Chapter 1 Found Out
Mulan sprawled out underneath the starts. This was the only time she had to herself since she joined the army. She wasn't even supposed to be there, women weren't allowed to join the Chinese Army. But, she was there for her father.
She sighed, she needed a sim. She undressed quickly and jumped into the cool water. She knew if Mushu, her travel-size dragon guardian, saw her swimming without a lookout, he would have freaked and scolded her mercilessly. But she knew that the other men were asleep. Well, that's what she thought.
She heard another splash and she hid behind a rock. She peeked out stealthily, and she saw Captain Li Shang, swimming laps around the small pond. He would swim by her soon, so she attempted to hide behind some rocks and brush, but to no avail.
'Hey Ping! Why are you hiding?' Captain Li stood feet from her, and she started.
'I… uh, hi Captain.' She activated her 'manly' accent. 'Well, I was just swimming, but now I'm tired so I'm going to go, Bye!' She hoped that he would take her hint and leave, but he didn't.
'Come on Ping. I'll race you around the pond. I have to get you back for kicking me down today at training. Come on!' He started to go but stopped again. 'Ping, do I have to order you out from behind that rock?' He swam toward her once again and she covered herself.
'Captain, I'm just tired. I could time you and then later, I'll time myself.' He came towards her again and she stepped back. Unfortunately, she slipped on a rock and fell back, her arms flying.
She felt Shang grab her arm and pull her up. She gasped for breath and tried to cover herself, but Shang saw. He jumped back, looking confused, then angry.
'What the, WHO ARE YOU?!' He yelled. Mulan jumped behind the rock once again. 'I ask again, who re you?' He asked a little quieter. He placed himself opposite her on the rock.
'My name is Mulan.' She stated strongly.
'Why are you here Pin… Mulan?' Shang asked, looking intrigued.
'I'm here to save my fathers life. He was a General in the last war and was injured. He can't walk very well and it pains him to do anything physical. He would have been dishonored if the army sent him home, so I passed myself as a soldier for him.' Mulan stated, almost without a pause.
Shang stared at the soldier he thought he knew. He couldn't believe what he was seeing or hearing. He should've seen that the wimpy soldier Ping wasa women. But now, it all made sense. He stared at her in amazment that she would sacrifice herself for her father. She looked nervous and tense, but he didn't know what to say to her.
'So, are you going to kill me captain? You could drown me now and no one will have to know the truth. Just say I went home and no one would be the wiser.' She stated mournfully. She just issued her death sentence.
'Why should I kill you?' Shang asked.
'Well, I dishonored the Chinese Army and lied to my commanding officer, and it would cause you great humiliation.' She stated, surprised with his question.
'I don not want to kill you Fa Mulan. You are the bravest women I have ever met, and my best soldier. But, if you are found, I don't know how I can save you. Do you understand? He watched her closely. She went from surprised, to proud, to pale.
'She just stood there, completely in shock. The things that Shang had said had caught her off guard. But she knew, if she was found out by anyone else, Shang would have to kill her.
With a knot in her throat, she nodded.
'But I will try to protect you Mulan. Just know that. I have deep respect for you.' He smiled at her. 'Now, go to your tent.'
'Yes Captain. And thank you, you are very honorable.' He nodded, a smirk on his face, and swam off. When he was gone, she let out her breath.
She got out of the water and went directly to her tent. Mushu was fast asleep. She crashed, content in her problems but nervous of how Shang was going to treat her from now on.