Chapter 1 - Lantford Academy

922 18 4
                                    

My eyes widened as the taxi I had taken from the airport drove past an imposing, historical-looking arch. 

I immediately recognised it from the pictures on their website, being the infamous entrance of the enormous campus with its many different and impressive ancient buildings. 

The campus had appeared out of nowhere, completely hidden by the deserted and daunting mountains of the Himalayas. However, even though it was easily covered by its surroundings, the campus was larger than I thought it would be. The huge main building stood proud in the centre, surrounded by several smaller palace-like buildings. I also noticed a stadium at the foot of a particular large mountain on the left of the campus, its modern architecture very different to the baroque style buildings that seemed to dominate the campus.

I closed my eyes briefly to let the situation sink in. I was miles away from home and didn't know anyone here.

Again, I was all alone.

However, remembering the last words Sir Tsumin had spoken to me, a spark of determination started to spread warmth in my body.

I recalled how I had almost spit out the precious jasmine tea Sir Tsumin brewed for me when he told me that I was going to leave Sweden for the outskirts of China in only a couple of days to attend one of the best bending academies in the world. He had claimed it was my best chance at grasping the art of fire-bending, since that was one of their expertise. 

After the initial shock of his words I had burst into tears, not wanting to leave. I hadn't experienced much of the outside world, and it terrified me to the bone that I was sent out on my own again. 

After years of living in the dark, I had finally found a home and felt happy. 

However, happiness didn't last forever, and deep inside I knew I didn't have much of a choice. 

There was nothing else left to do than pack my few belongings, and bid my goodbye to the only person in the world I'd learn to love.

"Ma'am? We're here."

I jumped up slightly as the raspy voice of the taxi driver snapped me out of it.

"Yes, sorry." I mumbled before scrambling the last few banknotes Sir Tsumin had given me to reach my destination. "Thank you for the ride." I spoke softly before shutting the back door of the old car. 

I swallowed harshly as the taxi drove off, leaving me alone in front of the main entrance of the intimidating, but fairytale-like building. It reminded me of a castle, a large port leading to a beautiful courtyard with an enormous fountain in the middle. 

Sir Tsumin had told me that I was to meet the principle of the academy in her office on arrival, which was situated in the upper tower of the main building. The stairs behind the fountain at the back of the courtyard would lead me to her office, he had explained.

I took a deep breath before strutting towards the fountain, slightly awestruck by the colourful flowers that decorated the stone walls of the yard. The bright afternoon sun shone on top of the grass, making its green colour even more vibrant. I closed my eyes to enjoy the warmth of the sun, still not used to how pleasant its rays felt after only experiencing it barely a year ago.

It was surprisingly quiet around me, not one student to be seen. I had expected the campus to be busy since it was Sunday. On top of that, the weather was beautiful. 

I guess the students here didn't value the sunshine as much as I did. 

I shrugged to myself as I made my way towards the stairs. 

I didn't really mind the silence.

I slowly walked up along the marble stairs, which lead me to an enormous hallway. Not sure of where to go, I decided to walk towards the dark wooden door at the end.

Elements -  A BTS fanficWhere stories live. Discover now