Always beside me
By Roguefan 212000
Mulan belongs to the Walt Disney Company.
Author s notes: Thankyou for all the reviews. It really means a lot. I hope everyone enjoys chapter 3.
Shang and his companion had only two more days of traveling before they reached camp. The time seemed to creep by. Shang s mind was on his task, but his heart traveled on another path. Shang was grateful for the company of Bao Gung . He was one of his most faithful soldiers. Bao Gung only spoke of matters that concerned war. This helped Shang push thoughts of home aside.
Shang shielded his eyes from the sun s blinding light. In the distance, he could see a cloaked figure lying in the center of the road. At first glance, it appeared that some poor soul had been robbed and left to die. The two young men slowly approached the figure. Bao Gung dismounted and leaned forward for a closer look. He reached out and pulled the cloak aside.
"It s a woman", he said. Bao Gung didn t hide the surprise in his voice. "What sort of woman would dare to travel alone?", he asked. "It is not wise or proper." Shang remained silent. He surveyed their surroundings. He saw no signs of the woman s company. "She is foreign to our lands", Shang observed. "Do you think she is a hun?", asked Bao Gung. Shang nodded.
Shang rested his chin on his hand. This was a strange and complicated situation to say the least. "She must have been abandoned ", said Bao Gung. "A mere woman would never be capable of traveling alone."
Just then the woman s eyes fluttered open. Her eyes grew wide with fright. She sprang to her feet. Shang could tell this was no ordinary woman. " Be still ", Shang said gently. " We mean you no harm". He knew she was thinking about running. "Don t be foolish", he said. "We can easily overtake you".
"What do you dogs want with me", she cried. "Watch your mouth, harlot!", Bao Gung shouted. He grabbed the woman by her wrist." You should learn to hold your tongue."
"Enough of this", Shang shouted. Anger began to rise in his throat. "Release her," he demanded . Shang turned to face the woman. "For your own sake, you should choose your words wisely," he said. The woman bowed mockingly. "I have a gift for you, my lord," she said.
A wicked smile flashed across her face. She placed a small wooden tube to her lips and blew. A small poisoned dart struck Shang s arm. He quickly plucked it out of his arm, but Shang knew it was already too late. It was only a matter of time before the poison took its course.
"You treacherous little viper,"Boa Gung screamed. The woman tried to run, but he caught hold of her arm "What have you done", Bao Gung cried. He shook the woman. Her face was like stone. She remained silent . " Answer me or I will kill you ", he shouted. She would not say a word.The horses began to make noise. Bao Gung turned to look at them. Shang had fallen to the ground.
Bao Gung squeezed her arm tightly. "Give me the cure", he demanded. "Give me back my son," she cried . "Your soldiers took him away".
"You will see your son, but you must give me the cure", said Bao Gung. "How do I know this promise will be kept", she asked with a sneer. " If the general dies than you will never see your brat", he snapped.
Mulan sat alone in the garden. The breeze made her long hair dance in the wind. She gazed at the trees. The pink petals floated around her head. The flowers crowned Mulan with their beauty. She frowned at the thought of living like a boring house wife .Mulan truly wanted to join Shang in battle. She released a long sigh. She could not go to war and risk losing their baby. The whole situation was still difficult for her.
Fa Zhou lightly touched Mulan on her shoulder. "Hello, Father ,"she said. "You have been very quiet lately", he commented. " Shang will return in time". Fa Zhou gently hugged his daughter . "The flowers are very beautiful ", he remarked. Mulan nodded.
The wind placed a flower in Mulan s hand. " A flower is able to journey safely on the wind," Fa Zhou said. His words made Mulan smile."Is this another flower lesson?", she asked. Her father only smiled. "This will keep you busy, until your flower returns," he replied . Fa Zhou placed a scroll in her hand. Her eyes widened in surprise. It was a message from the emperor .
Mulan departed the next day. The sun shone brightly. The air was filled with the song of birds. It felt good to be needed. She couldnt imagine staying home, while the world passed by her .She knew saying good bye would be hard. Mulan hated to leave her family again. Fa Li could not hold her tears back. " I will be alright , Mother," said Mulan. She hugged Fa Li tightly. " The emperor has given me escorts". She hoped this would comfort her mother.
Saying good bye to her father and grandmother had been easier. As Mulan traveled along a dirt path, she wondered what news would await her.
Mulan bowed to the emperor . He nodded in return. "I m sorry that I must trouble you once again," he said solemnly. "Its fine, "she said. "I m happy to help".
" The consul has argued amongst themselves for days. Despite their efforts, no one can offer a proper solution to this dilemma", he said gravely. Mulan stood patiently and waited for the emperor to continue. "A child was found roaming about our borders. He is twelve years old and of the Hun race . "Some of the consul members believe he is a spy. Many have tried to speak to the boy, but he refuses to answer any questions," said the emperor.
Mulan could sense his frustration. "You wish for me to speak to the child ," she asked. The emperor nodded. "For now you must rest. You had a long journey. The servants have prepared a room for you," he said. "Thankyou, your majesty," said Mulan.
For a moment, the wise emperor s eyes met hers. "Does something trouble you ?", he asked. She couldn t lie to the emperor . "I m concerned for my husband," Mulan said softly. The emperor cast a sympathetic glance towards the young woman. "I will pray that the heavens look favorably upon Li Shang ,"he said.
Mulan was dismissed. She quietly followed the servant to her room. The room was richly decorated, but Mulan was not impressed by all it s glory. The servant saw the worry in her eyes. "I m sure your general will return safely," she said.
The woman was a few years older than Mulan. She was a plain looking woman , but she had a pleasant smile." So… You are the famous Mulan, " said the servant. Her words made Mulan smile. "No…Not really," she said. "What s your name," asked Mulan. "Sai ", she answered. Speaking to this cheerful young woman made Mulan feel better. As Mulan drifted off to sleep, she forced herself to cast her doubts and fears aside. She would need all her strength for the challenges ahead.
To be continued…..