Greetings all readers,

I had really high expectations on this chapter. I hope it suits you all =)

Baolina.

The Prayer

Mulan lit an incense stick and gently placed it on a copper furnace. Soon its smoke twirled above. She placed the furnace in front of the nearest tombstone. The former warrior had been taught by her parents to leave an offering every time she wanted to ask their forefathers something. This time, after several weeks of grieving her loss, she decided to pray for Shang to come home soon.

Mulan rose her eyes for a moment, studying her surroundings. The tombstones were made of fine marble and some even embroided with gold, within each of them the characters for honor, courage, leadership, and devotion were engraved. Unlike her own family shrine, this one had elegant pedestals supporting different helmets, medals, and swords, where her family held a special space for their guardians instead. Shang's long line of military heritage was evident.

For a moment, she focused her attention to the nearest and newest of the tombstones which belonged to Shang's father. Mulan never had the chance to meet him, but from the little things her husband had shared about him, she understood why he respected and admired him deeply. Next to General Li's tablet was his first wife's marble stone. She wondered if she would approve of her. Shang had always said she was a loving mother. Perhaps she wouldn't give her as much trouble as Chan Juan did.

She thought about her own ancestors back at home. Particularly, her guardian, wishing someone would summon him so she could have someone listen to her troubles. Mulan knew he would most likely not solve them, but he would at least get a smile out of her.

Once again she stared at the war artifacts decorating the shrine, it was then that she wondered if her unborn child would have been a soldier had it not suffered its terrible fate. Tears welled up in her eyes and she sobbed. The wound in her heart was still very painful. Lately, she thought it had been a cruel punishment sent from the heavens for her saying she was not prepared to have a child. Although she knew she would have been more than willing to accept the responsability. After all, it was Li Shang's son, and she loved him more than words could describe. She loved him enough to leave her life as a soldier behind.

"You didn't need to take him away from me," she whispered bitterly. Her words disappeared into the air. She opened her eyes and saw her reflection in one of the tombstones. She no longer knew if she was angry at herself or at the heavens for taking away her child. But she had been taught not to hold grudges against them, for it would only anger them more and bring misery upon her.

"I am trying to be a good wife, and I never knew it would be so hard. Please don't take Shang away too. Bring him home safely, and I swear I will be a better wife to him. I will complain less, and fulfill my duties. But please let him come home."

It had become a habit for her to place her hands on her stomach, as a failed attempt to feel the being that was no longer inside of her. Out of her sash she produced a tiny shoe she secretly knit, and hid it underneath one of the swords. It was a simple offering for the child that was never born, for she loved this being despite she had not known of its existence.

"Please take care of my baby's spirit," she prayed through her tears, "and let it know that I love him or her, and I am deeply sorry I wasn't good enough."

She had gone seeking for peace in her spirit, but she only felt worse. The incense had completely burned out, and she remained crying bitterly.

Just then, she could feel his graceful heavy steps approaching, his masculine smell and the swaying ofhis red cape... could it possibly be him?

Mulan closed her eyes and brought her hands together in a praying position.

He had sought her inside the house, but she was absent. He also sought for her in the gardens, until he saw her kneeling before his ancestors. The young general walked up the stairs that lead him into the shrine. Each step he hesitated, and remembered words as daggers he had chosen to say to her before he left, wondering if he deserved to be forgiven. He stood quietly two steps before the entrance thinking on how he should begin his apology.

Two months had gone by since he left home under the son of heavens' commands-

Although he had tried not to make noises as he approached, Mulan could feel him coming towards her. But she preferred pretending she had not noticed, so she remained in a praying position.

When he finally reached her, he stood motionless waiting for her to turn to him, contemplating the way her dark hair now fell above her waist. He realized she was probably expecting him to approach her. He smiled for a brief moment, had he not known her better, he could see she was being proud. Li Shang took a couple of steps until he was next to her, and then he knelt beside her. He knew how fond she was of her own ancestors, he had to admit he was surprised to find her praying in his family shrine. The young general brought his hands together and just thanked his ancestors he was finally back home. Truthfully, Shang held deep respect and admiration for his ancestors, but it was rather unusual to see him inside the temple, let alone praying.

