Many days later, Aurora and Phillip were on their way to their new lives, their new journey together. Over those days, Aurora's nightmares have gotten worse, and all the time, she would awake with not Mulan there comforting her, but Phillip. She loved Phillip, but her heart was set for someone else. Her heart was set for the Warrior who made her giggle, who made her think, who's strong sense of Duty and Honor made her feel safe. Aurora would think of Mulan on long days of the journey, when Phillip was off looking for wood for the fire, Aurora would meditate like Mulan, trying to see if she could feel Mulan's body within her. Her head was filled with thoughts of Mulan, and those many night before when she didn't know what changed, she knew now. She was in Love. All over again the feeling in the pit of her stomach, the constant thoughts, but it was more intense then what she felt for Phillip before. Ever since she awoke from her Cursed sleep, Aurora saw Phillip in new eyes not as the Noble Knight who rescued her, but a stranger. She saw things in Phillip that before she never saw. Was it because she was so enthralled by his love that she didn't see it? Was it that this rash love rushed all these feelings? Aurora fell in love with a dream, and now because she is awakened she only saw Mulan as real. With Mulan, she saw the patient love that she longed for. Nothing was rushed with Mulan, every emotion was steady and placed carefully, slowly turning into a passionate love. One day in the forest, Phillip was speaking of the future once more, Aurora was obviously inattentive because Phillip called out to her. "Oh! Yes?"
"I was just asking what color you want the walls of the room to be?"
"What room?" Aurora looked at him confused, he smiled from her confusion, "The Dining room." He was trying so hard to be fun and happy with her, but he noticed she was feeling down and sulky. "Phillip..." Aurora's heart quickened, she felt her hands go clammy and cold, a cold rush went down her spine from what she was about to say. "Yes?" Phillip sat closer to Aurora, noticing the change in her countenance. "I'm not happy here..."
"I know, But we'll be-" Aurora shook her head, having him stop his reasoning, "I'm not happy here...with you. I'm not happy with you, anymore." Aurora muttered as silently as she could, she couldn't even bare the words she spoke to him. She felt his eyes on her as she looked away, she didn't want to see his pain. Phillip laughed trying to lighten the mood, "You're just saying that because we've been in the forest long. I understand, We'll be in out Castle soon enough I ensure-" Aurora looked up at him, with sullen, tear filled eyes. She was serious and that's what scared him. "Phillip. I'm not happy with you...because I don't love you, anymore." Aurora's eyes watered, tears began to stream down her face, dripping onto her shawl. It was so painful to tell someone who loved you immensely, that those feelings couldn't be returned. Phillip went silent, his eyes looked at Aurora's with such sadness and guilt. "It's not your fault." Aurora tried to tell him, as he looked even harder. Phillip's hands held Aurora's cheeks, he kissed her trying to make everything better with that kiss, but he felt it. Aurora didn't love him. Phillip leaned away, seeing that it was true, her eyes and soul spoke to him. All Phillip could say was, "Why?"
Aurora shook her head crying, this was the second hardest moment for her heart to bear. "We're strangers now. We have different minds now. Ever since I was awoken...I couldn't see the love I felt for you as I did before. I never wanted to hurt you Phillip, but I can't sit here and pretend anymore..." Aurora's sobbing was the only thing that could be heard in the dark forest. The forest seemed more empty and secluded than before. Phillip embraced Aurora, trying to soothe her crying. Tears silently fell off of Phillip's face as he held his love, all they could do now was sit together, as strangers.
The morning was chill and Phillip was readying the horse for the both of them. They didn't speak since the night before. Aurora mounted to horse like before, with Phillip in front. They rode the opposite direction, back to the town. It took a only a few hours on horseback, Aurora quickly jumped off, talking to some market people asking a very serious question. Phillip saw the fire in Aurora's eyes, and all her could feel was the stab of the heart, she was really out of love with him. He tried to pretend that she was weary from the journey but it wasn't that. Aurora re-mounted the horse and told Phillip to head North.
Mulan and Belle were on horses, going North towards an area where Refugees are staying where called "Haven". They needed aide and help and Mulan could provide both. All was calm and silent until Mulan heard a horse approaching from behind. She unsheathed her sword, the glimmer of steel was more menacing in the sunlight. Mulan took the reins of her horse and yanked them to have the horse turn quickly. Mulan's heart stopped when she saw who approached them. Aurora... Mulan put away her sword as soon as her eyes met with Aurora's shimmering blue eyes. Both girls kept their gaze, full on. Everything around them seemed motionless, time stopped for those few seconds. Mulan jumped from her horse, still watching Aurora. Phillip saw the instant connected and shook his head smiling. He was a fool not to know it was Mulan that Aurora loved. How could he be so blind? She was a Honorable Warrior, and he, himself, couldn't match up to Mulan. Aurora jumped off the horse as well, standing just watching Mulan. Both girls were motionless and stunned to see one another. Finally, as time seemed to move forward again, Aurora rushed over to Mulan, embracing her. Mulan stepped back from the force of Aurora, she wrapped her arms around her Princess. She breathed in the sweet scent of Aurora, finally they had closed the gap between them. Aurora quietly whispered in Mulan's ear, "You're wrong." Mulan smiled, feeling the breath of Aurora on her ear. Aurora's eyes looked in Mulan's as she whispered, "because, I know Love when I see it." Both grinning at Aurora's words and finally leaned in for the much awaited kiss. Phillip smiled, knowing Aurora was in good hands with Mulan, and trotted off behind them. Belle sighed as Phillip left, knowing his heart will heal soon, as she too left the women to be together. Mulan broke the kiss, looking in Aurora's eyes, all the beauty and love that was in her eyes, whispering a confession, "I loved you ever since when we met the first time. When you told me you were lost in the forest." Aurora giggles from the confession, both smiled at each other, Mulan leaned for another kiss. The sunlight was brighter than before, the trees, and grass were greener when love was found.