Paladin's Path

Second place. That was where Jon Sinclair had finished, one spot behind the winner who was Bell Wyatt.

It was surprising, even more so when she made a quick and effortless dash through the same middle tunnel of the obstacle course that Ava had claimed to go through.

Bell fluidly made her way through the obstacles which ranged from running downhill from a large rolling stone that Mr. Adams promised didn't actually hurt...

... She also had to watch out for trap doors that would have dropped her.

Even though she was a girl that wanted no attention from her peers she was rising through the ranks of popularity and admiration, her appearance certainly helped with her "mysterious charm" as some of the class wanted to call it.

Jon came walking in with his hands in his pocket and his head looking down trying to avoid the gazes of those that congratulated him.

"Finished in the same place as me." Theon remarked. "Good Job!" that was obviously sarcastic and Theon knew that he was annoying the boy that had just walked up to him.

"Shut up." Jon gave in quick succession.

What was even more impressive of Bell was that she had set a record, not just beating Ava's score but setting the new record for the school which was previously set by some third year.

This test we were going through was a beginner test that they put all the students through at the start of the year.

Jon was still silently mulling in his own diffidence but kept his usual laid back and unbothered face while someone had finally noticed something about the people or lack there of in the room...

"Hey, where's that teacher... Uh can't remember her name." Cole Castle one of the next contender's the carefree boy with hair that instantly reminded one of a cloud spoke out.

"Ms. Wilson has been observing you all from another room and she is the one that will actually be grading you on this assignment." Mr. Adams reminded him while also telling the rest of the students of her actual role within the class.

The last group of five had started making their way to the starting line. A coffee-skinned girl had not stood out much as she walked past the crowd of students.

Theon had remembered her name being Aaliyah.

Theon noticed her sport a indifferent look to her in most situations, but he had also made note of how she treated those who acted timidly with great callousness.

She was observant of those who kept on a fake tough-guy act and just gave a hard stare of a total disregard for them as a whole.

Theon theorized that Aaliyah probably just didn't like being around people she deemed weak which was actually something quite common within paladins and just those who had awakened.

There was a disconnect that quickly formed with someone who awakens and those who are just normal.

"Who do you think will win?" Jon asked seeing Theon's attention elsewhere.

"I don't really care anymore, I just want to see what we're doing next."

Jon's eyebrows raised in surprise and then went back to normal trying to match his friend.

Theon then took on an assuming face and turned back to Jon wanting to ask him something that had been on his mind since the start of Jon's race.

"Do you know why that small girl Elena kept avoiding you during the race?" Jon scoffed but didn't answer. "Cause she even slowed down before the three pathways came up and only chose one when you had went down one. She probably wouldn't have finished in fifth if not for that."

Jon shrugged his shoulders.

"Hell if I know. But yeah I did notice that during the whole thing and thought she may have been trying to slow me down like Lugh did to Corbin."

But she didn't. Elena Howard was naturally shy, everyone in class could get that. But for some reason she made sure to stay far away from Jon no matter what setting they were in.

And Theon, well he could smell the fear coming off of her but knew that Jon was telling the truth in his own belief of her actions and weird behaviour around him.

Well it didn't matter to Theon, in time many things come to light and if its important he will know. He doesn't search for what may not aid him.

Theon and Jon continued chatting and ignored the last round as it was not something they were that interested in.

"It might be cool to see what powers other people in the class have." the dim voice of Jon spoke out next.

Theon agreed of course.

Seeing ones powers is basically seeing one's individuality, a persona that they would usually struggle bringing out of themselves naturally given a space.

In the world there are even people with more than one power. So far through experience as well as science the information of the wielders power is stored. Theon has two, and the second one is a secret to even his guardian Victor.

The most powers a person can even be gifted is three. The information on the powers and how an individual uses them throughout the years is stored in the prefrontal cortex in the brain. Nobody in the world is born with more than three and even if you have that many it doesn't guarantee you a high position in society other than being a rare few.

Non of the strongest people on the planet -Monarchs- have even more than two powers, to the publics knowledge anyway.

'Think of the brain as a computer with its limited amount of memory. The prefrontal cortex is where the brain stores information about the individuals power, all experience and moves created stay there like files on a hard drive. If you had too many stored its like installing too many programs on your computer - it slows down gets cluttered and becomes difficult to manage.'

So people having one power could be seen as a blessing in itself as that allows for one to keep their 'mental computer' running smoothly and effectively.

