Geisha boy

Family Ties

Authors note:

 Hi~ (^з^) there! This is my first story I've really published on wattpad! Yay ! I'm not used to putting my thoughts/ideas into words, so o apologize in advance. This is a story based off of the son of Disneys Fa Mulan and General Le Shang, so if you haven't seen the movie then you might not get some references. I also put links to the songs that go with or inspired the chapter for you guys. But other than that enjoy and please don't shy away from giving me any tips or advice! 

Chapter 1.

All my life I've never been one of the burly men the most people look up to or women fawn over. I was born a rather small infant with quite a few medical problems, but my parents never complained. I assume it was because they always were up for a challenge.

My parents consist of my mother, Fa Mulan, China's greatest hero and worst cook. Along with my father, Lee Shang, China's most victorious army general and worst person to have personal discussions with. They're both great and I love them, but in the house I'm  raised in I always feel suffocated.

I live in a house with my parents, grandparent, AND great grandmother. What's even worse is the fact that my great grandmother is my only friend. Making friends isn't exactly the easiest thing to do when you have highly respected parents and aren't aloud to go outside without cause.

A lot has changed since my parents returned from their war. China was at peace, they got married, Yao became emperor, and women could even join the war! They could be a warrior to help fight, a doctor to tend to the injured, a cook to feed the army, or a geisha to entertain the soldiers (or help fight when needed). My parents made a huge impact on the way of people's lives, and they expect me to do the same.

All I'm asking is why me ? Out of my entire lineage of warriors and geniuses, why did I have to be the one who ends our families honor and pride ?!

" Mu ! " I hear my disruptive mom call from the dinning area. I sigh shortly before putting on my poker face ( aka my respectful face ) and entering the room. Her face ,however, wasn't what I expected. She had a grin on her face, which frightens me a little. She gestures for me to sit and I take my usual spot next to my father. My mind races as I try to think of anything that we could possibly discuss.

Chores? Done

Prayers? Done 

What is it women ?! 

"So as you know Emperor Yao and the Emperor of Kigon aren't on good-terms" . ' Please don't let this be what I think it is ' I wish as she continues. 

" The country is preparing to take the necessary measures to protect our country ", she paused taking in a breath while my father gets to the point " being a retired general I'm unable to serve in the defensive line. So now it's your turn ! ". 

The look of pride and excitement on their faces made my stomach churn. How were they happy about this ? I thought you loved me ?! Flashing my fake enthusiasm filled smile, I gulp. " We talked to doctor Jin and he believes that despite your medical conditions you'd be able to make us proud ". Or die trying ! I don't know why these people think this is a good idea ...

My mind clearly isn't moving as fast as my mouth because I blurt out " That's great ! ". They were so proud and my heart is dissolving in my chest. The room's spinning and the air was practically rejecting my lungs while they happily raved about what's to happen. " Oh just think! The matchmaker will easily find a perfect wife for our warrior now! " my mom squeals while my grandmother snickered at me " Hey you just be sure to make some handsome friends to bring home".

" Muma ! " mom hisses at her joke while I actually end up blushing a bit.

After all , even though my family doesn't know it, I'd much rather bring home a handsome friend then go see the match maker. If you know what I mean.

But despite all the teasing I know that this isn't as light of a matter as they're trying to make it.

" The generals will be holding recruitment and training camp in a valley near Luoyang. You can go tomorrow and they'll assign you a position ". I can see that my father is somewhat concerned , not as much my mother, but they both are still joyful more than anything. How can they expect me to go through with this ?

' Lee Mu, the prodigy of China's greatest heroes carries on the legacy ' ... Ya right.

Soon I am finally able to break eye contact and look down at my lap, my face is aching from all the fake excitement. It still feels hard to breathe. I'm choking on my words trying to tell them what I feel, but I only end up asking to be excused. Rising to my feet I bow and exit the room.

 I wish my confidence didn't waiver so much! If you ask me to converse with a stranger, easy. But if you ask me to say anything to my parents, well let's just say that building the Great Wall alone would be easier.

" Me ? ... A warrior ? ... How the heck am I suppose to pull that off ?! " I mumble to myself helplessly as make my way to our families shrine. I walk along a dusty cream colored dirt path with new dew covered spring grass along side it. I keep going until arriving at ' the bridge of sanctuary'. Or at least that's what my grandma calls it. This bridge towers over a small streaming river that eventually leads to a pond in a park for children. No matter what weather or day , it always is flowing tranquilly with its never changing sapphire glow and relaxing river song. I guess it truly is a sanctuary when needed.

After taking my sweet time and skipping along the bridge I can see the shrine ahead and begin to quicken my pace. I see my grandfather and hurriedly , but quietly , sneak up behind him. I lower my shoulders, raise my hands for the attack, AND " B- "

" Mu, what're you doing ? " crap. retreat, retreat.

" B-B-.. Bàba ! " nice save if I do say so myself " I have come to receive the ancestors blessings and uh pray for um things ! "

" You are definitely your mothers son " he shook his head with a sigh before cracking the back of my head with his cane " do you think I was born yesterday ?! Things ?! And I'm not your father so stop calling  me Bàba, it would be Yèyè ". Gripping my head with pain, I whimper and shake my head. Although, his smile makes me grin goofily through the pain.

" Your parents must've told you of the recruitment ! How exciting ! Being the in the bloodline of so many heroes will allow me to die a happy man ". My goofy grin disappears quickly. His smile is genuine even though he's joking. However, I hate when he jokes about death. I always have.

My mother was wounded in her stomach when she fought in the war. This lead to complications during her pregnancy. My great grandma says it why I'm so jacked up. Besides the point, I wasn't born a healthy baby. In fact to this day I'm probably one of the most sickly people in the village. Heck, With all my problems I'm practically allergic to living.

Because of this, every time grandpa tries to make his joke of death I'll always reply " I could always end up going before you ". It usually makes him silent pretty fast. I know it's harsh, but not only is it the truth, it's the only way to stop him from making jokes about him leaving.

After he was silent for a while I kneel down next to him and ask him to pray with me. Of course he agrees without hesitation, and good thing too. I'm going to need all the prayer I can muster...