"Ancestors, please, let Mulan forgive me for all I have done to her," he whispered audibly and then he reached for her hand. At first she resigned to take it, but then she let his fingers entwine with her own. He squeezed her hand lightly, and caressed the skin there, just the way he would do to make her aware they were still holding hands on several occasions.

At last she finally turned to him. Her eyes were red from crying. He felt so thankful when she pronounced his name. It sounded so perfect when she said it, and it was enough for him to surrender into her arms.

He held on to her body with all his might, as if letting her go meant she would disappear into thin air.

She leaned her head on his shoulder, and he ran his fingers though her hair. A tear rolled down her cheek, and she sobbed softly. "Shang, I'm sorry." She felt the words trapped inside her throat. How should she give him the terrible news?

"It's alright, Mulan," he said soothingly, "I'm here."

He felt the wave of guilt drowning him. She was not the one who needed to apologize, it was he who had offended her by undermining her before he left. The scent of her hair filled his nostrills, he let himself be mesmerized for a moment, but he came back to reality when he noticed she had not yet stopped weeping. Her hands were clinging to his clothes as if she were in extreme pain.

He gently cupped her face with both his hands seeking to meet her eyes. But she was so ashamed she could not bear looking into his eyes. He then, used his thumb to wipe the tears falling from her eyes and kissed her forehead lovingly.

"I'm sorry, Shang," she began, "it's just that I...I...lo...I thought that you would never come, and I really missed you."

Shang smiled at hearing her words, and held her against his body one more time.

"I missed you too, my love." He sighed heavily, uncertain of what he should do. If he could he would carry her in his arms and lead her to their bedroom, to show her how much he loved her with kisses and please her all the way. However, she had never shown herself so vulnerable before, so he assumed it would be best for him to help her feel better. After all, it was his fault she was like that. His bitter words had crushed her.

"Forgive me, for all I said to you before I left, I was an idiot."

"No Shang, you are right, I should make an effort to be a better wife."

"You are a good wife," he said reassuringly.

Mulan smiled lopsidedly knowing he would probably not think that if he knew she had lost their first child. A single tear rolled down her face. Once again she could feel the sensation of the terrible news clogged in her throat choking her spirit. He did not deserve this. Surely he had made his mistakes but he had been a very understanding husband.

"I feel terrible," Shang confessed humbly, "I know I have been hurting you so. But I also know I want to make it up to you. We shall be fine, I promise."

Mulan could not respond orally. Instead, she simply nodded and closed her eyes as her husband lifted her chin and pressed his lips softly against hers for a brief moment. He stood up and lifted her up in his arms. She simply allowed him to carry her down the stairs and into their bedchamber in his strong arms.

Shang placed her body gently on the bed and quickly removed his armor. He settled himself above her. Normally he would take time to put the armor in its place ,but he had been a very long time away from home, particularly away from her.

Mulan remained motionless, uneager simply waiting at his mercy. Shang initiated one more kiss, which she responded softly, though he definitely demanded for more passion as he stuck his tongue into her mouth and slightly nibbled on her lower lip. Then one hand clung onto one of her breasts. A soft moan escaped her. Shang was surprised of her passiveness, usually she would already be tugging his robes and belt off. Perhaps she was still upset. But he knew he could make her feel better. Shang pulled the sash on her dress and uncovered her shoulders. He bent down to kiss her neck.

Meanwhile, Mulan was still tense and uneasy. She did not know if she could go through this; on the other hand she knew she had to fulfill his needs as a husband. Mulan shut her eyes painfully as she remembered the night she had lost the baby.

Shang was completely unaware of her reaction. He caressed his wife's legs up and down until his hands decided to remain on her thighs. Mulan called his name softly, but he was too lost and focused to hear. She called his name again only slightly louder this time. He grinned and met her eyes, which were an ineffable mirror of fear. His grin faded, and his gazed fixed on hers questioningly. Mulan let her eyelids conceal her fear and sadness. Shang placed his large hardened hand gently on her face trying to reassure her. She placed her own hand on top of his, a gesture which he assumed meant she wanted him to continue. Thus, he massaged her thigh and pulled the fabric from her sleeves to finish undressing her, until she cried, "Please stop."