In the short amount of time within the school many people have shied away from eluding to what they may be capable of. Maybe if they were becoming fast friends like Theon and Jon they would share between themselves.

Or maybe if they had a more relaxed and playful personality matching Cole Castle they would share. It was on the first day around the dorms lobby people were gathered around him and he was showing people that he could summon clouds.

Unique, cool and versatile.

But that personality clearly clicked with some people leading to another boy, the Caribbean one named Corey Anton, also getting in the centre showing off what he could do.

At first people were disgusted as well as worried when they could see off-white bone protruding from Corey's elbow.

A quick 'Awesome' from the initiator was enough to bring back the people's attention and notice him being alright. And that was all on the first day.

Nobody else has really shown what they can do though and Theon hadn't gone looking. He didn't care, he had his own powers and knew he could take on any of them with or without the knowledge of their powers.

By the end of the round cloud boy, Cole, was the one to come out on top. He was tall, athletic and competitive. And certainly a sore winner.

A clap of applause came from Mr. Adams. "Well done to all of you students on completing your first trials. Now we will be moving you to the next stage where the second portion will be taking place."

Nobody seemed as excited for the next phase. Honestly Theon assumed that everybody just found the first phase boring so nobody cared for whatever came next.

Theon came to this program to become strong, stronger than he was anyway as well as to try and experience some sense of normalcy by going to an academic institute like other people his age.

The students walked in a neat line with two people in a row leaving only one in the front. That one being Robin. It wasn't something they were told to do or even tried to, it just happened as they were walking which lasted shortly until they arrived in another room with one of the holographic screens showing a wide city like structure.

"This is where we will be taking on the second trial." Mr. Adams pointed to the screen showing the city, "This is a miniature city that is just one of the many created around the area exclusively for training you guys into becoming paladin."

No matter how small it was it was still a surprise that a whole city was created just to indulge the students. But Theon assumed that it was all paid for by the Bureau of Paranormal Affairs, wanting to create the best environments for the up and coming generations that will be joining their ranks.

"You will be with the same groups and this time your tasks will be different..." A hand went up and it came from Ava.

After a nod from our homeroom teacher she asked...

"You said we can use our powers this time right?"

"Yes you can. And that's because you'll need 'em." this got some of the class a lot more excited but Theon could feel the unfocused bloodlust coming from Corbin. It was a miniscule amount that would go unnoticed in any other room.

'Probably still mad at Lugh.'

And that was the right answer judging by the glares that Lugh was getting from the mad hound.

Theon thought that it may be a good idea to tell Mr. Adams so that he can make one of them switch teams.

'But then again, what do I care?' With a shrug of his shoulders he went back to minding his own business. He didn't believe it was good to get in other people's business as that just left you open to letting people into yours.

"In this trial you will be playing hide and seek and be trying to avoid Ms. Wilson for as long as possible. Again it is an individual sport whoever is found last wins."

Corbin's hand shot up instantly.

"Are we allowed to handicap our opponents?" he asked with a stern look on his face that showed he already had an answer of his own whether he got an affirmative or not.

"As long as no one gets seriously hurt... try be smart with it though Ms. Wilson is a good seeker."

The iron stern look on Corbin's face turned into a slight upward smirk that promised pain.

Lugh didn't seem as pathetic as he looked when being confronted by Corbin earlier but then again he was standing on the other side of the room.

But not only him.

Just like during Jon's obstacle race with her, Elena Howard stood far from Jon giving subtle glances toward him every now and then that Theon was certain Jon hadn't missed.

And unlike Lugh she wore her heart on her sleeve. She was frightened of him, and she would always check her step just to make sure that he was nowhere near her, it was weird and something that Theon wanted to know more of but again was in no rush.

"Alright team 1, Get to your positions." As Mr. Adams said that a door opened for us to head out onto the bright city landscape. "Ms. Wilson will give you all a five minute head start."

Jon turned to Theon and gave a stark look, "You better use your power." It came out non threatening and more as a joke but Theon could tell that there was some obvious truth there too.

Theon smiled and said. "Just keep your eyes glued to the screen, I'm sure you'll be impressed."

______

The buzzer went off only a few seconds after all five of us had made out way to the start. We had passed Ms. Wilson on our way who was still waiting inside for her time to go but as soon as the timer went off Lugh sprinted as fast as he could in one direction with a screaming Corbin at his back.

"... Your not getting away 'Cry baby'."

That was new, and Corbin also seemed to be moving faster than he did during the course. 'Could be something to do with his power.'

