Author's Note: Alright, we are going to be getting back into the movie in the next few chapters. Don't worry though, I am still going to be adding in lots of twists and fun things like that. Sorry this chapter is so short, but it is going to move the plot along a little better. This chapter takes place a few months after the last chapter, so Mulan has been away from home for almost two years. Thank you to everyone who have reviewed, followed, and favorited!
Chapter Twenty Eight: Good Luck, Father
I'm sitting in General Li's tent along with other officers. Right now, the general is explaining his plan that he hopes will end the war.
"Now then, we have recently been informed that the Huns have moved positions. It seems that they plan to reach the Emperor by going through the Tung Shao Pass." With this, the general points to the pass as it is marked on the large map laid out in front of him. "As many of you know, a makeshift village has been set up here for many refugees whose villages have been destroyed. This village is full of women, children, and elderly people. I will take the main troops to not only protect these people but to also destroy the Huns. We have beaten them in many previous battles and I believe that Shan-Yu's forces have been weakened enough for us to decimate the Huns in one swift blow. Any questions?"
"Sir," Captain Li Shang begins. General Li nods and the captain continues. "If you are taking the main troops, what do you wish for me to do with my men?"
"You will stay here just in case," the general instructs.
"Are you sure that my men will not be needed in this battle, sir?"
"Yes, Captain, I believe this can be handled by the main troops only. After we succeed, I will send word for you to join us in the Imperial City. Should you not receive word from me in one week's time, bring your men to the Tung Shao pass for backup. Am I understood?"
"Yes, sir," is stated by everyone in the tent.
Saying goodbye to Heng is difficult, but it is not as if I am saying goodbye forever. I will see him in a week or two, right? I don't think I'll ever forget the parting words he said to me though.
"When I first saw you here, I was sure that you'd die soon, but you didn't. You held your own. You adapted and hid yourself in plain sight. Listen here, kid: The past two years, we've been through Hell. Now, we need to find a way to get back. If I had to guess who was most likely to find that way back and drag themselves out of this Hell, I'd choose you. You surprised me, kid. You proved me wrong. Congrats."
Heng has never been the most sensitive of people, so hearing him say something that is almost completely sarcasm free is really the best sort of compliment you can get from him. Without thinking, I throw my arms around him. Heng is startled at first but then embases me in a fatherly hug.
'I'll see him again soon.' I tell myself once again.
Watching the main troops of the Imperial Army leave was both empowering and saddening. As they ride out of camp, the general states only three words to his son: Good luck, Captain.
I watch as emotion momentarily replaces Captain Li Shang's usually stone-hard look.
He states "Good luck, Father," so quietly that I barely hear him. This is it. If everything goes as planned, the war should be over in little more than one week's time. If, such a small word, yet it could change everything.