice.
Shiro knew something was going on with his friend, but for now he let matters be, or rather, it was not the time.
"Alright, if you say so... Anyway, because of the visitors we have tonight, the chief doesn't want anything slipping past us. So, keep an eye out for anything strange."
"Hell, nothing ever happens here, why are there so many guards?"
The town was a peaceful place, some would say too peaceful. For the merchant's guild to be this heavily guarded, something big had to be going on.
"I tried to see what all the fuss was about with all these nobles, but I was caught in the act."
Ron scoffed. "Still clashing with the chief, huh?"
Shiro smacked him lightly on the head. "Look who's talking."
They both looked at each other and laughed.
Shiro patted Rons shoulder, "I heard you were assigned northwest, near the stables."
"So they gave me the one post I can't screw up…"
"Don't worry. You'll still find a way," Shiro said with a wink.
"Oh, screw off."
Shiro chuckled. "I'll catch you later."
"Yeah… thanks." he said with a slight smile on his face.
Ron looked at the guild's main building. He amused the thought of stepping inside and confront the man once and for all, but he knew he couldn't do it. He wasn't ready to face him and maybe that's why he's in a bad mood.
"Alright, time to get to work."
***
Ron arrived at his post to find the stables calm and uneventful. A few carriages stood parked, while horses and lizards idly waited for their owners.
Seeing how quiet things were, Ron decided to sneak a quick smoke. He didn't make a habit of it, but in times when stress is at its peak, it helped him decompress. He always did it in secret. He didn't want anyone, especially Shiro, seeing him like that. Still, with the reputation he already had, it wouldn't do much to change people's perception of him.
Once he finished, he tossed the cigarette to the ground and crushed it beneath his boot.
Suddenly, the air felt heavier. The animals remained still, or rather tensed, with their eyes wide and alert. That's when Ron noticed a figure in the room. Judging by the uniform, another guard.
"Hey, man. I didn't see you when I came in. I'm sorry you had to smell that."
"It's fine. It doesn't bother me."
"So, you were assigned here too?"
The figure turned slightly. His face was mostly hidden beneath the shadow of his hat.
"Yes, I am." he replied.
"Cool. At least I won't go crazy being alone with these creatures."
"Don't underestimate them," the man said, gently stroking a nearby lizard. "They make the best companions."
"I guess..." Ron studied him more closely and frowned. "I don't remember your face."
"I was newly assigned."
"Were you now…"
Ron had been stationed there for months. He knew every inch of the town and everyone in it. New recruits didn't just appear out of nowhere without word getting around.
"So, they made you memorize that dumb pledge too?"
"Yes... The pledge."
"How did it go again?" Ron asked, his voice casual but probing. "'By the lion, the serpent, the rabbit, the raven--' come on, help me out here."
He expected the man to finish it. Instead, the stranger kept petting the lizard in silence.
Ron sighed. "Would you at least indulge me a little?"
The man smirked faintly, "Maybe I should…"
A ringing pierced Ron's ears, and chills raced down his spine. Every instinct screamed at him to run.
He placed a hand on the hilt of his sword. "Something's not right—"
A flash of silver caught his eye. In a split second, Ron drew his sword and blocked the incoming strike. The force sent him stumbling back several feet, his heart pounded like never before.
"You've got impressive reflexes," the man said.
Ron raised his sword. "You rat… stop hiding behind that hat. Show me your face!"
The imposter sighed. "No point in keeping the act up now."
His body began to faintly glow and his form shifted. He grew taller and leaner. His hair turned from black to a striking crimson red. The uniform remained untouched, though it fit more tighter on his altered frame.
In his true form, the man scratched his cheek. "It's a bit embarrassing to be found out so quickly."
Ron grit his teeth. "Who the hell are you?!"
The redhead casually pointed at himself. "Me? I'm just a butler," he said with a shrug.