Author's Note: Sorry this chapter is a little short. But next chapter will be better and longer. Thanks to all the readers! R&R!
"Breakfast was great," Shang's father shook their hands. "I cannot thank you enough for all your hospitality and how you saved my son's life. If there is anything that you need, do not hesitate to ask for help." He bowed in respect for them and left to get his horse.
Mulan and Shang slowly walked out of the house. Shang was not leaning on Mulan, but he was holding her hand for support, not that she minded anyway. On the way out, she bowed in respect to the old lady and old man. "Thank you so much for taking care of my…" she looked to Shang and smiled, "husband. I am glad you found him while he was injured and not dead. Thank you so much for nursing him back to health. I honestly cannot thank you enough. And also, thank you for your kindness towards me. I am actually glad I had to force myself inside your house. It truly shows your kindness towards any guest or patient regardless," Mulan bowed again. "Thank you so much. I will take care of this man."
"You are welcome here anytime Heroine of China," the old man smiled.
"And good luck taking care of Shang," the lady laughed, "You will need it."
Mulan laughed and looked at Shang, who was pouting. "I know. Luckily you did all the nursing. All I have to do is take him home. After all, Shang can walk now."
The old couple laughed and waved goodbye to Mulan and Shang. Shang got on the horse first and Mulan got on second. Shang sat in the back while Mulan sat in the front. He held on tight to her. "I'm not that picky or difficult to take care of. I'm not high maintenance. I was an army brat. I can handle myself." Shang muttered.
"I'm sure you are Shang," his father turned around as they started on their journey, "says the boy who had to be nursed by an old lady. You also don't like to eat when you don't like your mother's meals. I know they are pretty bad, but you would go and starve instead? And even though you grew up in the army, you were also one of the youngest. Your mother spoiled you."
Mulan laughed. "It's okay Shang," she held his hand for a moment as if she was giving support, "After all sir, being General isn't easy. Sir you should know. The only one to spoil Shang now is me. And trust me, I won't."
The former General laughed, "I know. I figured that. Good for Shang."
"Well at least Mulan can cook," Shang replied, "even if she doesn't spoil me, she's not going let me cook because that would mean trash for food. I'm a horrible cook."
"You learned that from your mother," Chen replied.
"Okay, enough fighting boys," Mulan interrupted them. "Let's just ride home as quickly as possible so we can get home."
"It's always the girl who can quell any fire," Shang's father responded.
"Oh but when the fight is on, it's the girl who has the most fire and spirit," Shang smiled, "You should have seen her at camp father. 'Boys, you don't deserve the title soldier. You have to earn it,'" Shang said trying to imitate Mulan.
"You know Shang," Mulan retorted, "You make fun of me about that because you wish you had the power and influence over those soldiers like I do."
Shang's father tried to hide his laughter, but was unable to. "She just told you off! Are you going to do anything about that?"
Shang smiled. "You may be tough father, but I'm the wiser. Anyone knows that when a woman is controlling the horse or has the most control, you don't do anything to make her angry. Besides, I'm injured. Anything she hits at me will actually hurt this time."
"Coming from you General, I'm going to take that as a compliment," she laughed, "But you have learned your lesson."
…
It was early nightfall when they reached Mulan's house. They took their horses into the stables and Shang walked with Mulan's support. The former General was not too far behind, watching how his son was walking and whether he was improving or not. Once they reached the front door, Mulan's parents ran out to greet them. All together they walked in. But they were so tired, they all decided to go to sleep early.
By morning, Mulan led Shang to a chair for him to sit on. She sat nearby on the same seat. His father sat on a chair nearby, and Mulan's parents stood in front of them, asking how their journey went.
"It was fine. And I plan to leave this morning," Shang's father looked at them, "I'm sorry for the early leave."
"Oh well you can stay as long as you wish," Mulan's mother responded quickly, "Shang is injured. If you ever need us you can always come back here."
"That's the thing," he looked down, "Shang has to come home with me."
"What?" Mulan and Shang asked and turned to look at him.
"Shang you need to come home. You've been gone for so long." His father replied.
"Why don't we let Mulan take care of me?" Shang smiled.
The former General sighed, "You need to take care of yourself. You can come back when you are all better. Besides, your mother and I need to talk to you. You have a lot of explaining to do."
Shang nodded. He was not going to argue with his father, and neither would Mulan. Mulan's mother understood and immediately got their bags out from their room. Shang's father carried these bags out to the horses, while Mulan helped Shang walk along.
As they got on their horses, Shang kissed Mulan goodbye and rode off with his father on his horse alone. As Mulan waved goodbye, she wondered when she would see Shang again.