"Wow they didn't waste anytime did they." Ava seemingly always in a positive mood beamed at the centre.

"Yeah but they don't look like the type to actually take this seriously cause of whatever's going on between them." Juno jumped in, "They'll probably get caught first."

Ava seemed to be admiring and brought Juno into it.

"Look at the city though, there's skyscrapers, tons of stores and even multi-story parking lots, the program must get tons of money to sponsor us huh?" She wasn't only asking Juno who she knew was at her side but also the darker skinned boy that she had noticed earlier that had a face of disinterest.

But he was nowhere to be seen.

Actually as soon as Theon noticed Ava and Juno get distracted by the two boys and seized his opportunity and quietly suppressed his Od and slipped away to be on his own. He had no time to spend admiring the fake city with the girls or catch strays from two boys that clearly can't settle whatever differences they have between each other.

Although he could admit that the city was impressive. And it was such a wonderful day with the sky painted in light blue hues similar to lagoon lilies - a type of flower that he was sure he was used to seeing Victor tending to whenever he visited.

The calm breeze was good to Theon's skin which was being tainted by the sweltering heat of the sun on this humid day. After a while he went ducking behind allies and went to a spot that he was looking for as soon as his enhanced hearing picked up Ava mentioning it.

'There it is.'

A tall parking lot. Theon was simply going to stay at the top of it and the moment he sensed Ms. Wilson he would jump off and take flight with one of his creations and evade her.

From the top he would also be able to spot the locations of other people.

Theon quickly made his way up the lot and while walking up he decided on a way to keep an eye on every one else.

Well actually he decided on it back in the waiting room when Mr. Adams was answering Corbin's question.

Theon's ability is called [Dragon's Forge]. It is a diverse power that grants Theon the ability to conjure and control dragons, among other traits.

As he is now, Theon is limited to conjuring five at a time because of the information he receives and not wanting to overload his brain.

His plan had started as soon as they had stepped onto the city.

Theon's dragon's can come in many different sizes depending on his visualization as well as the amount of Od he is using. So once he had heard the buzzer go off he attached two miniature ones on both Ava and Juno.

'The two boys had dashed off before I could tag them.' But Theon wasn't too worried about that.

He used one to surround the building and alert him if anyone were nearby and that was all he viewed as necessary for now.

Now atop the parking lot he walked past parking spaces and stood with his foot atop a ledge and glanced down at everything happening.

From what he could tell no one was near him and Ava and Juno had split up and were still on the other side of the city to him.

Finding out where someone was with Od was the go to, if you were near enough you could naturally sense it, and Theon was planning on transmitting more Od to his dragons that were attached to the two girls if they were near Ms. Wilson. That was something he had learned to do even from a distance and without touching them.

It was hard and somewhat daunting but still achievable.

'Now how the hell do I find those other two?!'

"!!!"

A loud crash was heard before something akin to the sound of glass breaking was heard.

In the next moment Theon was amazed at what he was seeing it was....

"Long time no fuckin see 'Cry baby!" A spike of ice formed with a tall and thin Lugh spiralling around it as well as Corbin scaling it and dodging the debris and spikes falling off the formation.

.... Pure idiocy.

That's all it was in Theon's eyes.

'They seriously can't control themselves.'

It was impressive though. Lugh clearly with the ice powers had some fine control over such a strong elemental force and Corbin being able to keep moving so fluidly and catch onto the necessary pieces to keep himself up was magnificent work.

'They both clearly put in some work before coming here.'

"Who would have thought that your pathetic self would give being a paladin a shot." Corbin shouted toward Lugh.

Corbin quickly showed that he was the type to intimidate and show dominance over his opponent any way he can to get the upper hand. Lugh on the other hand seemed to be trying to get away from him and smoothly danced through most of Corbin's attacks using ice at his feet to skate along the surfaces of buildings.

But running from relentless hits all day wasn't going to work, especially not against someone as persistent as Corbin.

A solid hit had stopped Lugh from skating and instead sent him flying through one small convenience store that was set up.

There was no Mr. Adams shouting through the speakers which was weird but he basically did allow attacks. Even though Corbin's hit did seem like it hurt Lugh quickly bounced out the rubble and gave Corbin a stern stare.

"Don't stare me to death coward!"

The five minute timer for Ms. Wilson to come out was just about to sound off.

"I'm not the same as I was back then Corbin. Not someone that'll just shy away from you cause you got a hot mouth. And if you really want a fight with me just know that I'll have you eating through a straw when I'm done with you."

