Dirt Paths Lead Different Ways

They had made a plan, a perfect plan....

Oylinda had the most influencal power out of all the lands, they practically were the High Council and to own the Council was to world all the world. All they had to do was to gain control of Oylinda and all of the lands would be theirs to have.

And maybe finally having the means to bring him back....
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It was a hot summer day but was beautiful. Not a cloud laid against the sapphire blue skies above as the royal guards of Oylinda did their usual morning training. Muscles taut from years of hard work, skin toasted a nice light brown. Yet out of all these men, only one was truly outstanding.

Daburu Saido

He had joined the royal guards after the Fourth Guardian War. He had been badly wounded when they found him but brought him to Oylinda and made him a royal guard. His shoulder length blue hair was currently tied back and like most of the other men, had no shirt on as he trained in the hot sun, sweat running down his back.

Emilia sighed, her long blonde hair was down and she was in a formal blue dress. She walked through the halls silently. The young princess was bored, and with nothing to do she would simply wander. She eventually made her way outside, seeing members of the guard training. The princess stayed silent and simply watched, she had made a habit of doing this when she had nothing better to do.

As the day grew hotter, the captain called it a break. The royal guards stopped and saluted before dispersing off to cool down. "Good evening, Princess Emilia." Daburu said as he walked over to her and bowed, "I hope you are fair."

Emilia was rather surprised when one of the guards came up to her and spoke to her. The guards usually didn't bother her unless they were to escort her somewhere. "Good evening sir." she said, returning the bow. "I believe i'm at a disadvantage. You know my name, but i do not know your's." she said with a small smile.

"How rude of me, I apologize, Princess." He said before straightening, "I am Daburu Saido, part of the Royal Guard Squad." He rested his practice sword on his shoulders while resting his hand on his hip, "I meant no offence, dear princess."

Emilia laughed softly and shook her head. "It's quite alright Sir Saido and it is a pleasure to meet you. Well, to be formally introduced to you." She said as she held her hands in front of her. "Things seem to be going well out here."

Daburu looked out over his shoulder, "Yes...seeings how we need to no longer live in fear of Mastermind." He said though sounded distant before turning back to Emilia and smiled at her, "Would you like me to escort you anywhere, Princess Emilia?"

Her smile faded at the mention of Mastermind. "Yes.....but there will always be someone that threatens the peace. Otherwise there wouldn't be life." she told sadly. She did believe this, but with the death of her father being so relatively fresh, it still made her sad. "and i'm sure you are tired, i wouldn't want to bother you with the petty task of walking me around."

"I would be honored actually, if I am able to escort a fair maiden such as yourself." He said, offering a hand to her, "And I am sorry if I have upset you, I meant no harm."

"You have not upset me, i was simply thinking." she told as she took his hand. "It would be an honor to be escorted by a gentleman such as yourself." she responded.

Daburu helped her up before the two started to walk to the gardens. The flowers were in bloom with reds, whites, blues, and yellows shining brightly their colors against the green leaves. "It is quiet lovely here."

Emilia smiled and nodded as she looked at the flowers silently. Soon a small black cat came running up to the two. "Princess! I've been searching everywhere for you!" Emilia almost sighed when she heard Chrono. He was such a worry wort and would hardly let her out of his sight.

"I am sorry, I was taking a walk with her." Daburu said as he smiled at Chrono. In truth, he hated that cat. It was annoying but he had to play nice and win them over.

He was going to make him rise again.

Emilia flashed him a tiny smile. "It was nice getting to walk with you Sir Saido. I'm sorry if i wasted your time." she said softly before turning and picking up her best friend. "So what did you need me for Chrono?" you could almost see the formality leave her as she began talking to the cat.

Chrono was always suspicious of everyone an Daburu was at the top of his suspect list. "It's time for your studies." the girl sighed again and nodded. "I supposed if i must go."

Daburu sighed as he watched Emilia leave, "So close and no cigar." He mumbled before heading to his room to take a nap and a shower, maybe also eat something.

After taking Emilia to the library, Chrono ran off to go find Daburu to comfornt him about Emilia and why he was with her.

Daburu heard the sound of foot steps coming closer to his room, he could smell the cat and his nose wrinkled in annoyacne. He didn't hate the cat, he just found him annoying......

Daburu opened the door before Chrono was even at it, "I can hear you, Chrono." he said in a cool tone.

"Good afternoon Daburu." He said as he stared up at the man, he was debating on turning into his human form but decided against it. "What were you doing speaking with the princess." It was obvious that he was suspicious of the man and he was going to let him know that.

"Merely saying hello, they did save my life after all." Daburu said before chuckling, "Be at ease, I have no romantic interest in her person, nor any...sexual interest. I keep my honor and morals in check and never stray from them." He said as he put his things away.

Chrono glared up at the male. "I request that you keep yourself away from The Princess." He said, keeping his cool. "And if you do n.ot i may have to keep her away from you"

Daburu laughed, "My, what a funny cat you are but shouldn't the princess make that choice for herself?" He said, staring down at the Chrono, "It shouldn't be up to you what she should do."

Chrono scowled, "The Princess is far to trusting of people, and it is my duty to keep her safe." He said, almost hissing at the guard. "If you wish for the same i suggest you stay away from Princess Emilia."

"Are you saying i'm unable to take care of myself Chrono?" The voice surprised the cat. He turned and saw the princess not to far away from where he was, with a sad look on her face.

Daburu didn't change his face but smirked on the inside. It annoyed him to no extent that people kept treating the princess as a child, especially since she was to be the next ruler once married. Even though he wasn't part of Oylina and therefore had no loyalty, he wasn't completely heartless. "Princess." He said as he bowed.

Chrono was shocked, "Princess Emilia! You should be studying!" He exclaimed as he rushed over to her. The female stared down at him, looking betrayed almost. "And you shouldn't be trying to run my life." she said as she watched him. Emilia walked around him and over to Daburu, and bowed to him. "I apologize for Chrono's behavior. He had no right to come and order you around. Please accept my deepest apologizes." she said as she bowed lowly.

"He merely does it out of love for you but not to worry, he hasn't offended me but I accept your apology." Daburu said as he smiled at her, she was always so kind, rather touching. Maybe he could convince Lasser to keep her to rule, after all, he was a puppet master.