Hola! Thank you so much for your comments and reviews! They are appreciated!!!!! And just to clear the air, I am probably not going to continue this past the first five minutes of the movie, but I might try to redo it..... I honestly am not a big fan of the second movie. They make Shang look corny and stupid. Thats just my opinion. So unlike Shang! Nevertheless, here's the new chapter. Enjoy!
I paced in my room. I hadn't heard from her. I needed to hear from her. It had only been two days, and I was awaiting a reply. Pathetic. When did you turn into such an emotional lovesick? I mused silently. Unfortunately, the answer was not there. I had, at some unknown point in my past, started to have feelings.Feelings, might I add, other than anger. Or serenity. Or peace. I had turned from someone who was suprised at their own happiness, let alone pain, sadness, caring, longing, and so many other emotions that had penetrated my very core. I thought back to my mono-emotional ways. It was a simplier time.
"Captain?" I turned to see one of the Emperor's employees standing at the entrance to my room. "They're ready for you."
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I followed the man down the corridor, shifting in my new uniform. I felt like an outsider, an imposter. I was dressed in bronze armour, as well as a white tunic and the red cape of the Emperor. The crease of the metal pads clinked against my shoulders, the sound echoing off of the hollow halls. As we reached the temorary throne room, I began to feel nervous. Ridiculous, considering I already knew I had the position. But I was afraid of an audience. As strange as it sounds, I have always been uncomfortable being the centre of attention. Training was different. Giving instructions was much different then being recognized. But as I entered the room, to my horror, I saw the Emperor, the Counsil, the mousy Chi Fu, and quite a few members of the Imperial Army.
Gulping, I took a step forward. The Emperor smiled warmly, and I took a shy step forward. Don't trip. Don't get sick. Don't embarress yourself. Simple rules to live by. I approached the Emperor, took a dramatic, sweeping bow, and fell to my knees.
"Captain Li Shang," the Emperor's voice boomed throughout the space. "You have been promoted to the position of General of the Imperial Army of China. Your soldiers, the Counsil, and your Emperor as witness, do you, Li Shang, except this position?" I bow my head once again.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The Emperor motions to Chi Fu, who produces a razor sharp sword and a helmet. My father's helmet. And once again, I feel myself tear up.
"Now, do you accept the duties as General of directing the Imperial Army of China to victory?"
"I do." I took the sword and sheathed it in my belt, and suddenly the right side of my body grows heavy.
"And do you accept the responsibilities as General of protecting and leading your troops to safety?"
"I do." I reply, my hands clenched at my sides to stop them from shaking. Don't get sick. Don't get sick. Don't get sick.
The Emperor nods, then picks up the helmet from it's velvet cushion, placing it gently on my head. I rise to my shaky feet. A scroll of parchment lays on the table before me. He makes a grand motion with his hands, and I pick up the quill. I tried to steady my shaking hands, but failing to do so, I take a calming breath and sign my name.
"I now pronounce you General Li Shang, leader of China's greatest Imperial Army." Applause thunders throughout the room. I give a weak smile, and my shoulders relax. Congratulations! You made it! I bow once again to the Emperor, and leave the throne room with my responsibilities one hundred pounds lighter. And one Imperial Army heavier.
The paper lanterns flicker in the ballroom, the only light besides the moon filtering through the windows. I am feeling slightly light-headed at the vast amount of people. They are socializing, laughing and enjoying themselves. And I stand off to the side, since I have never had experience with any of the above. But I don't mind watching the people, swaying and dancing to the beautiful music. Fine robes of silk adorn almost everyone here; rich colours and hues of all shades float past my vision.
"General?" I glance beside me, and see one of my soldiers, Yuan, I believe, standing before me. "I would like to introduce you to my eldest daughter, Jun." I bow to them both, receiving one from each of them. She smiles at me, and I give a small smile back. Her hair is pulled back into a bun, and she wears very fine, delicate purple robes.
"General," she said. I nod to her, and introduce myself properly. Yuan, looking pleased, places his hand lightly on her shoulder and departs, leaving me and Jun alone.
"It's very nice to meet you," she says quietly, her voice barely reaching my ears. Her face is much like Mulan's is, only Mulan's is harder, more determined.
"The pleasure is mine," I reply. We quickly merge into a light conversation of the festivities, my promotion, and my travels. The atmosphere is light and easy, and I find myself, oddly enough, relaxed in such a surrounding. But it is when soldier after soldier introduced their daughters to me, I started to catch on. I was the leader of the General Army. The strict, disciplined, unmarried General of the Imperial Army of China. It was at that moment that I started to feel uncomfortable.
Excusing myself from the conversation of the woman before me, Lan or Lin or, was it Ling?, I moved out of the enormous doors, suddenly feeling extremely warm. I turned the corridor corner and leaned my head against the wall.
This was ridiculous. I knew that soldiers were at the top of the Matchmaker's list. They were rated high above any other man. The higher the rank, the more sought after. But although this was common knowledge, I couldn't help feel as if I was a simple product, a good being marketed by merchants. And I didn't want to be married off. At least not to these women. I groaned and tipped my head forward, then hit it against the wall again.
And what of Mulan? I had told her myself that she would be sought after by every man in the country. Little did I know that it would include me as well. It was true that I didn't want to marry any of the women here, but what of Mulan? I tried to imagine spending the rest of my life with her. Getting to come home at night with her waiting. I could live a life time of that. I wanted to. I just hoped I wasn't too late.
Well, you all know what happens, so it's not much of a cliffhanger, so..... Surprise! Please review!