Protector of the Dawn

"No, no. Mulan," she started, leaning up to get closer, her eyebrows furrowed as her green eyes looked into her dark brown ones. "I won’t. Of course I won’t tell anyone." Aurora could only imagine what would happen to her if the secret came out. Even if she hated the woman, which she doesn’t of course, she wouldn’t be able to out her secret and live with herself knowing what might happen to her. "And I believe you. I… I would have never guessed you were a woman." 

Breathing out a shaky laugh, she thought of a million questions in her head. All the drama with her father was currently pushed aside as she wondered how Mulan even got by without anyone figuring out she was a woman. She pondered on how she managed to learn how to fight so well. A new question popped in her mind a second later and so on and so on. Above all else, she was just curious. She wasn’t mad, she didn’t feel betrayed. None of that. 

Waiting until she was joined by the princess on the bed, she hesitantly told her story, “Your father, the king, was gathering men for his army, fearing that there will soon be war. Every household was obligated to give up a man for this army, and the punishment for not doing so…” She trailed off. It would not be wise to speak ill of the king in his own home, even if his daughter was kind. “My father is old and fragile. He fought in another war, in our homeland, and he could not fight another. And I could not live the life, which my parents had planned for me,” she admitted. “I stole my father’s armor, cut my hair, and enlisted myself in the army as my father’s unknown son, Fa Chao.”

Once he asked what was wrong, she blew out a shaky sigh, thankful her cries were beginning to cease. “My father is a good man, Chao. He’s just… I don’t know, he feels so disconnected sometimes. I talk to my mother and I see all of her emotions right before me. My father, well, he’s a bit more confined in himself. I suppose that’s good for a king, isn’t it?” Sitting fully up, she wiped away the remainder of the tears. “Anyway, there’s nothing really to-” and then she stopped, because she looked up and what she saw was something she hadn’t expected to see in a million years.

Chao was… a girl. Her eyes couldn’t be mistaking her as she stared, quite blatantly, at the delicate features and the black hair pulled back on the guard she had always thought to be a man. With lips parted and her eyes slightly wide, she stumbled on what to say and what to feel. Should she be alarmed, angry? Should she do anything? 

Mulan had honestly, foolishly, believed that her features were masculine enough to mask her true gender. They were feminine like a woman’s, yes, but with everyone believing her to be a man, surely no one would risk offending her by calling her a woman? Much less a ‘girl’, like Aurora expressed it. For a reason, which Mulan could not explain, this single word annoyed her more than the fact that her crime had been found out. “Woman,” she corrected her lady without thought, and with a surprisingly confident tone. “My name is Mulan.”

Only then, she seemed to think of more practical things, like the very real threat of hanging or the like, if this was ever exposed. There had not been a woman in the army in the whole of Mulan’s lifetime (except from herself, of course), so there was no way to know her punishment. “Please, do not tell anyone of this, I beg you,” she begged, her voice taking on a more humble and sincere sound to it. “I can fight as well as any man, in fact, I fight better.”

Her eyes were wide and chocolate brown, staring at Aurora as if she was responsible for her survival. Which she, technically, was. If Aurora decided to tell her father…Mulan was doomed. Her family was doomed, too. Their name would be dishonored, her father’s armor would be returned dirty, and they would have to live with people looking down at them. Mulan would never bring that to her family intentionally.

Too focused and nervous to speak a word to Chao before walking in, she realized she hadn’t even acknowledged him before the door shut behind her and she was face-to-face with her aging father, his head balding and his skin covered in wrinkles. She straightened her back and took in a deep breath, her head slightly tilted up just like he always told her. “Father,” she said in greeting. 

"I’m assuming you don’t know why you’re here." Aurora had an idea, but she wasn’t sure. However, he didn’t wait for her answer, he just continued to speak. "I’m aware that your feelings toward me are hardly positive right now, but you must know that everything I do is in your favor." He moved forward, lifting his hand to place it gently on her cheek. "You’re my only child, you must know how much I wish to protect you." Aurora’s gaze dropped down as she nodded her head.

"Now," he started before moving away, and she suddenly knew it couldn’t have been that simple. He never just apologized, he always had something else to say. “With all that being said, you should know how much telling you this pains me.” Turning back around, he cleared his throat. “The time will not come for quite sometime but Aurora, you have noticed our kingdom is not what it once was. Your mother didn’t want us to tell you this yet and maybe she’s right but I assumed you’d like to prepare yourself before it actually happens… One day, Aurora, you’ll be wed to a man of another kingdom.”

Aurora stood shocked; of course she’s known that many daughters and sons of families such as hers marry and align kingdoms. But she had never expected it to happen to her. When she was young, her mother used to tell her that she’d grow and marry a man worthy of her little girl, that she’s be happy, have many kids and live at home for the rest of her days. And now her father is telling her otherwise. She didn’t know if she should be angry at her mother’s lies or her father’s truth. But for right now, her shock and anger turned to her father.

"No, no, you can’t be serious! Father, I will not." Tears swelled in her eyes as she stepped back, her eyes wide with shock.

