Authors Note:Oh on the previous chapter I forgot to clear out that on chapter two the weird event was Mulan daydreaming of what the future could be like. Supposedly there was a margin where I separated the dream from the actual events, but it did not show on I'll take care of correcting that.

The Perfect Moment

Shang cursed as he read the most recent report from the northeastern troops. Huns had mocked the security of the Great Wall and penetrated the country. There had been a couple of battles, and as a result, 1,743 soldiers had fallen. Reinforcement was needed immediately. The timing could not be more inconvenient, His wedding to Fa Mulan was only three weeks away. The young general was tired of war, but he had made an oath to his beloved country. His duty was to defend it from all danger. He had fought many battles, and yet he had no time to recover. All he wanted was some time away from the slaughtering and violence. He wanted to marry Mulan and enjoy her, the way husband and wife are allowed. He wanted to be a father and spend time with his kids. But now it all seemed like a distant dream. Who knew how much the war would extend. Probably it would take them more than a month to get rid of the invaders. Would it always be hard for them to be together? As far as he was concerned he could marry Mulan that very moment, but then it would not be fair. Shang found himself forced to temporarily postpone their wedding. He knew Mulan would understand, however, he was concerned on how her family would react to this.

"I'm going with you," said Mulan when Shang finished explaining why they had to move their wedding day.

"What about the preparations for our marriage?"

"We can take care of that when China is safe," she said reassuringly, "what is important now is that we have to…"

Shang felt terrible. Mulan had been very understanding. He did not want her thinking that the wellbeing of China was more important to him than her own happiness. He was upset by the thought of the kind of life that as a general he would offer her full of constant uncertainty. Nevertheless, she knew perfectly that Shang was devoted to his country and that was one of the reasons why she loved him. There was no need to argue or put him in a position where he had to choose her above his duties.

"I really wish we wouldn't have to call off the wedding," he went on apologetically, "but I promise you that as soon as we return, you'll be my wife. . . unless, you want to marry me right here, right now."

"As much as I would love to we need to save time. One day could make the difference between defeat and victory," said Mulan reasonably. Shang nodded. He was amazed how things had changed for good between them. Mulan did no longer complain. "Plus my wedding dress is not ready yet," she added.

"With all due respect," Shang said flirtatiously, "you don't need a dress." Mulan's face heated. He had never been this forward, but instead of taking it as an insult, she was flattered. "I'm serious," he insisted.

"Go on, then," whispered Mulan, "Make me your wife."

All of a sudden, the threat of war abandoned his thoughts. Shang was not expecting this answer. "Let your ancestors, the trees, the stone walls, and the setting sun witness that I love you Fa Mulan and I shall continue loving you until the day I am called to join my ancestors in Heaven," Shang said softly as he held Mulan's hand in his own and placed it on his chest, "and even after I shall part this world, my heart shall always belong to you, my love." He knelt before Mulan.

Mulan was melting inside. She got on her knees and placed her arms on Shang's shoulders. Her gaze was fixed on his eyes, which were glowing with warmth. "Let my ancestors, the flowers, leaves, walls and the rising moon witness that I love you Li Shang, and I shall honor you as a wife for all eternity," she went on, "and my heart, body, and soul belong to you, from this day forth."

Shang cupped his hands around Mulan's face and bent over to kiss her. For a moment the world around them stopped. The sun setting giving way to the moon, their world was in perfect balance.

Soon the moment of peace vanished, as they heard the front door opened. Mulan's family had returned from the market. They had to explain them the reasons why the wedding would be postponed.

Not one of Mulan's family members was pleased with the change of plans. Fa Li found a moment to let her daughter know she disapproved this decision and shot her a warning look that could only mean she had to be careful, and she could not just let Shang move everything with the excuse of war. Mulan nodded silently as Shang apologized for the twentieth time.

"There will be a wedding as soon as you return from the war," declared Fa Zhou.

With a nod, Shang let the elder man know he would keep his promise of marrying Mulan according to tradition.

"Take good care of her, Li Shang."

"Sure. I promise you she will return home safe."

"Must Mulan go?" inquired Fa Li concerned.

Shang shook his head. She had not been requested to join them this time; however, he knew she felt responsible for her country as well, and as much as he wanted to keep her home, she would refuse.

"Mother it is my duty."

"But you don't have to be a soldier now," Fa Li went on, "pretty soon you'll become a wife."

"She's right Mulan," said Shang softly, "you are spared from military duties now."

"But, I said I was going," she insisted, "being your wife will not change who I am."

Her words were true and convincing. Shang wanted to please her, but he too feared something would happen to her in the battlefield, and in the case it happened he would never forgive himself for permitting it. "As a general, I think it is fair you take part in defending your country, but as your husband I fear for your safety."

Mulan sighed. She did not want to start an argument with Shang. Perhaps staying was not that bad of an idea. Resigned, Mulan said, "Fine, I'll wait for you."

Shang knew perfectly this was not what she wanted, but he was relieved she would be away from danger. "Thank you."

Mulan approached Shang and embraced him. "I will be waiting for you to come to our wedding. Promise me you won't change your mind."

"I swear I won't." He planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "You and me, we still have a long way to go."

Li Shang bid the rest of the family goodbye. Mulan followed him to the door, and once again she wrapped her arms around him. "Take care, husband," she whispered.

"Take care, wife," he whispered back, "remember that I love you." With those final words, Li Shang left the Fa House riding his white stallion.

Mulan nodded helplessly. Inside she could feel an empty space.

"Now, back to the wedding business," Granny Fa said cheerfully.

"Can we talk about it some other day?" Mulan went on, "I don't feel like it right now."

"Alright," said Granny, "just this once. But you need to be happy, it won't be long for you to be his wife."

Mulan smiled lopsidedly and headed to her room. She felt trapped, for she had never been the one to wait. Dreadful thoughts invaded her mind. What if Li Shang never came back from war? What if he decided not to marry her? What if. . . she fell asleep. That night her dreams reflected the negative reality of being married to a general. Months would go by, and she would remain home, hoping for his return, trying to keep herself busy with the house chores.

A few hours later, Mulan opened her eyes. It was still dark. She could not just sit and wait until Shang came back. There had to be another way, rather than this. She had done it before, and she could do it again. Avoiding to make any noise, she got from her bed and dressed up with her father's military robes and armor. This time she left a note explaining them the reasons why she had to go and apologizing. They had to understand she was not that kind of girl.

Mulan knew that before Shang and his troops parted, they would have to report themselves at the Forbidden City's headquarters in order to distribute the number of soldiers each company would take. Mounted on her loyal horse, Mulan headed to meet Shang.

The ride took several hours. She hoped they would still be there by the time she arrived, and to her good luck, they were preparing the horses and ammunitions when she got there.

"What are you doing here Mulan?" asked Shang. His tone was not annoyed, yet she could tell he was concerned.

"I couldn't stay," she explained, "as a soldier I am bound to accept your commands my general, but as your wife I refuse to remain doing nothing while your life could be in danger."

Shang remained silent for a while. He did not want to get upset with her so soon, but indeed she was stubborn.

"Please Shang," Mulan insisted, "we can work it out together."

Author's note: Like it? Please R&R. It's great to be back.