I felt some blossom petals falling upon my head as I sat next to the fully-grown cherry blossom tree. I looked up and smiled at the falling petals gently brushing them away. I touched the smooth bark of the tree, I felt my whole body become one with this tree and I felt her near again. I heard one of the maids calling for me in the distance, but I failed to move or even acknowledge her, I wanted to stay near to the cherry blossom tree forever. I ignored the calling maid as I put my cheek next to the tree, the smooth bark gently rubbed against my cheek. I closed my eyes and envisioned her, her long silk hair that was always up in a warrior's ponytail, her strong jaw and facial structure, but with the softest and most beautiful eyes I have ever laid my own eyes upon. "Queen Aurora! Have you been here this whole time?!" The maid asked as she caught her breath smiling, "I seem to always find you here at the edge of the garden with this tree!" she laughed as she approached me closer, trying to take my arm. I immediately knew it was my maid Marian. She was younger and she reminded me of me in my youth. I turned slowly, away from the tree and looked at her with sad eyes, "Marian, have you noticed?" Marian looked at me with surprise, probably not aware that I was become filled with sadness. "I...uhm...Queen, I have not..." she removed her hand from me and bowed her head thinking it was her doing for my saddened mood. I tapped her on the shoulder and saw her sheepishly look up, "Marian, let me tell you something I have never told anyone before. It is the reason why I care so much for this simple cherry blossom tree." I motioned for her to sit next to me. Marian sat close wanting to listen, I knew after this she will see me in a completely different light. I smiled, "It was long ago..."
*Flashback*
The rush of adrenaline was running throughout my body as I ran through the dense forest. The blur of green and brown rushed past as I held on tightly to the hand that pulled me along. "Hurry! We need to hurry!" She called out in between her breaths. What was behind us was more frightening than anything I have seen before. It was the suffering spirits we had earlier disturbed as we tried to find Phillip's soul. In the mess of things I accidentally tipped over a velvet vase, breaking it, then what seemed like a million spirits came out screeching and howling as though they have been suffering all their life. She had grabbed my hand as tightly as she could and pulled me from the broken vase. She swung her sword out dispelling the evil spirits that tried to attack us. "Go, go!" She called out pushing me back toward the entrance. "Mulan! What about-"
"I'll be right behind you! Just go!" Mulan shot a small smile before swinging at more spirits that attacked only her now. I looked at her worried until I rushed toward the entrance. I wasn't even out until I saw a blur of red and black rush past me. I felt my arm being pulled and my whole body leapt ahead with such a force I almost fell. Mulan looked back at me with a whimsical smile as she told me to keep up.
Before I knew it we ran at the edge of a cliff until Mulan heaved to a stop. My whole body fell forward onto her, almost pushing her over the cliff. She quickly looked around and pulled me again toward wherever her mind was set for. I found myself hiding in the crevasse of an indented hill near the cliff. I knew we were hanging over the edge because Mulan kept her hand on my shoulder, keeping me trapped against the dirt wall. I felt my eyes wander all around then carefully looked at Mulan. Her strong jaw line was evident, as her facial features showed much courage and strength. But also her eyes, even though they were filled with seriousness most of the time, they were the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. Her attention was elsewhere, still listening for the spirits, but all I noticed was her, standing beside me. All of the worries and fears have grown slack within me as she stood strongly. Keeping me safe.