So, this is my first chapter story on here! I expect REVIEWS! Please! Pretty please! Thanks! Yes, I just forced you to agree! Don't lie to me now! This story is set in Ancient China. Real Ancient China. As in, I was forced to go through endless studying to give you real places, events, and stuff. Well, enjoy!


Two Petals in One Orchid

Chapter 1: Responsibilities

Slowly, slowly the sun stretched across the sky. Its powerful rays of light rushing down to meet all of China. In the beautiful sunlit world, a majestic field of flowers gently fluttered in a calm breeze. The sounds of a river filled the air, mixed in with the twitter of birds.

In the shade of a massive, and harmonious, Weaping Willow, a young woman rested. She sat in the most unladylike manner, her legs stretched wide, creating a slight view of her undergarments. But she didn't care.

The young woman stretched her arms into the air with a yawn, happiness rushing through her. She hadn't a worry in the world, at least… Not when she was in this place. What was it that attracted her to this beautiful place? Was it the peacefulness of nature? The tender breeze? Perhaps the soothing sounds? Most likely, it was the rest from the real world, from chores.

This little valley was Fa Mulan's secret place. For all fifteen years of her life, this place had been her secret haven. It was 'her' place.

She recalled a happy memory, from a happy time. Her father had been living with his family at the time, not at war… As he always was. He had witnessed Mulan crying over a nasty comment Shuchun had made about her. He had understood. Father always understood.He took me here to calm me down. This is my home, a home far from Shuchun. Far from my responsibilities.

A shudder raced through her. Responsibilities. Even the word was enough to fill her mind and spirit with dread. Responsibilities.

It had been a year ago, in 416, that Mulan's father had left for war again. He had been summoned, and so, he had gone. Of course, Mulan had been able to understand that he was old, that he was weak, but that he had a strong loyalty to his country. One that over ruled his good judgment. He would go for loyalty to his country, and that alone.

He was truly the only person she really trusted, really admired. But, then again, she knew very few people.

Her mind raced through her knowledge of personalities, the almost non-existent lot that there was. Shuchun was one, her mother. Always, always Mulan found herself asking why her father loved Shuchun. The cold hearted woman had only one desire; society and how to be high in it.

Oh yes, she had had great hopes for Mulan and Ruolan. She was not stupid and understood that her daughters were beautiful, and she planned to use this advantage to get the Fa family higher up in society.

Then there was poor Ruolan. Ever since Mulan could recall, Ruolan had never been able to speak her mind. She was beautiful, and far to proper. She never broke the rules, so of course Mulan had no respect for her. In fact, at that exact moment, Mulan was breaking the rules. Again.

It was this fact that caused her to sigh, to stand, to straighten her dress, and prepare to head home. I can only imagine how furious Shuchun must be, Mulan though as she examined the sky. The sun was near its set.

Carefully she raised her hands, using an ancient technique, to tell the time. She was able to fit two of her hands under the sun, until they touched the ground. Two hours before set. I should be home one hour before set… Shuchun will be furious. But, she merely shrugged, not really caring. She was in too much peace to have any worries. Yet.

She solemnly walked over to her horse that was tied up to another willow tree.

Mulan absent mindedly stroked the creatures neck. Their old horse, Chonglin, was Mulan's only friend. Of course, she thought, there's perfect reason for that!

She smiled to herself, recalling why she had no other friends. Her mother had been insistent upon having her children grow up in the popular circle of Chinese Women. Mulan couldn't stand it.

All they ever did was sit around, sip tea, and talk about which men would be the most excellent husbands to have. They disgusted her.

And so, she had devised a plan to remove herself from their society. She had decided to throw a Tea Party, at which Shuchun was thrilled, but this Tea Party would end in disaster. Just like Mulan had planned.

She had put mud in the Tea, refused to allow snacks, and forced her guests to walk all the way to the Yellow River, where they could relax. She had had perfect luck, a storm had come and it had unleashed rain upon her guests and herself. The women all simultaneously declared that they would never return to the Fa family home.

