Paladin's Path

Caramel skin glowed softly in shining glow emitting through the arched windowpane, contrasting strikingly with the bright amber eyes of the young teenage male sat on the second last row of the classroom.

His name was Theon Abara, a 15 year old on his first day attending a three year program to become a paladin.

His short blonde-dyed dreads danced across his head only reaching only his ears stuck on a youthful face. The boy's expression seemed unbothered and even bored.

'Including the shy girl who came in late on her first day that makes 15 of us'. Theon took notice of the amount of students currently in the same room, all wearing issued uniforms that was custom made for the type of individuals in this room.

It was clear that it was made for combat, with the reinforced seams and double-stitched hems that made the uniform more resistant to wear and tear as well as the elasticity that allows for wider range of motion it would be suitable for everyone who would wear it.

Theon doesn't really know if he's happy becoming a paladin or not. Unlike the majority of the world he along with his new classmates are part of the 20% of the world to be given powers controlled by Od, Od being a humans natural life force.

A part of him was only here because of a steely blue eyed man that had worked for the Bureau of Paranormal Affairs (BPA). Victor Kane. A cold and pragmatic man is what many people would describe him as. In the five years that Theon had gotten to know the man he was certain that he hadn't seen even the faintest smile on his face.

He was an elderly man that still held onto his years of fortitude and could intimidate anyone with his piercing gaze.

Victor Kane had been part of an operation that had "Saved" Theon when he was younger out of all the other people that were rescued the Deputy Director of the BPA had decided to basically sponsor him.

At first Theon thought it was for some nefarious reason but realized that the elder man never asked too much of him and would only come to visit to keep up appearances of a caring man. Victor had only started frequently visiting when Theon had agreed to entering the Paladin Program.

And that was it, that was what had gotten his attention. Theon wasn't surprised he knew that he wasn't picked up for no reason at all. He was important because he had something that many people in the room also had.

Talent.

Talent that came in the form of a special power controlled by an individuals life force. This power though came from the culminated trauma of a being so for many it was certainly not looked at like a good thing.

The room was still silent but the feeling of anticipation and worry was in the air. There was a boy with fluffy white hair in the front row of the classroom over to the left that seemed to be calm and collected as well as somewhat giddy as he couldn't keep still, even trying to start some minor conversation with his seating neighbour who was the shy girl that had came in last.

She had a petite and pretty figure with short brown hair framing her face, due to her more demure demeanour she was probably one that was usually overshadowed by her more outspoken peers.

Behind her was a boy on my row of the seating arrangement, he had dark navy blue hair and a beauty mark under his left eye, and what told everyone that he didn't seem to feel worried in the slightest was the fact that he was asleep. Asleep since he came in actually.

He didn't snore or anything so he wasn't really disturbing anyone but he did in fact gain some looks of indecency with people already judging his character. One of laziness and lack of discipline.

One who had given him such a look of utter annoyance as if he didn't want to be stuck near the sleepy classmate was a boy with another dark shade of hair, only instead of navy his was more of a midnight purple.

The boy certainly had looks to kill for if not for the constant look on his face that seemed angry all the time.

'Looks to kill for', basically everyone in the class did and if not that definitely didn't mean that they were ugly. And there was a reason for that. Od.

The wonderful power source that existed in every human being. But only those that could actually use it could reap the benefits of it.

One benefit being that it slowly and surely starts to remove any imperfections within the individual. So finding the ugly duckling in a class of future paladins was basically impossible.

Before Theon could further spot the difference in his classmates he was interrupted by the door opening and in coming a tall man with soft features, like his soft grey hair neatly combed back as well as a soft smile on his face as he seen the faces of his soon to be students.

"Morning students." he said in a welcoming and soothing tone. "Congratulations on making it in to the Paladin Program."

And just like that the nervous atmosphere was slowly being washed away with the soft and calming voice of the elder man who had just walked in.

'It could be his power at play.' Theon was one to suspect almost everything.

Something Victor had made sure he was used to, but not only him also special circumstances.

The teacher then picked up an interactive pen as the large board behind him started booting up. Once its quick start-up had booted the teacher had started to write up on the interactive board.

"My name is Caleb Adams. And you all will refer to me as Mr. Adams."

Upon first impressions he seemed like a kind gentleman who wasn't too strict and had a welcoming presence, like you could go to him for anything. Theon never went to an actual school before but he assumed that Mr. Caleb would be a teacher that is liked in many alike.

