One-Two Millennia Isn't Very Different than Before

Chapter 22: The Shrine (part 1)

Jessica's POV

I've never been able to stay in one place for a long time, and although I was to wait at Fuuga, I was on my way to the Dragon Shrine.

I told Mundok to send them my way if they got to Fuuga before I got back. You know what his reaction was? "I already assumed you'd be leaving. Especially since you were packing your bags this morning."

He knows me so well!

So, anyway, I was now a few miles from the shrine and I could see the sun reflecting off the golden colored rooftops. The walls were a tan color and had red and turquoise colored circular columns supporting the buildings. I approached the outer walls where two guards were bent over helping an injured child, "Hello."

Both snapped to attention, but the elder recognized me, "L-lady Jessica!"

The other soldier's eyes widened, "M-Milady!"

"Is everything alright?" I said with a smile. I then looked around them to see the child, who was awestruck, sitting in the ground.

The elder, Jun-ji, answered, "The young boy hurt himself while running from a vendor he stole from."

The young boy's eyes filled with tears and looked away as I leaned forward, "What's your name, little one?" There were cries of 'Thief! Thief!' In the background, "You don't have to fear him. Please, could you tell me your name?"

"L–"

The young boy was cut off by the baker, Soo-min, running up, "That boy's a thief!" I beckoned the boy behind me, to which he complied, "Why are you–!" I met his gaze, "Lady Jessica!"

I put my hand on the back of my head and laughed, "I just thought I'd come visit. How is everything, Soo-min?"

"Amazing, Milady! Except," he glared behind me, "that boy steals bread every so often."

I looked back at the boy, "Ne, ne, will you tell me your name?"

He looked in fear at Soo-min, then looked to me to see a soft smile, "L-Luca."

I lit up and sat down next to him on the ground, "Ne, will you apologize to Soo-min?" He looked unsure, "Did your parents not get enough rations? They should–"

"They're gone," Luca said in a small voice.

Everyone's eyes widened, "Ne, do you have any siblings?"

He turned to me, "Baby sister. . .Steal so we eat. . .No one take care. . .us. . ."

"Is that so?" I asked sadly.

He turned to Soo-min and bowed in his hands and knees, "Luca sorry. . .mister. . ."

Soo-min was a sucker for children. There was no way he could deny one, and his wife couldn't bear any, but he helped anyone he could.

I smiled, "Ne, Luca. Let's go inside."

He nodded, but Soo-min stepped forward stopping us. He bent down to Luca's height, "Hey, kiddo."

Luca took hold of his sleeve, "Mister kind. . .Luca sorry. . ."

"Apology accepted, kid," Soo-min ruffled Luca's hair. "You know, my wife's always wanted kids."

Luca's eyes widened, "Mister?"

"How bout you take me to your sister, and we go see my wife, eh?"

Luca looked to me, "Miss?"

"You can trust Soo-min. He'll take good care of you two." Luca nodded and took a hold on Soo-min, "Now, Soo-min–"

"I'll take good care of them, Lady."

I laughed, "And tell your wife hello!" He lifted up the hand that wasn't captured by Luca.

Jun-ji let out a laugh, "You haven't even been here for thirty minutes and have already solved a problem!"

"How do you survive without me?" I asked jokingly.

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First part of the shrine!

I put in a pic of Jessica and Luca. >.< He's so cute!

Hope you guys keep reading, and don't forget to comment!

Love y'all,
~Ashley