{Guys, I know Mike's dad isn't like this in the original series. Just go along with it, yeah? Plus, I know that this probably isn't how paladins are in the D&D universe but please trust me with this😭}

𓏲 ๋࣭  ࣪ ˖ ⋆˙⟡ ⋆.˚ ⊹₊⟡ ⋆

In the kingdom of Arith, Michael is raised in a castle with his father, who is a paladin. While he gets older, he becomes very fascinated in his father's work. He often watches his father practice with his sword and command others like a general. He admires him.

So, he asked his father if he could start training to become a paladin like him. His father was reluctant, but agreed. First, he has Michael doing simple jobs, like teaching him to sharpen swords and ride a horse. When Michael gets all that down, his father has him sharpening the swords on his own and handing them to the proper knights. After a while of doing that, he gives Michael his own sword. A wooden one, sure. But it's sharp and it can cut a bit more than what you'd think. Besides, it's light and perfect for Michael's age. Not too much harm done.

Michael thought it was just a cool little beginner sword at first, until his dad got down on one knee to match Michael's height. His eyes were stern and cold, immediately making Michael straighten up.

"This sword isn't for play, Michael." His father stated. "It's for training. And if you want to be a paladin, you must know how to kill. So, I give you this sword, and I'm sending you out into the woods. You must kill at least one magical creature. Bring the body back to me and show the blood on your sword for proof."

Then, his father stood back up.

"Now go. I'll be waiting here."

⋆°.☾⋆.ೃ࿔*:⋆✧₊⁺🕯⋆.˚୨ৎ

So, Michael sets off with his wooden sword in his leather sheath. He walks through the forest quietly, his eyes darting behind every tree and plant to find at least a singular creature of magic. He doesn't want to kill anything. He's never even thought about it before. But he knows that being a paladin comes with a price. The price of killing souls that are either innocent or evil. No in between.

He abruptly stops when he hears a faint whispering nearby. Somebody is in these woods with him. Curiosity gets the better of Michael and he follows the sound of this voice, keeping his steps silent and meaningful, like his father taught him. He pushes through bushes and pauses when he comes across a clearing. The clearing is surrounded by tall green trees, yet the leaves almost look to be glowing from the gentle sunlight shining through. The soft sound of a stream is nearby, and the grass is so soft looking. There's beautiful flowers everywhere and in all sorts of colors. But that's not the only thing he sees here. He notices a boy sitting in the shade under a tree. He looks to be frustrated, several books surrounding his little area, and a stone tablet in front of him with chalk to the side. A bowl of water is nearby as well- probably to wash the stone off.

Michael stands there frozen as he watches this boy from afar. His eyes just stare at his face for a good moment, before drifting down to his hands to see what he's doing.

Magic

Sparkling, amazing magic.

But the boy doesn't seem to be getting it to do what he wants. He huffs.

"Get it together, William. Why can't you do it...?" The boy talks to himself softly. Oh. William. That's his name. Michael notes that down in his mind for later.

Michael stays hidden in the bushes, just waiting for the right time to maybe meet this heavenly looking kid. Maybe they can be friends. Best friends! (yes I just did that).

Or maybe a little more. Who knows.