In the front row sat a girl with long and bright orange hair that was tied in the style of twin tails. She was in my row from the top so Theon never actually got a look at her face. Her hand shot up to grab the attention of the teacher.

"Sir are you just our homeroom teacher, or are there any subjects that you will be teaching us?" that was a good question. Within this program there is still basic learning that you could find in any normal high school, its just the main focus is on training individuals to become paladins.

"Oh good question Robin..." so he already memorized the students names. "Well I will be your language and history teacher."

'It seems that we'll be having this teacher quite frequently.'

"But there is something of importance that I should be telling you now." Everyone had perked up at this even the sleepyhead in class now had his eyes open but was still slouched with his head resting on his hand.

"Its about your current positions within the class. This will only last one month!"

The class was surprised, was there a chance of expulsion? Maybe not being able to progress forward if there was some test that the class would have to pass.

"For one month we will be assessing you guys' test scores and more and then sort you out in three man teams that you will be working with throughout the Paladin's program."

There was a breath of relief from some people. And some people seemed excited for working together with new people while some, mainly the same angry faced purple haired neighbour of mine seemed more than annoyed at that prospect.

"Why do we have to be teamed up?" so annoyed that he screamed out the question in full confidence instead of raising his hand like the first student to ask a question, Robin.

People in the class seemed a little shocked at the boys loud shout. So early on the class was finding many oddities that they had probably never expected to meet again while in a setting like this. Some laughed and some looked disappointed at his behaviour.

And over to the right side in the back row sat a boy with dirty blonde hair that was somewhat neat and forest green eyes covered behind round shaped glasses. The boy seemed to have some sort of cold hatred for the boy that just shouted out loud.

But just as Theon turned his head to gain a better look at him, his face had changed into one of pure indifference like he had most likely had prior.

Mr. Adams chuckled trying to calm the class down before they became even more riled up.

"Corbin..." the dark eyes of the dark purple haired boy widened slightly. "... It would be more polite for you to raise your hand before you ask a question. Now please try it again."

That was surprising. The calm and kind teacher handled it well but what was surprising was him making him ask his same question again. Where normally people would just answer the question that they surely heard Mr. Caleb seems to be trying to instil an early lesson on the first day to the boy.

He scoffed but didn't refuse. Corbin's hand went up and as soon as he got the go ahead... "Why are we being teamed up with other people?"

There were some quiet chuckles from some people in the class but teacher Adams done what he was obligated to do and answered his hot tempered students question.

"It is important to understand the significance of teamwork and getting along with other people. As a paladin you will be put working with people multiple times to get a job done."

That answer seemed to appease the people in the class, Corbin kept his eyes on his desk probably feeling some shame even though it was clear he was still angry. Theon couldn't tell why, nobody was even still looking toward his direction anymore.

"Now. I myself have a question that I want you students to answer, please raise your hand when you have an answer. What is a paladin?"

Well that was a simple answer. Paladins were basically modern day heroes in this world. The most basic requirement of it was simply being able to use Od. Although just because you could use it didn't mean that the majority wanted to become the worlds modern day heroes.

A girl in the second row with jet black hair put her hand up to give the answer.

"Go on Chloe." Theon thought it nice for the teacher to be introducing the students to each other instead of the usual awkward meeting process of grouped up individuals.

"A paladin is a skilled defender of humanity trained to combat paranormal threats and uphold justice. Threats like spirits, chimera, and other criminals using their paranormal powers."

"Good answer now can someone expand on that and tell me what Chimera and spirits are?" Nobody put their hands up for this one.

Theon believed it to be because the questions were easy and they were already getting used to them, questions that they have known the answers to probably before some had even been able to use their Od.

But there was sure to be some student or more that were still eager to answer. Mr. Adams decided to pick out one to answer instead though.

"Bell." he pointed toward the back middle row of the class over to a girl with a pretty face that somehow screamed high class. She had a hard look on her face that showed how sincere she was in this class, a pen in her hand that seemed to be writing down every important detail that the teacher had spoke out today.

The beautiful maidens long silver hair flowed down her face before she moved it behind her back to give an answer. Complimenting her soft and luscious light hair were crystal sky-blue eyes.

Theon noticed a shake of trepidation in them before it was quickly washed away as she prepared her answer.

"Chimera are still believed to be simple creatures that come from the collective unconsciousness of mankind, Alhena, meant to keep balance in the world. They get stronger through the fear they are able to accumulate and are a direct counter to human beings." The girl, Bell, her voice was piercing and everyone could hear the words she was saying, her tone formal and respectful.