"Aurora, I am sick of this.” Her anger instantly brought out his anger. “You will do it. You will and you will not complain. It’s time to stop acting like a spoiled little child and respect your duties as a princess.” The well composed man had now stalked forward, his face boring into hers as he blew out the harsh words that cut like knives. Shaking her head rapidly, she spun around and burst out the dining room doors and made a sharp turn to her room, not stopping for anyone, not even waiting for Chao. 

Pulling the door only slightly, it sat ajar as she threw herself on top of her bed, her eyes swelling with tears and hiccups falling easily from her lips. She hardly noticed Chao step into her room until his voice spoke up above her cries. Quickly turning, she sat up on her soft mattress and looked up at her guard with a red, tear-stained face. “Chao, I’m sorry.” Putting her face in her hands, she shook her head, taking in a deep shaky breath.

Standing a few feet from her lady, Mulan considered her words for a second. She was not used to this type of situation, and it was the first time, she saw this side of Princess Aurora. Frankly, she didn't like the unknown. "There is no need to be sorry," she assured her, and clasped her hands in front of her, not sure what she should do with them. "I am here because I want to be." Would it be completely unacceptable to give the princess a pat on her back? For some reason, she felt like that was the most suiting thing to do in this situation. Next to a hug, but there was no way, she would go that far.

"Might I," she began, still feeling so horribly awkward. If the tears kept rolling for another minute, she would start pacing the room, and possibly sing a lullaby, like she did when small children cried. One hand escaped from her clasp, and its fingers started thrumming on her leg. "Might I ask what is wrong, m'lady?" she finally managed to ask.

a princess and her protector

for even though the princess was no damsel in distress, it did not hurt her to have a warrior watch her back.

based on this au rp, and dedicated to renrps.

"Please escort my daughter back to her quarters for the night. The execution will resume without her." Turning sharply at her father’s voice, her lips parted as she was about to protest. Aurora wasn’t so keen on staying for the execution but there was a party being held later that night that she was looking forward to. But his eyes met hers and she knew there was no reason to argue or make a scene. She wouldn’t win. 

With her mood sour and her plans ruined, Aurora had forgotten to properly thank the man as they walked the short distance to where their large castle stood on a hill. They could have taken a carriage, but Aurora found the weather enjoyable. Just a slight breeze, not too hot and not too cold.

That was when Mulan had taken matters into her own hands. She had never wanted to become a simple housewife, with the sole duty of taking care of her husband and children, anyway. It was a boring life to her, and though she was fond of children as any woman was, she would not have them at the cost of not being able to live her life fully. One night, she had simply saddled her horse, stolen the armor and sword, cut her hair hastily and changed into male clothing. With only a letter left behind for her parents, she had rode off to the castle to enlist.

Months went by without using her own sword, and when she was finally allowed to, the handkerchief had fallen out in the middle of a battle. It had not been tucked properly into the sheath. Before now, Mulan had been unsure of its use. Now, though, with a sword, dripping with ruby-red blood, she knew what it was for.

Fa Chao, she repeated in her head, liking the way it sounded. She found herself wanting to see the man behind the helmet, to look into the eyes of her rescuer and thank him properly. But her thought was put on hold as her father’s voice rang out once again. “Well, Fa Chao, you saved my daughter’s life. I prefer not to think of what would be if you were not here today and for that, I thank you.” 

Aurora assumed he would leave it at that and everything would resume as planned. But apparently, that wasn’t the end. Because he didn’t return to stand beside his wife and daughter, no, he stood in the same spot, his eyes continuing to watch the knight. Aurora could tell that he was thinking, that he was weighing different options in his head. She just didn’t expect for him to say what he did.

"Today I realized that the protection I have set for my family is not enough. Especially my daughter’s." Aurora’s eyebrows began to come together in confusion, her eyes glued to the back of her father’s back. "With that, I’ve decided to promote you to Personal Guard of the Princess." 

"Father, that really isn’t-" she interrupted with a step forward, but he quickly held up his hand, silencing her.

Princess Aurora was his only daughter, which explained his need to protect her, but she was also beautiful, like the dawn she was named after, and people said that she was wise. Not only clouds were between her ears, and she spoke her mind, if you were to believe the royal kitchen's chef. Yes, any man would be willing to protect such a promising leader. Who was Mulan to refuse?

The position would bring her more comfort, too, in her everyday life. Perhaps she would sleep less, and her senses would be on higher alert than when she guarded towers, but she would not need to worry about spending nights outside in the cold winter storm. Respect she would have as well, and appreciation, though only in the form of how a rich man likes having a servant in the shadow, who will protect him if need be. It was more than she could ask for. And most definitely better than dying in the battlefield or of frostbite.

"Princess!" Hands gripped both of her upper arms, helping the fazed brunette to stand. The sound of metal clanging sounded behind her as the remaining guards that were in charge of protecting the Royal Family all gathered around, along with gasps and curious eyes coming from the crowd around them. Her father and mother have left their seats, her mother’s face now showing shock and worry while her father nearly shook with anger. 

