Happenings
This is way overdue
Like the title suggests, this chapter is the part of the movie where this song plays.
Right now it is only the song, but I may do the meeting with Ping.
Also, if you sent me a suggestion for this fic, I will use it sooner or later.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Mulan.
Shang sighed as he looked at his men trying to get to the arrow. It wasn't just a matter of strength, it was also about technique, and so far, nobody was understanding that.
He winced as Ping, probably the worst recruit, fell down the pole. He was so awkward and scrawny, it was as if he was a child.
As Ping walked by, rubbing his back, he nervously glanced at Shang. Shang stared at him sternly, for there was no room for weakness in the army.
"We've got a long way to go," Shang thought aloud. Let's get down to business. The Huns are the enemy, and I must do all it takes to prepare these men for battle, he thought.
He performed a basic move, throwing clay pots in the air and smashing them with a pole. It was actually quite simple, and by doing so, he hoped the recruits could learn accuracy and technique, something they obviously lacked.
To say the least, it did not go as planned.
How Ping had managed to mess up the simple task of catching a pole, he had no idea. But somehow he knocked everyone over while jumping around and flailing.
He picked up Ping by his collar and told him that this would not be accepted. To the side, Chi Fu wrote down notes, which only fueled his anger.
None of his recruits did satisfactory, so he decided to move on to aim.
Three tomatoes lay on the front of the board, his foot on the other side soon turned into three tomatoes neatly speared on the tree trunk.
He should've known none of them would be able to do it.
He sighed inwardly. These were not the recruits he hoped he would train.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of red. Turning his head, he saw nothing red except for the tomatoes on Ping's bow- on Ping's bow?!
He marched to Ping, and felt even more irritated when Ping had the nerve to smile at him, even if it was guiltily.
Shang narrowed his eyes, and walked away. There would be no more going easy on these men- or rather, boys.
Honestly, he knew none of the men would be able to do the next exercise- it required balance and fast reflexes. Still, maybe there was a chance...
There was no chance. These men could not be trained.
Shang finished his rice, and gave the bowl to the chef with a nod.
He needed a good night's sleep after this.
As he walked through the dark to his tent, he heard noise. Glancing over, he saw his men having a good time, while eating and telling stories.
"Hey, captain," one of his men slurred.
Shang sighed. He'd been doing that more often lately.
Walking over to them, he narrowed his eyes.
"Where is it?"
"Where's what, captain?"
Rolling his eyes, Shang replied, "The wine. Where is the wine?"
The man stuttered nervously. Looking closer, Shang could see it was Cheng, a favorite among the men.
Right now, no one wanted to be seen with him, seeing as he was about to get in big trouble.
Cheng handed the bottle to Shang.
Shang gave Cheng a strict nod and walked away.
Almost at once, his men crowded around Cheng.
Except for Ping, Shang thought. Where was that boy?
Looking around, Shang found him beside his tent, seemingly talking to himself.
"I know I'm doing horribly, but I can't go home. There's nothing for me there, really. Plus, imagine what would happen if the townspeople found out. Or worse- the captain."
Though it was quiet, there was no mistaking what the boy was saying. And although he had not said anything important, Shang felt like he had intruded on an intimate moment.
There's something off about this situation. But what?
After Ping's failure of carrying weight up the mountain, Shang decided to send him home.
In all honesty, Shang should have sent him home days ago. It was just that whispered conversation that he had intruded upon which had made him uncertain.
But now, the decision was made.
Still, he felt guilty.
Especially when he saw the sadness in Ping's eyes, and knew what was in store for him when he went back home.
But Shang knew his duty for China was more important that a single boy, so he turned around, leaving Ping to face whatever consequences he would have to alone.
But if there was one thing about Ping Shang should not have forgotten, it was his determination. It was foolish to think Ping would simply go home after Shang told him to. No, Ping had to prove everyone wrong.
As the arrow glided neatly into the ground in front of Shang's feet, he couldn't help but feel relieved. Ping could stay, hopefully.
After Ping's success with the arrow, the other recruits became more and more determined to succeed. They pushed themselves harder and harder, until they were beyond what Shang hoped they could be.
And Ping led them all. Shang wasn't sure if he had been downplaying his skill, or if he simply hadn't had it inside of him, but Ping was undoubtedly one of his best recruits.
Sure, Ping had his faults, but he really was a nice boy, if not strange. And even if he puzzled Shang immensely, he was truly a great addition to the Chinese army.
As much as I want you to anticipate the next chapter of this story (along with fave, alert, and review it) this is a story I will update when I have inspiration to, so there won't be an updating schedule, really. But I would prefer you to read well-written stories that are late rather than crappy ones that are posted every week or so.
I take requests for fics, and if you PM or review I will reply.
Until next time ;)