He tried to ignore her but she placed both her hands on his shoulders gently gesturing him to pull away from her.

"I can't...I can't do this...right now." How would she explain her lack of desire?

He looked down at her into her eyes, still panting aroused

"I'm bleeding," she lied.

Shang nodded and lied next to her breathing heavily

"I'm sorry,"she began.

Shang's mind was still foggy from being aroused earlier; therefore, it took him a moment to reply.

"Don't worry," he said finally, emitting a long sigh.

Nevertheless, her anguish increased. She had decided to lie and reject him.

Shang shut his eyes for a moment until his mind cleared. He then turned to his wife and announced he would take a bath.

Mulan nodded and left the room to fetch water for him. Shang rose from the bed and gathered his armor to put it back in its place.

Mulan took a place on her side of the bed. She sighed as regret filled her mind once again wishing she could tell the truth to Shang.

A while later Shang lied on his back next to her. The candlelight was still burning on the bedside near his wife while she lay on her side apparently asleep. He sighed in frustration wishing things between them would be less complicated. He had to inform her of what happened during the mission before anyone would twist the truth and hurt her. He was aware he had hurt her enough the past months, let alone he had put her through pain even before they got married. Moreover, he knew she had been trying really hard to make a good impression on him as a wife by sacrificing things such as living with her family, and quitting the army. She was such a good soldier it was odd not having her around, especially on the last mission. Perhaps he should grant her the chance to rejoin his men, so she would get a rest from Chan Juan and all her wife duties, and spend more time with him instead. Although he had to treat her like a soldier among his troops.

Shang placed a kiss on Mulan's cheek and blew out the candle. He took his place next to her and snaked his arm around her waist. He breathed in the scent of her hair. It was good to be home.

The following morning,Shang woke up and found Mulan's spot empty beside him, which he found unusual. Normally, he would be the one to leave bed first. He stretched his arms and yawned. Perhaps he had been too tired from both the journey and the mission.

He found Mulan staring at a cup of tea. She seemed to be indecisive about something he could not read. Perhaps she already knew about the failed mission and the woman who tried to seduce him, and she was trying not to start another quarrel between them, so she decided to keep her feelings to herself. Shang shook his head. She did not deserve that. He had to tell her.

Mustering all the courage he could he approached her, and took a seat in front of her. However, she was still lost in her thoughts, unaware of his presence. He then placed his hand on her forearm to catch her attention which made her let go off the teacup all of a sudden spilling some of it on his sleeves.

"Mulan, are you okay?" he asked concerned. He had noticed she was somehow distant and lost in her own thoughts since he came.

"Sorry, Shang I wasn't expecting you."

He smiled and tried to lighten her mood, "Neither was I expecting you to leave the bed before me. Having trouble sleeping?"

Mulan shrugged hesitating. "I...I...I...wanted to make breakfast for you." She had not slept that night thinking whether if she would tell Shang what happened while he was away or not, wondering how would he take the information if he knew.

He gently put both Mulan's hands together, and then surrounded them with his own.

"Are you sure you are alright?" he inquired gently caressing one of her hands with his thumb.

"Yes, just a bit distracted, that's it."

"Well in that case, I want to talk to you."

Mulan swallowed hard.

"I can explain." she began.

"What?" He continued, "no, it's me, there's something I need to explain and I hope you can understand."

"Oh," she uttered somewhat relieved.

"Well, to begin the mission didn't go as planned. Actually it completely backfired."

"What happened?"

"Well, the governor was murdered and I heard a scream in the middle of the night and I rushed to see, and then the guards assumed I was responsible for everything."

"I can see why you took so long. Shang, is everything alright? "

"Yes, and there's something you must know before anyone else tries to poison you with lies and gossip about me..." he made a long pause, "do you trust my word above others?"

"Well...yes."

