Midnight Intrusion

Midnight Intrusion

Shang left before Mulan's family returned in order to make the final arrangements for her wedding day.

That night, Mulan found it hard to sleep. She thought about Shang and their latest encounter. Her dear General on purpose or not always found a way to make the world around her quiver. But she was no longer allowed to have feelings for him that would threaten her affections for her soon-to-be husband. Her thoughts shifted to Ding Cong, she really did not know the man, and she could not care less about him. She did not want to marry him. The only reason she was doing so was to please her family; she no longer wanted to shame the Fa surname. But who cared what she felt or thought? These days it seemed there was no one on her side, no one who considered her own opinion. A tear rolled down Mulan's cheek. She had made a decision.

She removed the blankets away from her body, and left her bed. On her toes she silently walked through the hall which lead to the room where her father kept his armor and sword. So many memories crossed her mind as she entered the room. Mulan remembered the night she had trimmed her long black locks with her father's sword and left home to take her father's place in the army. Back then she felt trapped, but not as trapped as she felt now. Back then she was younger and her spirit lighter. She was now a wretch whose life was bound to expectations and her desire to spare her family from shame. She had lost all hope on love, on life. Mulan turned her gaze to Shan Yu's sword hanging on the wall next to the Emperor's crest. Somehow the truth beyond that sword was ironic; it first had been the cause of the wound that uncovered her secret identity but then it became a symbol of her courage and heroism. Today that sword hanging on the wall was a mere reminder of her former freedom. Mulan took the sword's handle in her right arm. She ran her index finger through the tip of the blade making her finger bleed. It hurt, but it was nothing compared to the wounds she carried within her soul. It meant nothing compared to Shang's neglecting and her family's pursuit to preserve her honor as a woman.

Then Mulan pointed the blade towards her stomach. She had decided it would be best to end the suffering once and for all. She felt the tip of the sword cutting through the fabric of her sash and skirt and she felt the cold tip on her skin.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps in the distance and dropped down the sword. The metal clashed; certainly her parents would be awake by now. She remained inside the room for a while, yet no one came. She tiptoed out of the room, determined to know the source of the footsteps. Mulan walked around the dark rooms in her house, but there was nothing irregular. Her parents were sound asleep in their room, and so was her grandmother. She was grateful her family did not hear the clashing of the sword on the wooden floor. Resigned, Mulan went to her room, thinking that the least she could do was leave a farewell letter to her parents.

She got ink, a brush, and a parchment. Mulan sank the brush on the ink container. All of a sudden a hand covered her mouth making her drop the ink on her bed sheets. The intruder was wearing black robes and his face was concealed behind a thick black veil. He wrapped one arm around her waist while she struggled to get free, and she realized she was not as fit as she would have been three years ago. She punched him on the side, but it had been a mere caress to his well built up body. She bit his hand, but it was useless.

"Anjing" he hushed her.

Helpless, Mulan gave in to her captor's mercy. She had wished for death anyway. She could feel his gloved fingers sliding down her neck. Mulan shut her eyes and prayed the gods he would be fast.

"Dui bu qi," he whispered apologetically and pressed his thumb on her neck.

Mulan felt her heart pounding and suddenly air was denied from her lungs. Her mind and vision went blank as she collapsed on the floor unconscious.

The intruder lifted her body on his shoulder and climbed down her window. He had to leave before people would find him. Once he was out of the Fa home, the man ran to fetch his horse who was tied to a tree nearby. Gently, he covered Mulan's body with a brown blanket and placed her on the horse's back. Her unconscious body fell against the horse's neck. The intruder mounted the stallion and pulled the body against him. He let go his horse's reigns and ushered it to gallop full speed. They disappeared into the shadow of night.

Qi Feng: Love it? Hate it? Please R&R

Thanks to all the people who have read the story and added it to their favorite's list. I never thought this story would be appreciated.

I have the complete file in my hands. laughs maliciously while rubbing hands together.

However, I need some encouragement. I will post the chapters eventually, I'm making some slight modifications, but my wish is for readers to love this story. )