The threat was spat out with venom and Theon was sure that Mr. Adams wouldn't let it get that far. But before even thinking of that Corbin's Od had spiked and he truly looked like he was ready to kill before he got into a basic stance that signified his dominant hand being his right.

"Just like last time, I'll send your worthless ass back to your papa." A crazed smile took over Corbin's face as the horn rung out for Ms. Wilson to come in.

But in an instant everything felt wrong.

Theon's instincts were firing off which only worsened when he seen something of a dark blue colour in the sky quickly expand and eventually touch the ground.

Theon looked at it and realised what it was. '... A Barrier.'

There were crackles coming from the microphones that Mr. Adams was trying to speak from. That mixed with the now darkened skies due to the barrier and the alarm bells going off in his head led Theon to believe that something was deeply wrong now.

All of the students could feel a crushing weight of bloodlust smothering the area. Training grounds built for the controlled safety of the students now felt like a claustrophobic maze.

The students, especially the two boys closest to the center of the fake city, were intensely focused on their own dual only seconds ago and now were stood glancing around in increasing nervousness.

Calm down!

Instantly Theon broke out of the intimidated stupor he felt for a few gentle seconds. The blue skies were still as he slowly crouched down in his spot and his eyes scanned the sprawling grounds.

The unnatural silence clung to the air like fog.

'This is a breach.' That was the obvious conclusion, someone had broken into the program. A program for paladins was broken into. The steel bloodlust that was wafting through the air had slowly disappeared into one spot.

And then he was seen, Theon had seen him.

At first it was just a figure, tall and striking against the backdrop of the training grounds. Theon's sharp amber eyes stared with alarm letting go of the previous disbelief.

The man stood with a lazy and controlled commanding presence, his posture exuded a composed authority unlike the usual aggressive type. Metallic blue hair gleamed under the daytime sky, falling to the tip of his ears in a striking cascade.

There was an unsettling nonchalance about him with his hands stuffed in his pockets that seemed to mock the tension and apprehension that he had brought forth with him. His head was fixed staring at the sky as if lost in contemplation.

Theon couldn't make out the details of the man's expression from where he was but from posture alone he could tell that he at least held some arrogance - arrogance that comes from someone who knows that they are in full control of the situation they are in.

Every instinct in him told him that this was certainly not an ordinary breach or some petty thief. Theon's eyes stuck to him memorizing every detail he could see on him, the blue hair, calm stance.

"!"

Finally, what felt like a long and dreadful pause on a boring topic in a class lecture had resumed, the man had turned in the direction of both Corbin and Lugh and therefore close enough to Theon had started to move.

His gait was slow and deliberate, each step measured with an almost serene confidence. A stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around him.

As he edged on closer his gaze flicked upwards onto the rooftop that Theon was on.

Theon froze before ditching the crouched hiding position and staring straight into the vivid blue eyes that only glanced at him for a brief moment, a glance that held a hint of interest, but then continued his purposeful stride toward them.

The intruders indifference was unnerving, like he was casually strolling through a garden.

As he got closer to the two Theon could now make out his features. The man was more youthful than he first seemed at an initial glance, he had a more tired look on his face that wasn't doing him any favours though.

Dark circled under his eyes, and a general look that seemed like he just wasn't here. He walked past scattered ice that was in the area from earlier that Lugh had spread with his ability and now the newcomer was only mere feet away from them.

"Gentlemen," he began, his eyes both sweeping over Corbin and Lugh with a measured gaze. "Forgive the intrusion, I was just intrigued by the intensity of the Od flying around. So much hate in one signature" he said that while looking at Corbin.

"And in the other there was a struggle to contain a great well of hatred. Its really not good to be suppressing such emotion" This time the smooth but yawned out voice spoke while surprisingly looking at Lugh.

The expressions on the two boys ranged from confusion to suspicion.

"I have a keen eye for talent you see. Its not everyday one can run into individuals with such a drive."

Corbin seemed to pick up on the strange signs the man was giving and didn't shy away like many others would. Instead he was quick to fire off his own retort.

"Well you'd easily find such people in the paladin program you dumbass!"

Even in a situation like this his personality does not change in the slightest.

The blue haired man laughed and then stepped closer forward.

"That was funny. Now allow me to introduce myself. I'm Charlie Liber. I'm here to offer an opportunity to truly write your names in history." The man, named Charlie, paused for a brief second. Then his Od had spiked a seaside blue colour and out of nowhere a sword had formed.

"But before that, lets truly test your mettle."