I HAVE RETURNED! Yeah, I'm back! What have I to say for myself? Busyness… Upgrading chapters… And another story… Start of school… Unacceptable, I know!

Also, wanted to hurry for you, so NO BETA this time. Yup. Grammar errors everywhere, I know... :(

What Happened Last Time:

Mulan POV: Forced to endure time with the dreaded Huiliang. Her husband to be. We last left them with Huiliang declaring he would be able to easily tame her. Shuchun was pleased and disgusted at his openly expressed arrogance. Mulan was sick with horror. Yet, her love for Jianjun kept her mouth quiet.

Ruolan POV: After being trapped in fog (and entranced by bells), Ruolan has fun in the market. She buys fish (obviously important) and was on her way home from the market when she fell into a puddle. A mysterious stranger arrived to help her out, stating that she is, "The chosen one."

Without further adieu…

Two Petals in One Orchid

Chapter 11: Decided Fate

Mulan's horror was evident upon her face. Her husband couldn't be any more disgusting.

She stared at the smiling, much like an idiot, man. How dare he think himself so smart…?

Trying to summon up a witty comment, Mulan hissed, (recalling his last comment of flies rushing into her mouth) "I wouldn't swallow them! Besides," That was not witty… At all! Okay… Umm… She continued, "No fly is stupid enough to enter my mouth!"

Huiliang examined Mulan in great amusement, and laughingly responded, "Flies have no brains; they are merely insects. Therefore, they are stupid enough to fly in anyone's mouth." He grinned wider, if that was possible, and continued, "But, darling, I do believe you misunderstood my point. I was only commenting on how foolish you look with mouth ajar."

I hate that man. So much. Shaking of rage, Mulan did her best to think of a response. When none were available she focused upon scowling at a wall. It didn't help much.

For several moments, the room was locked in silence.

From the doorway, Shuchun's voice echoed into the room, "You two are a rather silent couple." She flicked her hair and continued, "It doesn't concern me much, I suppose. I do hope you both learn to get along."

"There is no better way of doing so, then by marrying quickly."

Mulan's eyes widened, and she hurriedly flung a look of pleading towards Shuchun, "Not too soon! I mean, I-I'm not ready!" Not being the kind to think things through, she was unable to realize the fate she was sealing for herself.

Shuchun chuckled, her eyes locking with Mulan's. "Ruolan has gone out shopping today, for fish. I believe that we shall use the fish she buys for your wedding."

Mulan, unable to, and slightly refusing, to understand Shuchun cried out, "Fish goes bad so easily! It certainly couldn't last weeks… Or days for that matter!" She paused, her face dropping from confusion, to horror instantly. Pleas began to escape her lips, "Mother! Oh, no! I'm not ready! I-I-"

Huiliang silenced her sharply, "You should never speak out of place. This is my decision now, not yours." He turned, happily, to Shuchun and burst out, "The idea is fine! Though, I must agree with my wife, fish could only last one night and be safely edible."

Shuchun, laughing, agreed, "Yes! So, I shall make all preparations necessary for the wedding! I think we may even be able to have it on," her eyes locked with Mulan's, "tomorrow evening."

"No! NO! NO! I won't! I can't! I-I'm too young!" Mulan wailed miserably, "I-I can't be ready for this! I just can't!"

Huiliang smiled tightly at his future wife, "Do not fear, love! You have a whole day to prepare!"


Mulan stared at the sunset, slowly dissipating from the sky. The bright, happy colors being swallowed by their colder cousins; a depressing sight. Yet, her eyes stayed locked upon the colors.

I should run away. Far away. A chill swept through the teenager's bones, she sighed, I would never survive. How would I drink? Eat? Where would I find shelter? With another sigh, Mulan continued her train of thought, No… I have to remember my original reasons for agreeing to this plan. The wedding would have come no matter what… I may as well get it over with.

A violent wind suddenly sprang forth, from an almost non-existent breeze that was evident only seconds ago. It buffeted her dark hair, and almost knocked the sitting girl over.

A voice twisted within the wind, calling something… It echoed softly into Mulan's ears; impossible to understand.

The melancholy tone continued to whisper… The formation of words was almost understandable, almost obtainable.

After moments of straining her ears, and failing, Mulan finally discovered a word. More confusing than anything, it rolled through her quickly, transferring itself out of her lips. Why she found herself whispering it, she wasn't sure.

And yet, her lips slowly formed the word, "Danger." Unsure why, she repeated it gently, more elaborately. "Danger."

The violent wind, tugging at her hair, stopped instantly. The silence that followed was eerie and extremely lonely.

"I hear that tomorrow you will be getting married."

Mulan twisted her sad head towards the speaker, already knowing it was Jianjun. "Yes, father. I am."

Jianjun rested himself beside her, a quivering smile spread across his face. "I'm so proud of you, Mulan."

"I do not see any reason that you should be." Mulan's thoughts were scattered, upon Huiliang, upon the wind, but barely upon the conversation.

Jianjun leaned forward and brushed several strands of dark hair that were messily out of place. "I have many reasons to be joyous. You will be married at fifteen! I couldn't be more proud of that! Besides," He smiled at her, "your inheriting a fortune far larger than I could ever offer you."

I do not want it though. Instead of saying her thoughts Mulan whispered hoarsely, "Father, I am not spoiled… Money is of no matter…"

Jianjun, seemingly unaware of his daughters sadness, happily exclaimed, "I am so happy to see you married! My most delightful child, I excite over this!" In a softer tone, he added, "When I gave you the choice to decline… I was afraid you would refuse. Now that I know you aren't, I know I can be happy aloud! I was sure I would die before you married! Before either of my daughters did…" He paused, examining the deflating sun, and added, "Ruolan has not returned. I fret something has happened…"

Mulan shrugged, "Knowing her, she is probably still in the market…" Her mind was too busily engaged with Jianjun's former statement to care of her sister's whereabouts. Though a slight flicker of wonder did rush through her, it was cancelled out with a flood of other thoughts.

Moments of debate and pandemonium later, Mulan came to a sad conclusion in her mind. Father wants to see me married, just as I thought. I cannot disappoint him. There is no escape from Huiliang.

Deep breath, all! I know you are frantic for Mulan! *cough, cough, I hope!* Also, I just purchased (IT WAS EXPENSIVE) the most updated version of Chinese History. From here on out, all the facts I state in here are 100% reliable, unless I tell you otherwise.

I'm hoping to resume Wednesday updates, so expect it. Not too much though!