"I need you to believe in me, because I have always tried to be honest with you. In spite of the fact I have been inconsiderate the last months, I have not stopped loving you."

"Shang what happened? I'm very worried. Did you kill anyone ?"

"No, I managed to escape, but there will be no military allegiance, I will have to seek somewhere else."

"But Shang, I believe you, you are an honest man. You wouldn't betray the emperor nor his commands"

"I got in trouble because of a woman?"

Mulan involuntarily backed away from him.

"Please trust me," He continued, "I didn't want to..." By now he was too nervous to even think straight.

"Didn't want to what Shang?" her eyes began to narrow.

"It's not what you're thinking."

"Then what Li Shang? I stayed home while you got involved with some other woman?"

"No, Mulan! Listen to me first...I never would have tried anything with a woman other than you!"

"Then what happened that turned out so bad?"

"I don't really know, but I think someone plotted against me, to ruin my reputation. I was getting ready to sleep and then a woman got into the room I was staying in, and she was undressed and she tried to seduce me, but I swear Mulan, that I pushed her away the moment she tried.

"So you didn't...?"

"Definitely no," He went on, "I pushed her away and she fell on the ground and then I ran out to see what had happened outside. But then it was dark and it all happened too fast. By the time I reached the governor's chambers he was dead and the culprit escaped and then the guards thought it was me because I was closest to him and then the woman blamed me because I rejected her, and I had to go on trial."

It was too much information for her to process at once, she remained silent her gaze fixed on the teacup.

"Please, Mulan, trust me," he begged, "I would never betray you,

"Shang, but before you left you were so mad at me," she reasoned. After all he had implied she was not living up to his expectations as a wife, it would not be surprising if he tried to find someone else.

"And I'm sorry, you have any idea of how much I regret you were not there with me? I know that having you there would have spared me at least half of the drama that went on. I love you Fa Mulan, and I don't care how much we fight and disagree, I'd still feel the same for you because you are an extraordinary woman, brave and devoted. I know what you are capable of , and I have kept you home because of my own fear of losing you. I just wouldn't bear the idea of not waking up each morning to you sleeping next to me, or arriving home without you here to receive me with a hug and a kiss, or trying to convince you to change your mind about something you stubbornly hold on to and then resigning to the fact you will stick to it no matter what, because that is who you are, and I love you because of that, and nothing is ever going to change that."

Mulan finally rose her gaze to face him. He did not hesitate this time, and she wanted to believe him, because she needed to.

"Nothing is going to change that?" she repeated faintly remembering the truth she had concealed these days.

"Nothing at all. There's no other woman for me that isn't you."

Mulan nodded. A smile was drawn across her face for a brief moment.

"Now you mentioned you wanted to explain something to me earlier, what was it?" Shang caressed her cheek affectionately.

"I...wanted to tell you...I ...thought I should surprise you with breakfast."

"Is the offer still available?"

"Yes." she said getting on her feet.

"Thank you." He planted a soft kiss on her hand, and then let her go.

Author's End Note:

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing.

Alice Prince, Jenna Zabala, suzie (x2), Patty, Peppermint Ice Cream, mm, Starsinmieyez.

Alice Prince: Thanks for the encouragement. I'm working on the next one. Hope I have enough time soon to update.

suzie: well this time she used her fake period as an excuse.

Jenna Zabala: please stay tuned =)

Patty: thank you so much, it's always an honor to have people liking what I write.

Peppermint Ice Cream: Honestly, I can't wait to write his reaction. :) BTW...I wrote the recap my deviantart page here's the link to it : .com/journal/0/

Strarsinmieyez: There will be a chapter where they both go to visit the Fa Family.

mm: I hope you liked the chapter =)

And future readers, thanks for reading. I would most certainly appreciate any comments, constructive feedback in your reviews. I also check my inbox.

Stay tuned for the next chapter...Mulan and Shang will have their first anniversary as a wedded couple.

And last but not least, I apologize if you find any spelling or grammatical typos...I checked but the screen of my laptop is so darn small...something might slip. If you see them do notify them so I can correct them later. Once again thanks.