While the crowd was dispatched by the intimidation of the guards’ loud voices and long swords, Aurora’s eyes focused on the lone guard standing steady with the attacker in his grasp, and suddenly she was overcome with a sense of gratitude. However, she kept her mouth shut as she waited for her father to answer. His fists were clenched as he slowly walked forward, casting glares at the other guards on his way to her savior. 

Her mother stood back, but her soft blue eyes locked onto Aurora before she held out her hand, motioning for her daughter to join her. She was too dazzled before to even think of moving spots, the brunette just kept her feet planted on the ground, too stunned to do much of anything. Brushing her hands down her dress, she smoothed down her hair before accompanying her family. Her mother, so gentle and calm, grasped both of her hands in her own before placing a kiss on her forehead. “Are you injured?” she whispered and Aurora gave a quick shake of her head, returning her focus back on her father.

However, the word of the king was law, and she was not about to break the law. Her throat felt like the desert. She swallowed nervously and took a deep breath, steeling herself for the kill. The blade of her sword was already pressed softly against the man's pink flesh; all she would have to do was to pull it back, and then strike his neck as hard as she could. You shall do as your king bids you, no matter the order, she reminded herself, one last time. Her eyes met the traitor's dead grays. There was a glimmer of amusement, in there, as if he was laughing at her displeasure.

Even as Mulan felt that she had gathered her courage for a long time, in reality, only seconds had passed. Still, it was time for her to do her duty. For her family's honor. With a last, deep breath, she pulled the sword away from the man's neck. Then she tightened her grip, and hammered the blade into the soft flesh with as much strength as she could muster. It was not an elegant kill, but it was effective.

She tried not to notice how fragile life felt beneath her palms, or how her fingertips had already started shaking. Blood had splattered on her uniform, and she could feel it on her face, wet. A single drop ran down her cheek. Resisting the urge to wipe it away, and empty her stomach for everything she had eaten that day while she was at it, she turned to the king, and bowed briefly. The sword hung lifelessly from one hand, almost as if it had been the sword, which had been executed.

Aurora stood beside her mother and father, both seated and staring straight ahead with a blank expression covering their faces as they waited. The Princess clasped her hands in front of her pale pink dress, her long hair flowing in waves down her back with a tiara propped perfectly atop her head. Only small chatter sounded throughout the area but once he arrived, the crowd fell silent and cleared a path for the two guards escorting the murderer. His gaze fixated on the ground, greased hair clung to his sweating forehead and chains kept his arms secure behind his back. Aurora’s eyes bore into his slumped frame, unable to keep the scowl of disgust from her face. However, she hadn’t expected for him to look up. Her heart rate increased as his cold brown eyes lifted to meet her green ones, and she could have sworn that he looked amused. 

The brief eye contact was soon forgotten as the man stood before the people, shackled up and awaiting his death. And then the first voice rung out. "Kill him!" The crowd inched forward, more voices ringing out, more chatter and the thirst of blood spreading from person to person. Aurora wasn’t a killer, though she did believe in justice. The filthy man destroyed a family, ending innocent lives and for that, he should be executed from this world. Many of their people felt the same. No more would he harm others. And so once the crowd seemed to thicken and grow closer to the restrained killer, Aurora found herself slightly moving closer as well.

Watching as the princess parted from her parents and walked closer to the execution, Mulan's hand strayed to the sword in her sheath. Her gaze flickered from beggar to merchant to farmer to baker... none of them seemed to be a threat to the princess's safety. Even with that in mind, Mulan did not relax. Though her helmet was already safely on her head (it was a vital part of her disguise as her father's long lost son), she touched it, just to be sure, and her muscled tensed.

Her instincts proved her right when she spotted a man in the crowd. He was dressed in much richer clothes than the people around him. In his belt, something shone, and as he walked closer to Princess Aurora, he grabbed that something. 'Something', Mulan discovered, was a blade. It was not a knife nor a sword, but a weapon in-between. But that was hardly the important part. What really was important was that he was headed towards the princess, and that if someone didn't do something, he would end up with the princess's head in his hand.

Deciding in a split second that she had to be that 'someone', Mulan jumped - with a few, long strides - in front of the princess, her sword parading the man's blade in the last second. She stumbled backwards from the power, but was afraid of pulling the Princess Aurora into the battle, and therefore quickly attacked the would-be assassin. This time, she gained the upper-hand, and after a cut to his sword-hand (he seemed to not have learnt how to fight with both hands, like most of the royal knights, Mulan included, had been taught), she had practically won the battle. Only a few more meetings with between their respective blades, and she had him on his knees, despite him being at least a head taller than she.

i’m gonna give all my secrets away - a sleeping warrior fanmix

a loved one? we shall see

secrets - onerepublic | stay - hurts | broken strings - james morrison & nelly furtado | when you’re gone - avril lavigne | a thousand years - christina perri | set fire to the rain [live at royal albert hall] - adele | summertime sadness - lana del rey | the scientist - coldplay | soon we’ll be found - sia | river flows in you - yiruma | love song requiem - trading yesterday | dearly beloved - yoko shimomura