The silver haired girl known as Bell didn't seem as enthusiastic and caring as someone like Robin or soft spoken like Chloe, she seemed more independent and like one to remove anyone or thing that got in the way of her path.

"Great. And as Bell answered these beings can grow stronger through fear that they accumulate, so even if one were to spawn weak they could always get so incredibly strong and be too hard to handle."

"Like 'The First Children'." the one to speak this time was the fluffy white haired boy who sat at the front of the class.

His voice was real playful but not in any demeaning or smart way, he seemed more like a genuine and dense character.

And maybe that was why Mr. Adams didn't have the same reaction to him that he did for Corbin.

"Yes Cole, just like The First Children. Although I must ask that you also raise your hand when speaking out."

A 'Sorry Sir' was then heard in a quick response from the boy up front.

The First Children was a title belonging to three of the strongest chimera that the world has seen, beings that actually still exist and have caused a lot of terror even in recent years. Mr. Adams didn't pick anyone to explain what they were or anything that was heard as they were beings that everyone knew, it was probably a topic for another day since there could even be students in this very class that could have been hurt deeply by the three beasts.

'The great slime, Gluttonous Fiend and Orchid. The last one has been reported as the strongest one of them all.'

Beasts that even Theon could only hope to be far away from whenever they decided to next pop up even if he were a paladin or not.

The teacher quickly went on to explain what spirits were. It wasn't hard to tell from the name, they were spirits. Beings that even had similar attributes to ghosts which they were called for such a long time before the common label for them changed to spirits.

They were not as great a threat as chimera and could even be handled without violence as they were once human's who just had a bad lot in life and died wanting much more causing them to manifest back into reality as spirits.

"Now instead of focusing on the threats that seem to have us doomed lets think of our current day paladins that have been able to inspire hope in many of us."

A girl on the second row to the far right of the class against the wall seemed happy at that statement. Her bouncy and curly long red hair was tied in a ponytail that could go unnoticed by anyone else because of how much hair there was.

"Starting off with America's strongest. Noa Godwin." There was a quick buzz of excitement that followed some cheers for the name that was spoken.

Noa Godwin, the Head of the Bureau of Paranormal Affairs. As well as the strongest paladin in the states with the rank of Paladin. Many aspired to be him or at least as powerful as him.

If he were to arrive on the battlefield hearts would calm down and cry in joy, people shaking in fear would then instantly start cheering for him while rushing out of his way.

'Not that I actually know.'

Theon had never been on a battlefield with the old man. And yes the man was old nearing his 70's now, but Theon had met him before, curtesy of being so closely affiliated with Victor Kane and being the rescue victim of a very important mission.

And Theon knew better than anyone in the class that the strongest man in America most certainly had power, his presence emitted it. The first time Theon had met him he was very mindful of what came out of his mouth and truly didn't even want to speak to him as he feared him.

That was until he had slowly gotten used to the old mans presence, Theon's opinion on Noa was that of a weird old man that takes nothing seriously, a reason why Victor and many others couldn't stand the man.

But to Theon, he could confidently say that Noa Cross was in fact the only person in his life that felt normal even though he didn't act it.

"Even if one of those three beasts did decide to show up, it would be no match for our countries strongest." the teacher's voice was louder and his face was more expressive which made more of the people in the class more buzzed than they already were.

There were only a few people Theon had noticed that weren't acting out and instead keeping as composed as they were at the beginning of the class.

Including Theon himself, he noticed the sleepyhead not joining in the classes excitement as well as a guy with black hair combed down past his ears on the row ahead of his. His sandy green eyes could be compared to the glossy sheen of pistachio frosting, along with him a darker skinned girl with curly hair tied in a tight high ponytail which still allowed her hair to flow almost endlessly down her lower back she had a more annoyed look on her face and also didn't seem to care much for the festivities that the class was getting into.

And like earlier, Bell seemed the way she was only moments earlier. She didn't really seem like the type to follow the crowd anyway.

"And there's more..." the teacher kept going on. 'This is one hell of a reassurance.' "...Think of the Gold rank paladins that are out there as well. Like the Adrian Wolfe and Freya Ford, both of them were part of the effort to catch those two terrorists who had turned Chicago upside down, does anyone remember the names given to them."

Theon understood what the teacher was doing. He was giving everyone examples of the right people to aspire to be, people that they could aspire to be better than.

It was could but he couldn't help but find it boring and was even starting to feel drowsy as the answer was given for the teachers previous question.

