Mulan (2009) -

Weeks later, after the final battle and the death of the cruel Rouran King, Mulan stood before the Emperor. She declined all titles and riches. She did not want to be a General anymore. She only wanted to go back to the village where a sick old man was waiting for his "son" to return.

The campfire crackled, but it offered no warmth to General Hua Mulan. In her hand, she clutched a small iron identification tag, its edges worn smooth by her thumb. It had belonged to Tiger, her childhood friend—the one who had kept her secret when they first arrived at camp as frightened recruits. Now, he was just another name added to the thousands she had personally collected over twelve years of blood and dust. "You should sleep, General," a voice said softly. Mulan (2009)

She didn't need to look up to know it was Wentai. He was the only one who saw the woman beneath the heavy armor, the only one who knew that every victory felt like a funeral. Weeks later, after the final battle and the

Mulan finally looked at him. She knew the price. To seal the alliance and end the slaughter, Wentai—revealed now to be a Prince of Wei—would have to marry the Rouran princess. The love they had fostered in the shadow of death would have to be buried there. She only wanted to go back to the

Here is a short story inspired by the specific themes and characters of the 2009 film. The Weight of the Iron Tag

"If your marriage stops the rain of blood," Mulan said, her heart hardening into the same iron as the tags in her pouch, "then it is a price we must pay."