Save Me

It wasn't until hours later that Philip's watch started.

What he saw was something Philip hoped would stay with Mulan forever.

Mulan had looked away from the surrounding forest.

Her eyes seemed completely focused on Beau's sleeping face.

The wind had blown some of Beau's hair into her face.

He couldn't be sure but Philip though he saw Mulan move her gloved hand to wipe the hair with such a soft expression on her normally stoic face.

The wind blew again and the moment was broken.

Mulan looked up and saw Prince Philip.

He didn't want to ruin what was forming.

He didn't want to ruin what could be forming.

Philip knew that this girl could be Mulan's everything.

"It's my shift, " he explained a couple minutes too late.

Her face hardened and Mulan nodded.

He didn't expect her next move.

She picked Beau up and carried her bridal style into the tent.

What Philip couldn't see was the effect on the carrier and the person being carried.

Mulan kept a tight grip on the sleeping amnesiac.

Beau's head was tucked into Mulan's neck.

Mulan could feel every breath.

Inside the tent, Mulan carefully sat Beau inside the bedroll.

Mulan sat a foot away and started sharpening her sword.

After a couple minutes, Beau started shivering.

Mulan stopped.

If she went to sleep now, she could sharpen her sword before they packed the camp.

Mulan carefully laid on top of the bedroll beside Beau.

In sleep, Beau curled towards her and Mulan put the cape over Beau.

The shivering stopped.

Mulan had always needed to protect someone.

She needed to protect her father.

She needed to protect her village.

She needed to protect Prince Philip on his quest.

She needed to protect someone.

"I'll protect you, " Mulan whispered.

Gradually her eyes shut and Mulan slept armor clad feeling comfortable beside Beau.