They trudged through the forest in silence. Aurora held a mused expression on her face; Mulan could see her angst and devotion that she still reserved for Philip. It pained Mulan deeply, knowing that he was gone, knowing that those two strangers were responsible for his demise. Yet the worst thing was that they weren't evil enemies Mulan could vanquish like Shan Yu and the Huns. They were actually quite pleasant.

And Aurora – Mulan had faced terrors so fearsome and evil so great, yet she could feel her soul tremble at the sight of Aurora. She didn't know whether it was hate, jealousy, admiration or a combination of the three, she just knew she had to protect her no matter what. For Philip's sake.

It had been the best quest of her life, loving a man with such charisma and such passion. But deep in a chasm of her soul she always knew that passion was reserved for another. Their whole damn quest revolved around Aurora! Mulan should have known better.

"Mulan," Aurora said softly, stopping in her tracks. "Thank you, really. Emma told me what you did. You stood up for me and protected me when the others didn't. You're a true friend."

Aurora flashed that gorgeous, prince-winning grin of hers. Mulan had only seen it once before, the day when Philip had awoken her.

Mulan let out a quick smile. She'd never really had many girl friends before. She had spent so much time posing as a man and spending time with them, she had picked up all sorts of mannerisms and behaviour. She wasn't going to let her confusing feelings get in the way of a budding friendship.

"It was nothing. It was my promise to Philip," Mulan whispered, trying to keep her voice from cracking.

Night had fallen, and they had set up camp. Mulan still saw him. Every night she'd lay to sleep, she could hear his gorgeous laugh and see his perfect locks of chocolate brown hair. They'd only shared a kiss once, a passionate hungry kiss that had lasted a few seconds before he was overcome with guilt. That's what she loved about him – his innocence and devotion. But that didn't stop Mulan from reliving that experience night and night again. But her heart was filled with guilt and remorse, knowing a few meters away; Aurora was reliving a burning nightmare.

She could hear the screams wailing through the forest. Aurora. Mulan summoned all her courage and ran. She didn't even know where to, she just knew that Aurora was in danger.

"Aurora!" Mulan screamed into the empty night.

She rushed to her side; Aurora's body was contorting with pain, with burns down her arms.

"Wake up!" she yelled as she shook her, holding her by her face and losing herself in her beauty.

Aurora woke up in a hazy state. "Philip," she moaned gently.

"No, it's me, Mulan," She replied, confused.

Aurora's eyes drifted back to sleep. "Philip!" She repeated, grabbing Mulan on to her and forcing her lips on her. Aurora's eyes were half-lidded with desire, and Mulan could sense Aurora wasn't aware of her. Mulan grabbed her waist, saving her from falling back into a slumber. Aurora whimpered, still lost in her dreamy state, but Mulan wasn't going to let go. They sat there for minutes in silence, lost in each other's arms, their hearts pounding with passion. Aurora slowly drifted away, until she was back in her oblivious slumber.

Mulan grinned to herself sheepishly.

"Goodnight, princess."