A friend next dorm!

Hours later, at a well established building with only one floor to it in the academy. The building had lots of windows, multiple seats in a hall and a rectangular table placed at the center with the seats arranged around it. This building was a property of the teaching and extra curricular activities quarter in the academy, under Head Dorian; tagged as school of knowledge.

Every professor who partakes in all forms of lectures and passing knowledge to students were assigned from this part of the academy. The building was currently being used by all senior members from the school of knowledge, where they seem to be having a meeting, regarding the issue of students who were having their exams; as spoken by the Head mistress.

Towards the entrance of the building, a man in a dark red suit walked with hasty steps into the building, where a group of people sat awaiting his presence. Head Dorian was among them, seated at the highest seat while watching the other members from the school of knowledge. One thing which stood out amongst all other heads in the academy from him; was his young appearance compared to the others.

The man walked into the hall, prostrating towards the group of people seated. * Head Dorian, school bureau! * He greeted while taking a seat at one of the open seats in the hall.* School bureau, how was the process regarding this year's sophomore exams going? * Head Dorian asked placing both of his elbows on the desk and resting his chin on his knuckles waiting for their response.

That same minute, an elderly man with white flowing hair and beards in a white garment spoke up. * We've been observing it for the passing hours now, and I would say nothing much has happened till now! * He remarked in a throaty tone.

After his words, a woman with a gray colour fancy hat and a gray suit with gloves in her hands, objected. * Though there have been some students who have distinguished themselves from the rest this year and I would love for you all to see them! * She added in a singsong tone drawing the interest of the others present at the meeting.

With a poised tone, Head Dorian said.

* Now let's take a look at the students who are still undergoing their exams as we speak. * He snapped his fingers.

Starting the projector placed at the center table of the hall. The projector started displaying scenery from some parts of the academy which were set aside for the examination.

The entire scenery of the process was covered in gross darkness; an extension of the students dorm.Where they all tried navigating their ways around their dorm, since the exams commenced without their knowledge. The scene depicted a number of students being ambushed by rogue witches from all sides, while trying to resist the rogue witches assault on them.

Though the scene looked much real, still it was only a simulation from a very recent model developed to aid test students capabilities towards different environments. The environment predestined for the exam was a very dark world with very much similarities with their dorms, and the aim of it all was to test their survivability, battle instinct and awareness towards their surroundings.

* Have you heard anything from the professors who have been keeping tabs on the process, since it's commencement? *

Head Dorian asked the academy bureau knowing he wasn't around, due to the induction which took place a couple of hours ago. Forcing him into relying on the information which he got from them.

* Well they did pass me a list of few students who had made it through the process already! * A man in a dark suit said, passing a list towards Head Dorian.

Head Dorian checked the names of students who were written on the list while he said. * We seem to have a great number of talented students each passing year! * Before standing up along with the school bureau. * I would head over towards the simulator's block with this list to be graded... * Afterwards a blue glow of light shrouded him and he disappeared.

.......

The supposed induction ended with much more information than the students had actually had. Arriving back at her dorm, Araina felt the need to rest for a while before heading towards the academy cafeteria. Though she was excited after arriving here, still one can't deny the fact that being a student here has its pros and cons. Araina felt like today had been the longest day she had spent away from having her meals early and it was slowly pricking her.

She laid on her bed, still in her uniform reminiscing about what she might be doing now back at Willow's town with her mom who works at the town library. Feeling the sudden impulse of writing to her mom over at Willow's town; maybe to tell her how much she missed her or tell her about how she nearly arrived late at her induction!

The first rule of survival was to ' fit in '. Though that sounds easy, still it was hard. From how much she has gotten those stares like someone who clearly doesn't fit here - like they were judging her! Though it could be psychological from the fact that she doesn't have a friend yet and how that mean girl acted at the bus. Even if there's Gabbie, something tells her she won't be seeing her around anytime soon.

* Sigh! I wonder how mom is fairing right now! * She released a breath, holding her pillow in her hands very close to her still lying on her bed. She rolled over to the side and gave out another sigh.

" Knock knock. "

Araina heard a knock on her door, which drew her attention from her thoughts while sitting up in her bed. * Who is it ? * She asked inquisitively staring at the door before her, like she could see through the door towards the person on the other side.

She stared at the door waiting for anymore response in a sitting posture; thereafter tossing her pillow to the side and paying attention to the voice from behind her door.

* I'm...I ....hmmm! * The voice of a girl fidgeting, rang across to her ears. She seems to be fumbling with her words seemingly losing courage over the seconds spent standing there. Araina stood up from her bed and approached the door. She held a pleasant look on her face seeing that someone at least approached her. Opening the door and seeing a girl who seems to be at the same age as her. Short brown wavy hair; plain appearance and fair skin with hazel colour eyes staring at her in a timid demeanor.

The girl seems kinda timid which made Araina wonder how much courage she needed to come toward her dorm in the first place. Or maybe she had an assignment which was given to her and she needs to pass it onto her! She also thought.

* Hmm...I....I'm sorry to disturb. If you have something else to do, I don't really mean to bother. I would just leave now! * She said stuttering while turning around in a bit to leave.

Seeing this, Araina called out to her. * No, no I'm not. * Giving out a reassuring smile on her face and closing her door behind her. The girl stopped on her tracks while turning backwards towards Araina who now stood with a bright smile on her baby like features observing her, the girl also faced her and stared back at her.

The atmosphere slowly became awkward, which made Araina scratch her head in an awkward manner while stretching out her hand * I'm Araina! * She introduced herself.

The girl took Ariana's hand for a handshake and said, * I'm Calia! * It lasted for seconds afterwards they both retracted their hands back to their side.

* I live in the next dorm. * Calia said pointing at it and she added, * I noticed you didn't arrive until late yesterday, which made me think of coming over to say hello! * With a sweet and welcoming smile on her face.

Araina reciprocated her feelings by answering. * Thanks for checking, that's very thoughtful! * Taking a closer look at the girl who had specks of green mixed in her uniform and a green bow tie. * I love your choice of design with your uniform.* Araina complimented.

* Yours looks good too with the mixed purple. * Calia replied politely.

* My mom helped, but it was my idea. * Araina said enthusiastically looking at her work.