Beyond the End
by Suz
Shang groggily struggled to consciousness, thinking that Mulan was saying something to him. The pair had been blissfully married for six months. Soon he realized it was another female’s voice he heard – no wait, two voices - and he made a half-attempt to open his heavy eyelids. There seemed to be some sort of bright light in the room.
“Thank god they’re asleep.”
“Yeah, but how are we going to wake him without waking her up?”
“Two words – Sleeping Beauty.”
“What? No!”
“If you won’t, I will!”
“I don’t think so! Stop it and keep your voice down or you’ll wake Mulan!”
“Well, how else do you suggest we wake him?”
“I don’t know…oh wait, looks like he’s getting up.”
“Darn it!”
“Shhh!”
What was going on? Shang opened his eyes blearily and sat up to see two glowing figures at the foot of the bed. Both were attired with misty flowing long red dresses and each had allowed her hair to fall down along her back. The glow made them seem rather insubstantial and hard to see their faces but Shang could have sworn that both had wide smiles before their expressions turned neutral.
“Li Shang, son of General Li…”
“..heed our warning.”
“The peace that has settled in the Middle Kingdom has flown away from the Huns.”
“Rest not your guard for the time will come when you must ride forth again.”
“Doan thy armor and lead your army to defend your country and all that is dear to you.”
“Though the armor is optional….”muttered one; the other bit her lip and elbowed her companion.
“Be not lax in your confidence as it would be your downfall.”
“Be wary for thine enemy is stronger than before.”
“And if thy companions must sacrifice, know that none will be able to stop fate.”
“And keep those rippling pectorals in shape!” again murmured one while the other allowed herself a faint smile and kicked her companion this time.
“Who are you?” asked Shang, hoping that this was a joke for the message had a tone of impending doom to it.
“Those that would help you.” One figure stated simply.
“I – I don’t understand.”
“Do not worry. It will become clear when the king’s messenger comes.” The other assured Shang.
“What? When?”
“We cannot answer your questions but know that we will guide you if necessary. May the ancestors aid you.”
“Hey, wait. If you two are praying for my ancestors to help me, then what are you?” questioned a very irritated and annoyed Shang.
“It would be impossible to comprehend – simply know that we will aid you, though our powers are limited.” Promised the figure.
The other glided over to Shang’s side and touched her lips upon his forehead in benediction. “You have our blessing. May the spirits go with you.”
With that, the two figures began to blur and fade away. Shang thought, however, that he heard a voice hiss angrily:
“Hey, no fair!”
The room was dark again, for the sun had not risen. Beside him, Mulan stirred. She then opened her eyes to see Shang sitting up and blinking into space.
“Shang? What’s the matter? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I – no, two – I mean, it must have been a nightmare.”
“What of? I dreamt of that burned out village again.” Mulan shivered.
Shang shuddered and drew Mulan close to him. Maybe there was a connection. “I – these two…entities were warning me about….the Huns, I think. About war.”
“Oh no.” Mulan leaned against his bare chest and both were silent, comforted by the presence of each other’s companionship. However, the silence was finally broken.
“But you know what? Then I dreamt of the oddest thing!” Mused Mulan. “We were in the training field and a panda walked across it, dropping bits of pieces of bamboo behind it!”
Shang laughed and forgot his worries. They were only dreams, after all. Or were they?
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