Author's Note: I would really like to thank Broadwaybabe who has been reviewing this story since chapter 3, I am really grateful with your encouragement. Thanks Qi Feng (for uploading your great story and for having time to read mine), CluelessAngel (for the nice reviews and for notifying me the mistake on the previous chapter), and last but not least Grace Potter Evans (for being a great friend).
I haven't been able to write much these days, I had some midterm essays and exams so my inspiration switch kinda goes off because all the work I have to do. You know how it is nowadays; I have to uphold my family's honor by getting good grades. Nevertheless, this story will be written until the very end. I promise ) and I'm good at sticking to promises.
The Crack on the Wall
Li Shang's mood was dreadful without Mulan. Somehow he lost his patience more easily than usual, and his orders were conveyed more harshly. He was worried about Mulan's whereabouts, for they had always fought together; therefore, he had the chance to keep a close eye on her, and in case her life was in peril he would certainly interfere. The heavens knew he was more afraid to lose her than death itself.
It took a twelve-day journey until they reached the Great Wall. Mulan had traveled along with lieutenant Shui and her friends Yao, Ling, and Chien Po. Being apart from Shang, made Mulan realize how much she missed him. She had already forgiven him and certainly believed his explanation about the tiger charm necklace. Indeed, Lieutenant Shui was a good leader, but he was less permissive than Shang. She could not believe there was actually someone stricter than her husband.
There had been no track of Huns on their way to the Great Wall; nevertheless, it was important for them to ensure there were no irregularities going on in the northern border. The cold wind blew on their faces as they made their way up the hills.
Mulan had hoped Shang and his troops would arrive there first, but there was no sight of them.
Chien Po was a very sensitive man, and he could perceive Mulan's uneasiness.
"He will be here soon," assured her friend.
Mulan sighed.
"It's just that the last few days we have been arguing a lot and I wonder if we are going to work."
"Of course you will, as long as you both want to be together," Chien Po went on, "However, both of you need to cooperate, you need to be open to listen to each other and support each other in times of trouble."
Mulan nodded.
"You need to understand he is a military man, and he's been through a very tough life," Chien Po advised, "and he has way too many responsibilities."
"I know and I understand. It's just that I don't know how I should I help him deal with all his issues, I try but sometimes he just doesn't let me in."
"Maybe it's because he's trying to protect you from his own demons."
"But I don't want to be protected, I want to be useful, and sometimes I think it was easier to be Ping because he would let me fight, and now he's too worried about everything."
"Mulan, it's only natural for him to behave that way, he loves you."
"But if he loves me, he needs to acknowledge the fact that I can take care of myself, and I hate myself for getting angry at him because anything could happen now, and the last time we talked I was still so upset about him sending me home, adding the fact that he knocked himself unconscious for two days, and a stupid necklace I thought belonged to a lady."
"You two need to sit down and talk, be honest to each other and you'll see how everything will change eventually"
"I guess you're right Chien Po, unfortunately that should be postponed until the war is over. I'm getting tired of the war."
When they reached the top, they met with the guards who told them about the attack that occurred some weeks ago. One of the guards affirmed that the Huns had not split, however they were expecting more of them to attempt the invasion soon. As the guards spoke Mulan looked to the other side of the wall. Everything was calm, and there was no hint of a threat, but she knew they would come when they least expected.
Three days later, General Li Shang and his soldiers arrived safely bearing more ammunition. Mulan contained her desire to greet him with an embrace because she knew it would be inappropriate and especially in front of the other soldiers. She decided perhaps it would be wiser if they kept their distance when they found themselves in these situations: he was the commanding officer and she was his soldier. She wanted no special treatment just because she was his wife.
The General, the lieutenant and the guards held a meeting in order to discuss the strategies they could follow. They concluded that the Great Wall needed more reinforcement; therefore, they would need to train more guards.
"They're back!" Ling announced as hundreds of Huns assembled in the distant horizon.
"Take your positions!" commanded Li Shang.
"How do they even manage to be so many?" exclaimed Shui.
The Chinese soldiers aimed their cannons towards the advancing Mongols, and soon the explosions began.
They had the advantage over the Huns because this time they were prepared, and the cannons served them well. There was no need to resort to arrows or swords, for they had enough cannons. Gun powder filled the air, and the eyes of the soldiers and their enemies began to turn red.
Suddenly, there was a cannon aimed in the direction of the Great Wall. The Chinese soldiers immediately ran in opposite sides to prevent from being hit by the cannon, and then the wall cracked open where it was hit.
As Mulan was running she tripped and rolled over all the way until the edge of the crack. She clung for her dear life on the verge of falling, and suddenly there were arrows shoot in her direction.
Shang watched in horror from the other side of opposite end of the crack. Quickly he took off his red cloak and tore it with his sword. He tied a knot to join both ends of his torn cloth.
"Hold this" the general commanded to the nearest soldier.
"Sir, you could get wounded."
"I'm not asking you, just hold this!"
The soldier obeyed Li Shang's command.
The General hung two meters from the ground and let himself fall. He landed on the hard ground and crawled towards Mulan. In the meantime a dozen arrows attempted to hit him.
"Let go Mulan, I'll catch you."
He caught her by the armpits, but an arrow hit him on his back where armor did not protect him. Shang sank to his knees in pain and let go off Mulan.
"Shang!" she cried.
"Don't you ever scare me like that again," he said.
Mulan attempted to remove the arrow from her beloved, but Shang told her they had to move on somewhere safe. "There's no time Mulan, we need to get out of here first."
The Chinese soldiers sent more cannons in the direction of the Huns.
Mulan and Shang began to crawl down the cliff to the side of their county.
He cursed because of the pain the arrow on his back.
Mulan turned to him concerned.
"I'll be fine," he assured.
The firing of the cannons ceased followed by the cheers and curses of the Chinese troops. They had won the battle.
Soon soldiers approached the General and Mulan.
"Sir, we'll fetch the medic for you," Yao declared.
"I'll get the arrow out," lieutenant Shui offered.
Shang groaned in pain as the lieutenant pulled the arrow out of him and his blood poured out of the wound. Lieutenant Shui applied pressure on him, to block the bleeding.
Mulan kneeled next to Shang, and he held her hand and squeezed it.
"Shang, I'm sorry. This all my fault."
Shang shook his head weakly. "You know I love you, Mulan."
Mulan could feel her eyes beginning to water. "Shang, don't you dare," she replied.
"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me"
"We are going to get through this," she said through her tears, "you are General Li Shang, the strongest, bravest man I've ever known, and we will go to the Imperial City and celebrate our victory over the Huns, and you and I are going to get married and . . ."
She felt the grip of his hand loosen; the loss of blood had made him unconscious.
"Stay with me Li Shang," Mulan commanded softly. Horrible thoughts tormented her mind. This could not be the end; it was barely the beginning for them.
Chien Po approached Mulan to console her. "He's strong and healthy, he will recover."
Mulan helplessly broke into sobs as her friend embraced her.
So how is it going? Please R&R
I've got good ideas saved for the next chapter…just pray I don't have homework for the weekend.