Checkerboard of Arcana

## Chapter 1

Tentatively, Raindancer entered the hallowed gates of Golden Oak Academy.

She noticed the golden oak leaves - the academy’s namesake - quiver by the wind. She had always admired the academy’s majestic architecture, with curved arches, spiraling towers, and mosaics depicting the realm’s history. She hesitantly watched other students chatter with each other joyously while entering through the gate.

*When will I be as outgoing and confident as them?* She thought to herself. Unknown to other students, Raindancer was a half-dragon shapeshifter, who always had trouble socializing with humans her age.

As the leaves fluttered and fell down, Raindancer realized that it might be time to enter the academy.

Raindancer walked through the halls, carefully observing the manners of other students. She always believed that imitating the demeanors of humans around her can make herself a little bit “normal” in this human-dominated realm.

Because it was her first time attending a real academy.

As she hastened her way to her classroom, Raindancer spotted a familiar-looking woman with red hair, in the crowd of students.

“Hestia!!” Raindancer cried out, and threw herself into the woman’s arms.

Hestia was Raindancer’s instructor and best friend when she was still a little dragonet, living in the Arcanist Sanctuary. Her mind drifted to her childhood, when she first discovered her shapeshifting abilities. She remembered the confusion and fear she felt when her body transformed into a human for the first time.

Hestia was the one who helped her to understand her unique powers. She was *always* the one.

“Raindancer, you’d grown so tall, and so… *human*! I didn’t recognize you when you went through the gate. I’m really proud of you!” Hestia exclaimed.

“Thank you, Hestia. I couldn’t have done it without your help.” Raindancer said, her voice steady like a human’s.

Then, the bell began to toll.

“You’d better head off to your classes. Here is your schedule…” Hestia said and gave Raindancer her schedule.

Raindancer read her schedule. Her first class was taught by professor Ravenna Dragonsbane.

That name sounds familiar… was it from a book, or a legend?

As she entered her classroom, Raindancer drew her gaze to a mysterious, hooded figure standing in the front of her room.

The woman introduced herself as Ravenna Dragonsbane, who claimed to have 10 years of teaching experience, and another extra 15 tears of experience for the arcane arts.

*She must be lying!* Raindancer thought. *Because of her air of enigma… she must be someone greater than an ordinary teacher!*

Raindancer was right. Ravenna was, in fact, the Primordial One, watching over the young dragon girl as she embarked on her journey.

Ravenna locked eyes with Raindancer, her voice cold but inviting.

“Welcome, Raindancer. I’ve heard much about you from Hestia. I’m excited to see what you’ll accomplish here, at Golden Oak Academy.”

Raindancer shuddered at her intimidating gaze, but she put on a smile.

“Thank you, Professor Dragonsbane. I’ll do my best to make you proud.”

The first day of classes was a whirlwind of excitement and discovery. Raindancer found herself enthralled by the lessons on spells, alchemy, and the history of magic. And of course, she had a few conversations with Hestia, discussing about her long journey ahead.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, she returned to her dorms, with an abundance of heavy schoolbooks and newfound knowledge.

She waved to her new roommate, a cheerful girl named Elysia. Elysia’s friendly and easygoing demeanor quickly caught the eye of Raindancer, but Raindancer noticed that something was a little bit *off* about her… she has the unique but unnatural power to manipulate those around her. Additionally, Raindancer noticed that her natural brown eyes will turn into a piercing golden color, when angry or excited.

“Hey there, Raindancer! I’ve heard a lot about you. Let’s be friends and explore the arcane arts together!” Elysia exclaimed, her eyes flashing between brown and gold.

*Her eyes are changing color! What does that mean?* Raindancer thought. *And, “exploring the arcane arts”… more light “learning to manipulate others together”?*

Elysia winked. “Yes, Raindancer! Of course, we’re ‘learning to manipulate others together’. Isn’t that fun?”

*She knows what I’m thinking!* Raindancer suddenly realized.

wip