Here we are, chapter 2 ^.^ doesn't time fly? Anyway, I hope you like it and leave a review. There's more to come if you want it!
CHAPTER 2
I'll Make an Army, out Of You
"Goodbye!" Mulan's family called as she made her way to the camp. Her recruits had been left there over night to set up their tents and such. Mulan would set her's up later, once she got them started and raring to go.
She couldn't help but reflect her feelings of betrayal. She was taking what Shang had taught her and throwing it back in his face…
"Oh my-" Mulan looked at the carnage that lay in front of her.
"What happened?" She yelled as she looked at the women huddled under a single tree for shelter, hair dishevelled and beautiful kimono's stained with mud and dirt.
"W-we couldn't s-set up t-the tents" one woman spoke, her teeth chattering from the cold. Mulan looked around and saw piles of fabric as far as she could see; presumably all failed attempts at tents.
"You should have come and found me" She said, turning back to the troops.
"We didn't think it our place-" Mulan shook her head, holding up a single hand,
"No. That type of attitude has to stop. Women have equal place in this world, and you're place is not only a duty to your country, but a duty to yourself and your heart. You are no more useless than men-" a few giggles broke out at that comment and Mulan hoped she was getting through to them,
"And most of all, if you ever have a problem; I'm your commanding officer, I'm always here" Sighs of relief fell from the recruits,
"Don't think of me as your superior, I am merely your teacher, and with my alternative means of training I'm sure even if we do not match in skill we can still win. After all, determination is all we need to make anyone bloom and sparkle in their own light of self-success" Mulan realised that these women need to have a lesson in self-worth, yet it wasn't exactly something she could teach.
Well, let's just hope they learn it along the way.
"Let go get your tents set up, but you're working extra hard to make the time up"
"Yes Fa Mulan" they chanted before they all trudged down the gentle decline in their sopping clothes that really weren't suitable for the training they were about to undertake.
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The tents were up in neat rows and a space was left in the middle for the pole. A replica of the one that kick started Mulan's own determination and marked her dramatic improvement in her physical performance.
"Right, get into three rows" The recruits were now more appropriately dressed in a uniform very similar to Mulan's, yet tinted navy blue. It was the only region that had uniform to spare that would also fit the ladies.
Mulan stood in front of them,
"I expect nothing but hard work" She started,
"You are not trying to impress the matchmaker anymore, you have to impress me, and the rest of China if we are ever to have a dutiful place in this society as women"
"Right, let's start. Starting posture!"
Mulan used this time to think over her decisions. All she could really teach them that would give them an advantage is logic, clarity and determination. Nothing else did she have that Shang did not have and in higher quantity.
"Repulse Monkey!" Mulan's eyes followed her arm movements as she continued to reflect.
But really, what else could she do. If these women did not have that power inside of them she hoped and truly thought they did then her reputation and life was ruined, bringing shame to all associated to her.
"Brush Knee!" Really she was only shouting to remind them all, maybe all the tea pouring made their memory a little hazy.
Mulan really hoped that everything she could do to help them would be enough, and, if all else failed she could always fight the opposing army alone. Though, that would prove nothing of women that was generalizable, it would just distance herself. An outcast.
Mulan twisted her heal as she swapped to her right side.
What's the worst that could happen? Really, nothing of great consequence. Not to the women otherwise, they would be seen as good sports.
"Part the wild horse's Mane!"
She felt herself fill with worry as she thought of how every action she took could affect these women's lives forever.
"And Wave Hands Like Clouds!"
She moved the troops on quickly, not wanting to think much more. Her thoughts didn't seem to be helping her right now.
"Golden Cock Stands On One leg!"
Mulan had been wondering where Mushu was for the last day or so. Her first assumption lay with the idea that he was with the ancestors. Yet Grandma's lucky cricket was missing too.
"Cross Hands, and Heal Kick!"
Mulan's heal gracefully yet stably went up into the air, held and came back down. Only then did she realise that most of the women were on the floor cradling their legs.
"Is everyone ok?" She asked, worried as she rushed over, how had she not noticed?
"I think we pulled muscle" one, nurse like lady said softly,
"I'm sorry, I was deep in thought and-"
"Say no more, it cannot be easy living the life you do. We appreciate this opportunity to prove ourselves more than you can ever know" Mulan smiled at the wise young girl, a few years younger than herself with fond pride.
"Thank you for your forgiveness, what step did you get up to?" The women looked around sheepishly,
"Um, most of us gave up after the first…" Mulan ran a hand over her face,
"Ok, space for improvement, that's all. Let's get you all rested up, we'll start again tomorrow. For the rest of the morning focus on stretching. Obviously you haven't undergone much for a while. Then in the afternoon I want you all to gather round that pole over there-" Mulan pointed to the pole that replicated the one she had climbed not so long ago.
"-and then, before supper I want everyone to have some tea and stretch some more. Make sure before tomorrow's morning session you've stretched so we don't have a repeat of today, we can't afford to lose any more time"
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Shang paced as he thought,
"We don't need to do anything General, those women could never train to our standards!" one warrior who had taken to advising Shang said. Shang, however, shook his head,
"No, no. Mulan is proof that with the right conviction, women can be truly dangerous creatures"
"Or mentally ill traitorous snakes…" the soldier muttered,
"What did you say?" Shang grinded out through his teeth,
"Only the truth Sir!" The warrior stumbled over his words,
"Well just be glad she was brave enough to do so, or we'd all be dead" Shang stormed out of the tent and towards the cliff edge, where he could watch over all the camp.
Looking out it just wasn't the same knowing that, Ping, or Mulan wasn't down there. Down there to surprise us all with retrieving an arrow or improved balance overnight…
A sigh left him; Shang had to compete against her now, and he had no doubt that she had something up her sleeve…
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"Urgh! I don't know what I'm doing!" Mulan proclaimed in a hushed whisper, her arms flailing in the air as she paced.
"Help has arrived!"
"Mushu!" Mulan ran at the tiny dragon and hugged him tightly,
"You do not know how much I needed you over the last few hours!"
"Well…about that. I can't stay"
"What? Why not?"
"Well, the ancestors believe you'll find love and get married if you fail at this. And they don't trust me not to help you get it right so I can't really be here" Mulan scrubbed her hand over her face for what seemed like the millionth time that morning, she had been up since just after midnight with panicked thoughts floating round her head.
"That's the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard, do they not recall my encounter with the matchmaker?" Mushu shrugged and jumped onto her shoulder,
"The important thing is to have faith ok baby girl? Now go train some male but kicking machines!" Mulan smiled and ran out of her tend, ready to embark onto this challenge with a fresh mind and clearer head.
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I already have chapter 3 wrote by the way so if anyone particularly wants the chapter then all they have to do is ask. Hope you liked it ^.^ please leave a review if you get a chance and enjoy the rest of your day!
Sasha