Well, good riddance! We don't want you! She had wanted to shout to them cheerfully, but Mulan could already feel a cold glare upon her back. Shuchun was furious. Ever since that dreadful day, Shuchun had forced Mulan into the life of a common employee. Mulan took care of all of their animals, cooked most of the meals, and never attended parties. But that was all fine and dandy to her, if only it could have stayed that way.

Her life could have stayed the same forever. Until a blessing and a misfortune came upon her.

It had only been around seven sun rises ago that there had come a knock at the Fa Family door. Their father had sent message that he would be returning from the war, no details about whether it was forever or not.

Ruolan and Mulan had been thrilled by this news, their father visited seldom, and never for long…

Their mother, on other hand… Shuchun had understood immediately that he was expecting to see three fine, sophisticated young women of society. And while Ruolan and herself would match this thought well, there was the disappointment of the Fa family that would never be able to say such things about herself.

Of course, Shuchun had her own theory on why Mulan had turned out so… Masculine. She was supposed to be a boy, but Ruolan had cursed her on the night of her birth.

And what a horrid night that day was! Her husband had promised to meet her in the city called Shaanxi, but upon her arrival to the massive city he had not been there. Instead, Shuchun had received news that she was supposed to meet him in the village just a ways over. This village was called Ningxia.

So, Shuchun had been forced to continue walking. They were horrid memories in her mind. Birthing a child right next to the Yellow River! Unacceptable! It was for this reason that she secretly despised her husband, Jianjun. He had destroyed her pride.

But, Mulan would never know of her mother's hate for her father. Mulan did not know of the happenings of her own birth. At that moment in history, Mulan only knew that she must return home. And quickly.

And so, the young fifteen year old set out for her very small home. She road along on her crotchety old horse for quite some time, until Ningxia came into view.

Mulan's family was neither rich nor poor. They lived on the outskirts of the city, thus making them a farming family. Of course, they had several servants who helped them around the farm… But, they were, in truth, an average unimportant family. What could they donate to histories course?

Mulan kicked her legs into the side of Chonglin, "Hurry! Hurry, you lazy nest of bones! Hurry!" She could see that the sun was setting, her judgment of return time had been off. If she returned home after dark, there was no telling what Shuchun would do, though she had an excellent guess. Shuchun will now have a reason to kill me. Great, just great.

Though the act was reckless, Mulan forced Chonglin to overexcert himself.

Chonglin raced down the side of the large hill that Mulan and he had been traveling on. His long legs picking up pace, reaching for more ground, his speed going faster and faster. Mulan kicked into his side again, We've got to go faster! Half of the sun had vanished. The sky was starting to darken. She kicked at the tiring horse again.

Chonglin responded by shaking his head in displeasure. The old horse was going at his top speed. He turned his head to the side, to receive a view of Mulan, when suddenly his front hooves found the trunk of a fallen tree. The old creature slammed forward, flying into the muddy mountain and knocking Mulan off with him.

Mulan shrieked as she tumbled and rolled down the mountain trail, until her body slammed into a large pile of mud, the contents of the puddle flying in all directions.

She tried to stand, only slipping back in. She groaned, I might as well ask for a knife to my throat! Shuchun will murder me! The mud had covered her whole entire body, her once beautiful and expensive embroidered dress was ripped, filthy, and could be considered worthless garbage. Her arms and legs were covered in scrapes and scratches, though she didn't much care. But Shuchun will.

Chonglin limped over to Mulan's side and nickered in her face. "Stupid horse," Mulan grumbled as she stroked his graying face, "Now look what you've done?" She pushed herself to a stand and examined the large mud puddle. After awhile she sighed, "Come on. Judgment awaits us."

Mulan tugged on her horses head and together they limped home. No use in riding, poor old horse won't be able to hold me. Cafefully ,she glanced over her shoulder to examine the limp that Chonglin had developed. He would be unfit to ride for many sunrises to come. Mulan sighed, What does it matter? Shuchun will never let me out of her sight again.

The mud covered duo continued to stumble down the winding path on the mountain. The sun had completely vanished from the sky.

Chonglin - Meaning: Second brother Unicorn

Jianjun - Meaning: Building the army


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