"Well I think that is enough for the starting day for you guys. Please enjoy the rest of your days and find your way to your dorm rooms before the building closes, you can find the maps on your phones that have been distributed to you once first entering the premises."

'Oh yeah.'

The students were given new phones and were told to discard or at least not bring their old one's to the program's premises.

Purely for safety and privacy reasons. Same reason as to why phone calls with people outside the grounds were recorded as well as limited to a certain amount of minutes a day.

Even when wanting to go out of the school grounds you needed to fill out a form explaining what you plan on doing and more things like that.

Theon didn't have any reasons to be out of the school grounds so he didn't really care also he understood the precautions that were being taken and agreed with its importance.

"Guys." the twin tailed beauty now known as Robin Evans called out to everyone. "Its nice to meet you all. I am hoping we all get along in this month so that when we split up we can still feel like a normal class, or at least a close group of friends."

Theon understood the sentiment but he could never understand how someone could just get up in front of a large group of people and just start talking like that. He commended Robin in his head for her courage but was glad that he had never been the type to act as such.

Many of the class agreed with her words though. More boys than girls from what Theon could see. And it was understandable, even with a class of people that were certainly not lacking in the looks department, Robin held an aura of someone that you wanted to protect and care for, someone with little to no faults.

And that is what made Theon wary of her. There was no one in this dreadful world that could be so pure, so kind unless they were a child.

He would have to keep an eye on the cheerful classmate that was slowly winning everyone's attention and good favour.

________

From an early age even before he was aware of what Od was Theon was taught to fight and eventually when taken in by Victor he had been taught to be wary of every person he met.

'If someone is overly enthusiastic believe they have an ulterior motive or are mocking.'

'If they tend to cross their arms they may be defensive or hostile.'

'Punctuality too perfect, then they may be hiding something.'

These were all little things that Theon had noticed in a few of his classmates for the few hours he had gotten to know them.

But Theon didn't want to continue thinking in ways that Victor Kane had. From what he knows of the man other than him being quite ruthless in his profession, Theon knows that Victor wasn't particularly liked by many, he was a lonely paranoid and pessimistic old man who wanted to be in control of much more than any one person can handle.

Whenever Theon had met with him he was reminded that Victors attitude was more so like 'If you don't do things my way you will fail.' The old man never had to say it, but looking at things like that Theon could understand why he all alone, people wouldn't want to deal with someone like that on a daily basis.

Victor was just a benefactor to Theon not someone in a guardian role.

His phone buzzed in his pocket and when he went to fish it out he seen the new class group chat with all fifteen of them within the chat.

It was only natural with a girl like Robin ready to take things into her charge and try her best to connect everyone together.

It was quite a sight to see how she easily got everyone to share their contact details so quickly, well it wasn't easy for her to make all students do so as it was for others.

Students like Bell with her smart mouth and lone wolf attitude weren't so easily willing to just get along and make friends with everyone. And that also went the same for some more of the students like the girl with the afro curls cascading down her back, Aaliyah was her name.

Aaliyah had only gave in as more and more heads spun in her direction at the time and she clearly didn't want a verbal debate on the importance of keeping close contact with the class like Bell had done before her.

Sleepyhead who's name was Arte tried being smart and witty but just got shutdown by some of the boys who didn't appreciate his tone to the classes angel as it felt very condescending.

It was clear to someone as observant as Theon how much power and influence Robin was getting from within the class already.

'She was probably fairly popular and loved in middle school.'

In fact it was her who had texted first in the class group chat - [We should meet in the school hall and see who they announce as the rookie of the year for second years. Mr. Adams says its not mandatory though.]

Rookie of the year. That sounds interesting.

It was basically a system in the school to show which students progress had been the best within their first year, it probably helped to motivate many more too.

'I wonder what they'll show, will they show his achievements? Will the student reveal their power.'

That's mainly what Theon was intrigued about and then he had nearly bumped into someone as he turned around from his path on going to check out his dorm room.

"My bad." Theon quickly done his bit to make amends quick, but then brought himself back to reality and realized... 'I didn't even notice this guy behind me.'

True some things may have been on his mind but this is certainly a first, because of the silly mistake Victors voice and silly codes that he tried so hard to impart on him kept buzzing through his mind as he looked into the dull brown eyes of the boy he had nearly bumped into.

He remembers him and was at least glad that it was at least someone from his class instead of one of his seniors, it would have been an odd way to meet one though, on his way to the first year dorms.

