Ok, so I know that this is pretty much the same beginning as the other story, but this was honestly my favorite scene in the old story so I kept it. I don't own either of the works I'm about to base this story on, Mulan or Ode of Mulan, but I hope I do the original Hua Mulan some justice by writing this. Hope you eventually love this story about as much as I do now!
Dawn struck the wall, lighting up its sides with golden flame. One deep breath followed the waking of the new day. A deep voice sounded like a crack of thunder, and a hawk's cry was heard in the distance. Shadows crept along the edges of the wasteland beyond the walls while golden eyes edged with an onyx halo hovered overhead. The walls fell to the oncoming shadow, and the sound of clashing steel filled the air. The ground within the felled wall turned red while shadows spread like black flames. Heavenly light filled the space, causing the shadows to wither away. A warrior of white flame drew forth his blade, bringing wrath down on the darkness. The heavenly glow increases such that the one with golden eyes appears, blade at the ready. The two clash once, and the shadows are swept away, leaving only the warrior of light. A crimson dragon appears on the breast of the warrior's armor. Pain suddenly lanced through the shoulder of the dreamer as he was struck down by the onyx talons of a great black bird. He snapped up from his rest, breathing heavily as he held the scream of terror that clawed its way up his throat. Shaking he reached up for his shoulder and withdrew his bloodstained fingers. He gasped loudly as agonizing bouts of pain surged through his side as he doubled over. When it the sensation finally passed, he glanced at his fingers again, but the blood had vanished, as had any traced of the ragged wound on his shoulder. Heavy footsteps echoed down the hall, and he frowned dreading what must come next.
A soldier appeared in the doorway, his younger features showing apprehension as he scanned the room before his dark eyes finally settled on the Emperor. "Your Excellency," says the soldier, bowing low. "Is everything all right?" The emperor sighed heavily, his heart filling with fear as he thought to his dream. Will these things really come to pass? The man shifted uncomfortably, and he tried to gain his Emperor's attention, "Sire?"
The older man blinked quickly, and kept his face neutral as he glanced over at the soldier. "Everything is as it should be. You may return to your post." He turned away from the man and watched as the starlight fell against the onslaught of the day.
If you have any information that could be useful to this story, I would appreciate anything you can offer me.