11 The Dragon Temple

Worshippers, young and old, wandered in and out of the temple. Ao Shun sat on the steps smiling at the many people who still venerated him. He had never thought much about the humans who commemorated him, but finally being on the mortal plain, he felt appreciated.

He watched Jin An, wandering through the temple. Her curiosity, about him and his world, fascinated him. He couldn’t imagine why she was so calm knowing her destined husband was an actual dragon. He chuckled to himself, “Maybe if she saw my true form…”.

A bald, elderly man stopped in front of Ao Shun, bowing low to him. As he straightened his curved back, he stared into the eyes of the man before him. The dragon’s eyes flashed between a pale blue and a silver as the sun appeared from behind the clouds. The man’s eyes suddenly widened, and he struggled to his knees, bowing to the ground before.

He began speaking in a low, raspy voice, “I am thrilled, wise dragon. Today is a fortunate day, for I have been blessed with your presence in my old age.”

The dragon smiled gratefully, stood and helped the man to his feet, speaking gently, “You honor me more by your presence. May blessings of the dragon fill your home and your family be eternally fortunate.”

The man bowed again and shuffled away from the temple, a happy smile on his face. A few people witnessed the reverence but didn’t pay heed to the actual content of the interaction. Ao Shun turned around in a small circle, seeking Jin An in the crowded temple complex.

Finding her standing by a dragon statue, cast in gold, he walked up the steps towards her. As his hand reached for her shoulder, a scream echoed through the temple courtyard. Ao Shun grabbed Jin An, pulling her into his embrace protectively. His hand cradled her head against his chest, his eyes on alert for danger.

Jin An was startled when she was grabbed so suddenly but his scent quickly calmed her. She knew it was Ao Shun instantly, his resounding heartbeat pounded in her ear. He stood holding her, his body stiff and on edge. He didn't realize he held her so tightly; the only thought in his head was her safety.

She whispered, “Dragon, is it safe? I can’t breathe.”

He pulled her back slightly but continued to hold her body against his. Across the courtyard, Huxian was escorting a woman carrying a small child. He nodded to Ao Shun as if saying, “It’s safe.” But the dragon was enjoying holding this petite woman in his arms, even if he didn’t realize it yet.

The woman looked worn and injured. Blood coated the sleeves of her arms, her head welted and swelling from an apparent hard blow. As she reached the steps, her legs give out and she tumbled to the hard surface. The child in her arms screaming as they fall together.

Jin An pushed Ao Shun away, dashing down the steps towards them. She looked around her, worry written all over her face.

“Is there anyone who can help?”

A group of people walked closer, picking the woman up, and carrying her to a side building for treatment. Jin An gathered the crying child in her arms, cradling him gently. As she followed the others, she looked over the boy’s injuries.

The boy looked to be about 4 years old, covered in wet and dried blood. She couldn’t tell right away, but the majority seemed to be from the woman. The boys’ dark brown eyes stared up at Jin An as they walked.

She nodded and spoke measuredly, “You’ll be ok. Is that your mother?”

The boy’s bottom lip quivered as he looked to the ones holding his mother. He nodded, burying his face into Jin An’s shoulder. She patted his back as they neared the small room.

Upon entering, Ao Shun stepped in front of Jin An and the boy blocking the view. He glanced at the mother, now laying on a bed, then shook his head to his bride. He whispered, “Stay outside with him.” Jin An nodded and stepped back out the door. As she sat waiting, the other people also left the room, leaving Ao Shun alone with the severely-injured mother.

Even with the shutters drawn on the room, Jin An could see a pale blue light emanating from inside. She smiled and lifted the boy up to a sitting position on her lap. She looked over his body, happy to discover he only had a few cuts and scratches. Instinctively, she hugged the boy who accepted her warmth and care.

THE FOREST-

A black cloaked figure stood on a rise, looking down as the villagers scattered in various directions. Hazy black fog covered the ground where he stood, the terrified screams of the hunted urging a creepily evil smirk to spread across his other unseen features.

Below him, bandits wearing green half-masks, darted around, toying with the terrified inhabitants. Their laughter mingled with the shrieks of the poor people trying to survive the massacre.

A family of four was chased back and forth among the trees, the father huddling his two teen children between him and the mother. They spin as one unit, then break off, hand in hand and run, only to be gathered back together in a small huddle. Screams are heard as the father and mother are cut down simultaneously, leaving the teens to try and save themselves.

Footsteps near, a black gloved hand wrapping around the hilt of a matte black sword. Dark, hidden eyes glance to see if the one approaching is enemy or foe.

Ri Il appears by his side, laughing at the games being played. “Such a nice game of tag we have achieved.”

The mysterious man peers sideways at Ri Il, a very low, guttural growl emitting from his chest. “You’re stupid to think this is an easy game. No one wins if the leader isn’t taken down first.”

Ri Il huffs turning to walk away. “Understood.”

The shadowy figure dematerializes as the screams slowly start to subside. The bandits gather together, blades covered in blood, and wander in a different direction to find the ones that have gotten away.