"You should never be ashamed by that. It's just more of a physical medal, rather than a gold one,"

"But I hate it. It's jagged and risen and awful,"

"Stop saying that! It's proof that you were better than the whole of the Chinese Imperial Army! Surely that counts for something?"

"Come in Mulan! The water's perfect!" Ling shouted. "I'm actually alright sitting here... thanks though," Mulan smiled. "Don't be a sour puss!" Yao shouted, ever the man of few words. "I'm not being a sour puss! I just don't like swimming much," She argued back. "I must agree with Ling and Yao, the water is divine," Chein-Po spoke softly. "I don't doubt that, but I don't feel like swimming today... I have too many chores to do. You four have fun though," She smiled as she made her leave.

Mulan found Shang in the kitchen area. "Mulan! What are you doing here? I thought you were with the others? I was just about to bring out some drinks," He asked gesturing to the tray on the counter. Mulan stepped over her spotty dog with an affectionate pat. "Yeah I was... but I need to do my chores." She dismissed. Shang grabbed her arm as she walked by. "What's with the face?" He asked. Mulan frowned and pouted. "What face? There is no face... this is my face," Shang shook his head. "I know you better than that Mulan... what's wrong?" He asked, pulling her back a little. Mulan sighed. "I just... I don't wanna swim today..." She said. Shang narrowed his eyes. "Is it... a... womanly issue? If it is, I can tell the others to back off," He said with a serious look. Mulan smiled slightly. "No, it's not... it," She sighed. "It's nothing... don't worry,"

"Mulan." Shang said in his "captain" voice. Mulan crossed her arms. Shang followed where her right hand rested. He frowned. "Is it your injury? Is it bothering you again?"

For context, Mulan's injury did sometimes cause her some discomfort. Usually, when it was cold, it would ache and pulse painfully.

Mulan didn't say anything. "Mulan? If it's painful, we can go and find a medic or ask Chein-Po for his family's paste recipe?" She shook her head. "No... I just... I hate it." She finally admitted. "What woman do you see with a four-inch scar under her breast?" She asked. Shang took her hands. "Nobody... but then again, how many women do you see in the army? Or having taken out the entire Hun army in one fell swoop?" She didn't speak. "If I may, Mulan, you should never be ashamed by it. It's just more of a physical medal, rather, than a gold one," Mulan turned her head and shrugged at Chein-Po. "But I hate it. It's jagged and risen and awful," She moaned. "Stop saying that! It's proof that you were better than the whole of the Chinese Imperial Army! No offence Shang," Li chimed in with a cheeky grin. Shang playfully glared. "I dunno why you're bothered by it: it's a wicked scar. I'd kill for one like that!" Yao grumbled.

Mulan laughed. Ling laughed at her laugh, Chien-Po chuckled softly, Yao cracked a smile (he wasn't much of a laugher) and Shang joined in.

She may hate her scar, but at least she had people who weren't bothered by it.