"Reflection"
It's been years since the attack from the Huns. Years since I was recognized as one of the most outstanding warriors of China. Years since I met Shang. I smiled faintly at the memory of Shang returning my father's helmet to me following the war. The beginning of us.
I looked at him, sitting quietly by my side. He was holding one of my hands and fondly stroking it. His eyes were averted downwards, I assumed as an attempt to not let me see his tear-streaked face. It was because I was dying.
The Mongolians had begun attacking China recently. The Emperor immediately named Shang and I the commanders of the army and would lead them into battle. I don't remember much. Just flashes. A gleam of a sword here, a block with the shield there. It wasn't until I felt massive pain in my chest that I looked down, to see a dagger protruding from it. I don't recall making a sound: no screaming, no yelling. A feeling of peace began to sweep over me and my knees buckled. I didn't fall to the ground though.
I felt many arms clasp around me, and I barely recognized my other friends: Yao, Ling and Chien-Po. They were holding me tight, carrying me away from the action of battle. I was brought inside of a tent, waiting for a doctor to arrive. I heard Shang's voice, "Mulan? Can you hear me? Stay with me," his voice cracked, "Please." The doctor finally arrived and he took one look at me and shook his head sadly. Shang became enraged with despair, "What do you mean no? We can save her!"
The doctor spoke, just loud enough for me to hear, "It has pierced one of her arteries. If I attempt to remove it, she will bleed out. She will have more time if I leave it in." He bowed low and added, "I'm sorry."
It was then that Shang fell to his knees by my side and took my hand into his. Since then, he hasn't moved. I could feel my strength waning as time passed by. Minutes, hours, could have passed. I didn't know.
I glanced at a hand-mirror that was at my side. I picked it up with my other hand and I sensed Shang stir. I began to whisper,
I…know that girl I see
Staring straight *cough* *cough* back at me
My reflection Is someone…I am proud to be
I closed my eyes and I heard Shang whisper back,
You're the bravest girl I ever met
And you can bet the stars and sky
Mulan you've…made a man…out of me…
I smiled at how he changed the words like I had to mine. I opened my eyes and looked at Shang, trying to show him how much I loved him. I felt myself beginning to float away.
Shang leaned over me and kissed me on the lips, his devotion and love to me clear in just that one touch. I closed my eyes and allowed the bliss from the kiss to travel through me. Following directly behind was a final numbing feeling. Just like before, but stronger now. This time, I felt myself finally fade away.