Always Beside Me

By Roguefan212000

Mulan belongs to the Walt Disney Company.

Authors Notes: Thanks for all the kind reviews. I hope everyone enjoys chapter2 .

"Oh , my little baby is all grown up," wailed Mushu. Cri-kee hopped about excitedly . Mulan smiled at the little cricket . She let him rest in the palm of her hand. " You knew about this the whole time, but you didnt tell me first," said Mushu. Mulan released a long sigh. "Mushu, Im still getting used to the idea of being a mother," she replied.

"Alright, missy… I can over look the fact that you told pretty boy first,"he grumbled ."You know Shang hates that name, " Mulan scolded . Cri-kee yawned and his eye lids began to droop. "Its late ," she said . "I think we should all get some sleep". Mulan found Shang sitting in their bedroom. He smiled when she entered the room. Shang placed a scroll on a small wooden table .Mulan s heart sank at the sight of it. "Is it a message from the emperor ," she asked.

Shang could clearly see the worry in her eyes. "No," he said. " Its a scroll that belonged to my father." Shang rarely spoke of his father. "I wish I could have met him," Mulan said softly. "Im sure he would have been proud of you." He patted her hand. "My father had very high standards," Shang replied. "Im only a mere shadow compared to his great legacy." "Im sure the emperor would disagree," she said. Shang steadied her face. "Your spirits are high," he remarked. "I have you to thank for that,"Mulan said with a smile. Mulan blew out the candles and climbed into bed. Shang joined her.

In the morning, Mulan and Shang went to visit the family .The good news brought tears to the eyes of her mother. Grandma Fa spread the news to the entire village. Fa Zhou tenderly embraced his daughter . There was a twinkle in his gentle eyes. Fa Li led Mulan into the garden for a mother and daughter talk. When Mulan returned she was greeted with a unpleasant surprise.Shang didnt have to speak. Mulan saw the scroll in his hand. She recognized a message from the emperor , when she saw one. "How long will you be gone?", she asked. "Im not sure," Shang admitted. "His majesty requested that I train more troops".

Mulan sighed and crossed her arms against her chest. " You will probably be gone for several months , while I stay home and grow fat like a cow", she said bitterly. Shang released a deep breath . "I have to complete my duty ," he said firmly. "What if the baby is born , while your away ?", she asked. The thought of this hurt him. "I will try to come back as soon as I can", he said. Mulan was not convinced. She stared down at the ground. " I just want to know that you will be here, in case something happens," she said gravely.

" Please dont say such things", he said . Shang lifted up her face. "Your not making this easy for me," he said sadly. "Being a warrior is easier than becoming a mother", she cried. Mulan turned and ran into the house."The worry and fears of a young mother are always great", said Fa Zhou. He gently stroked her hair. "You must remember that it will also be difficult for Shang." Mulan wiped away her tears and gazed at her father." His heart is divided ," he said solemnly.

Mulan understood now. She had not been fair. "My dear daughter , you both must battle between duty and love," Fa Zhou said softly. Mulan slowly rose from her seat and began to search for Shang. Shang mounted his horse. He patted the faithful beast on the head. "We are off again, my friend," he whispered . In the distance, he could see a comrade waiting for him along the dirt path. Shang was about to pull the reins, when he heard a voice. "Shang," Mulan cried out. He turned to face his wife.

"Im sorry," she said. He dismounted his horse and stood beside her. "I never meant to…", she began. "Its alright ," Shang replied. Mulan hugged him tightly. " I know this isnt easy", he said gently. Shang tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear. " I love you ", he whispered. Tears threated to overwhelm Mulan. She cried more now then during all of her young life. Mulan reluctantly released him.She stood by the gate and watched Shang fade into the distance.

To be continued ….. Dont worry Mulan will have her own adventure .