"That's fine, I also wasn't paying attention and nearly walked into you." the boy spoke in a pretty relaxed tone and even stood slouched. Earlier Theon thought he had spotted something dangerous within the boy, like some killer instinct.

But he put that to the side as the boy's eyes gave some recognition.

"We're in the same class right?"

Theon nodded and gave a faint smile as he put his hand out.

"Yes we are. Theon Abara, nice to meet you."

The boy took the hand and the first thing Theon noticed was the warm and almost wet feeling he was receiving, 'sweat?' It was a hot day, but the days were getting more mild as we were fully submerging into the Autumn season.

"Jon Sinclair and I hope we get along."

Theon shook his head in agreeance but also wondered if that was something people said normally and then thought that this boy, Jon, was also a little awkward and didn't have much experience talking with people.

"Where are you headed, cause it looked like you were going to the dorms?"

Theon looked where he was pointing which was right in front of the large buildings that he would soon be living in, for the next three years as well.

"Well I was, but then I decided to see that rookie of the year announcement that's going on in the schools main building, some of our classmates will also be there." Theon added that last part in thinking that Jon had just not seen the message.

'Maybe he already has the chat muted.'

Jon looked interested though.

"That sounds cool..." sounded it too. "... I guess I'll go too." he announced as he turned around and started walking along with Theon.

Theon didn't mind the company, but he was certainly not used to it and was wondering if he showed it.

About a minute into the walk, Jon was humming some tune in his head while Theon just stayed quiet and realized, 'Yeah I think I'm showing how socially inept I am.'

He wanted to say something, anything before he felt even more awkward than he already was.

"So Theo." Jon was the first to initiate conversation and he didn't even mind that he didn't use his full name, actually he was glad. "How old are you?"

Theon stumbled at how mundane the question was, but then again he didn't know what else to expect. "15."

For now anyway, it was September 29th now and the year 2020. Theon would be turning 16 in a short three months, but that was never anything to dwell on since he had never actually celebrated his birthday.

"Also your hair. Is it dyed?" Theon was more surprised at this question but happy nonetheless that it wasn't as plain as the last one.

"Yeah, I thought on trying something different before school started and I didn't mind it so I left it blonde."

"Not at the roots though." Jon fired back instantly, he wasn't even looking in Theon's direction but yeah he was right. He didn't want to go that deep as he didn't like the look of every loc on his head being dyed blonde.

"Anyway. Are you excited for the year?" Theon finally asked a question of his own. From the looks he had seen on most of his classmates faces they all seemed happy being part of the program.

Jon though, he didn't really show a look of excitement like the rest of the class. He seemed more bored if anything, even people who kept reserved in the classes atmosphere like Aaliyah as well as Bell and Arte still had a look of some kind of determination and anticipation to them.

Jon had none of that and his next words confirmed it to Theon.

"Don't know. Maybe, maybe not. I was kind of bored and wanted something different so I tried applying for this thing and seeing what they have to offer. Plus I still get to use my power while getting a paladins licence."

Jon let all that out without any hesitation or even a slight care for anyone else that may have heard him. Many people in the program would give him a second look and wonder if he was in the right place, on the right path.

"What about you Theo? You didn't seem all too excited either."

'So he was watching around the class too then.'

"I'm a little excited. I don't really know what to expect though, I never really dived too deep in paladin culture." Theon answered back earnestly, he only knew what he knew and was never searching for any more. "What's your power though? You don't have to tell me though if you don't want to."

Theon had only asked because of Jon's answer on wanting to use his power.

He looked over to him looking like he was debating on what to do. His face twitched a lot and he looked like he wanted to say but wasn't used to doing so and wanted to tell Theon to piss off.

Until eventually, he chuckled...

"...Something to do with blood. Now what's yours?" He stuck his tongue out and then pulled a lollipop from his pocket and quickly undid its wrapper before popping it in his mouth.

'Something to do with blood eh?' Theon believed that it was obviously a powerful ability but now was asked about his. Jon obviously didn't fully divulge on what he could do but now it was Theon's turn to play the same game.

Hmph...

"Something to do with Dragons."

Jon chuckled slowly and then full on laughed.

"You're funny. I really do hope we get along."

Theon had never heard someone outwardly say something like that before, Certainly not from someone like Victor, Noa was the head of the BPA so he certainly wasn't expecting it from an elderly man like that. And he didn't know many his own age that he could say that he was close to, only acquaintances from a bad past.

But now here in this new environment, something new and something good could come from it.

So he said with a more obvious smile on his face.

"So do I."