Mulan, the female warrior

Risk

Mulan smiled to herself. A refreshing bath was just what she needed. She wasn't sure how long she'd been soaking, but it was nice not to have to hurry out. In the morning hours, she didn't need to worry about privacy.

She got out from the water and dressed under the stars. The peace was something she could get used to, but she needed sleep. She'd be too tired to fight the next day otherwise. Time to go.

Mulan let out a yawn and made her way back. However, as she got into her tent, something felt off. There was less snoring than usual. The air was unusually quiet. She glanced over to Mushu, but he was fast asleep. Mulan felt the need to get out and check on the others, just to make sure they were okay.

Once she exited her tent, Mulan glanced around. She pulled a face in alarm. She hadn't noticed before, but all the other tents were gone.

"Guys!" She called out.

"Behind you." Shang stood over her with a look of anger. "Ping! What are you still doing here? Didn't you hear me tell everyone to get ready to move to the next location? When you weren't in your tent, I waited for you for almost forty minutes. I told everyone to go on ahead because I thought you'd been kidnapped by the Huns."

"Sorry," Mulan said. It didn't take Shang long to notice Mulan's dripping hair and the towel in her hand. He became even angrier.

"Why were you taking a bath at this hour?"

"I was on guard duty earlier, there wasn't time."

"You're always on guard duty. If you wanted a bath, you should've switched with someone else. People hate doing it, yet you've volunteere every day. What's going on, Ping?"

"I like it, y'know! Taking one for the team and all. I'm sorry about today, I lost track of time," Mulan said in the most masculine voice she could muster up. Shang stared at her, looking deep into her eyes.

"You're hiding something, and I don't like it. What's the real reason why you won't shower with the others?"

Mulan felt her heart beat. He'd put her on the spot, and was waiting for an answer.

"It's um. Well, it's just. I'm...Insecure," Mulan offered. Please buy it, please buy it.
"I know you're scrawnier than the other guys, but this is war. It's no excuse. You're going to have to man up. I need to know where you are at all times. You can't sneak off at stupid hours to bathe. You'll get left behind again."
"I understand, captain. I'll pack my things now."
She certainly wasn't going to argue, or say more than she needed to. Mulan was desperate to get away from Shang. She went to dash off, but he interrupted her.
"Wait," Shang said, softening his tone. "I don't tolerate bullying either. If any of the other men are making fun of you for your body, I'll deal with them."
"Thank you!" She muttered before hurrying away. If Shang or any of her comrades found out the truth, she'd experience something far worse than bullying.

Mushu was up and listening. The conversation must've woke him.

"Girlie, that was too close! It's a good job you' smart and could think of an answer or I would've had to save your butt!" he said, but she ignored him.

She was fairly sure Shang wouldn't let her volunteer for guard duty again. Tomorrow, she'd have to fake being unwell. It'd buy her enough time to think of a permanent plan. Maybe Mushu could stay and make sure the soldiers were all still in bed next time.