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Chapter 1 - Mission

It couldn’t have happened. It shouldn’t have happened. No matter how he thought about it, all that kept going through his mind was how this could not happen! The Huns outside the palace had already been dealt with and Captain Li Shang, along with the men, were attempting to force entrance in. The makeshift battering ram was having little effect on the well made doors, but they kept on. It was the best thing any of them could think of in such a hurry.

None of the Huns should have survived the avalanche…

“Captain! I have an idea!”

Shang looked over at Ping, no doubt one of the most intelligent soldiers he had under his command. The boy had surprised him during training and after, proving himself over and over to be resourceful. It seemed that once again, they would be saved by him.

Had it been anyone else to suggest the ridiculous scheme, Shang doubted anyone would have gone along with it, but this was Ping and they all knew how unfailingly smart the kid was. His cronies, Yao, Chein Po, and Ling, agreed immediately to do it. Shang took a few moments more before he did as well. The few left over from the pass were left to continue trying to bash in the door.

Chien Po looked ridiculous when Ping was done with him. Ling was even more so, but, taking the cake, was definitely Yao. Any man who mistook that particular concubine for a woman was blind or dumber than a rock. Ping was the only one of them that really passed, probably due to his youth. For the boy’s plan, Shang didn’t need to cross dress and was quite relieved at that. They got in and the four distracted the guards with giggles and glances before subduing the lot of them. Ping shouted and Shang ran ahead to save the Emperor.

How had someone so…large ever been born? Shan Yu was a terror up close, worse than the stories or even Shang’s memory of him. They fought but Shang found himself quickly on the losing end. He heard the three misfits behind, but could spare nothing from his fight until Shan Yu screamed out in a rage. Shang realized that the three had managed to grab the Emperor and get out on the line of lanterns, and that Ping had cut the rope. As soon as the boy turned to face their enemy, recognition showed on Shan Yu’s face.

“The soldier from the mountain,” he hissed. Ping showed no fear. That was all Shang knew before he was knocked out.

When he awoke, he found the dais was empty. He ran out, heading for the crowds, then noticed that they were all looking and screaming at something… He turned and his heart nearly stopped. There, on the roof, was the diminutive Ping facing down Shan Yu with nothing but a fan. Somehow, he’d managed to loose most the dress, but he’d thankfully worn trousers under. The robe was still on and he could just barely see bandages wrapped around the boy’s torso. Shang watched in horror as Shan Yu attacked, only to be amazed when Ping not only disarmed him but managed to subdue the huge man, sinking his sword into his shirt tail to pin the man. No one knew how he managed, but a moment later, a rogue firework zoomed through and caught Shan Yu full on, knocking him into one of the towers, which exploded after. Ping dropped off the roof top and grabbed a lantern, using it to swing down towards the front stairs.

Shang broke into a run back up the stairs, figuring that Ping would try to land there, and he was right. The boy dropped right on him. They both fell, breath knocked from their bodies, before slowly getting to their feet. Shang knew he was grinning stupidly, but couldn’t help it as Ping met the expression full on.

“You’re insane,” Shang told him and Ping only grinned wider, then winced and clutched his side. Shang was suddenly reminded of the bandages wrapped around Ping’s chest and stomach as the robe slid to show them. He scowled at the boy. “Wounded? You crazy idiot! You did all that when you were wounded? When did that happen anyway-”

“The palace!!” screamed the familiar, unpleasant voice of Chi Fu, cutting off Shang’s words. He turned a raged look onto Ping’s small form and the boy’s friends reacted immediately to shield him. “Step aside! He is not worth-”

“Enough!”

And everything went quiet. Blood pounded through Shang’s ears, had been for so long, and he felt suddenly numb from the whole night. A gesture and he found himself moving without meaning to. The others did as well and Ping stood alone… wounded, bruised, tired, hesitant…Shang heard the words of the Emperor, listened to the accusations silently. Stole his father’s armor? Ran away from home? Why…?

And then the Emperor was bowing before the small young man and all of them followed suit.

Shang’s heart slowed down in that moment and the reality of the whole thing came crashing into him. Shan Yu, dead, gone; China, safe and sound. All thanks to a seventeen year old boy who was so much more than anyone had expected.

They rose and the Emperor offered a seat on his council to the courageous boy. Ping, so very gently and humbly, declined, so he was instead awarded with the seal and sword. Shang watched as Ping bowed to the Emperor and turned, granting his friends one last smile. The hugged him tightly and Shang was sure that the four would find a way to stay in contact. Then Ping pulled away from them and turned to him.

“Well,” murmured Shang before he even realized it, “I guess this is good bye.”

“Maybe,” Ping replied and Shang noticed immediately that there was sadness in the boy’s tone. “Good bye, Captain.”

Shang watched him go into the night, limping ever so slightly from the pain in his side. A parting mark, but Ping would heal and that was what mattered. Once he got onto his faithful horse, Ping never looked back. It was probable that they would meet again. Wars happened often and Ping was likely the only able bodied male of his family, considering that he had been sent before.

That thought warmed him.

Half a day’s ride from the palace, Mulan finally stopped to rest as the sun rose. She was tired, achy, and her side sent streaks of pain through her with every movement. Saving the Emperor and fighting Shan Yu had pulled the still healing wound. Luckily, it didn’t reopen. It had been a difficult thing to treat at the Tung Shao Pass, but she’d managed without the aid of their medic. Otherwise, she would have definitely been revealed. It was thankful that the wound was just barely shallow enough. It still hurt though, and would take a good while to heal.

Shan Yu’s sword peaked out of the cloth she’d wrapped it in. The wicked blade was beautiful, even owned by such a horrible man. Mulan understood its deadly beauty with a startling clarity. She knew that the battles had changed her in a deep, fundamental way. A sword was now a tool, not a mysterious extension of her father’s arm. Little things like that were now second nature to her mind and she thought about that. There was little doubt in her mind that she would never be a perfect wife after this.

She was tired, both in mind and body, and marriage seemed a long, arduous task for her to complete when she returned home. She didn’t know if her family would even accept her back. The thought of it sent pain through her heart.

She slept some, hoping to be rested up for the ordeal. Rousing again by midday, she set off for the final stretch home. Her father’s armor made dull clinking sound in the packs on either side of Khan’s flank. The course but sturdy material of her informal uniform had become a second skin in the weeks of training and fighting, but now was another reminder of exactly what she had done.

She could see the gate looming in the distance. It was like a death sentence. That the sky was bright and clear gave her no comfort in this. Slowly, she made her way there. No one met her. She put Khan away, brushing her hands over his fur to soothe herself. It was with her head held high and the Emperor’s gifts clutched to her chest that she found her father and presented herself.

Being welcomed home felt so much better than the Emperor’s praise.

All at once, it was as if the attacks had never happened. Mulan spent her time working the farm and preparing for a second visit to the matchmaker. Battle had changed one thing: concentrating on the countless parts of being a wife wasn’t quite as hard anymore. It was boring and unfulfilling to her, but Mulan was ready to sacrifice personal fulfillment if it meant becoming the daughter her parents deserved.

Though she had been welcomed, things were cold between her and her mother. Her grandmother was happy enough to tease her a little about her spoils of war and her father left it to her to decide if she ever needed to talk about the ordeal. She hadn’t taken him up on the offer, but some nights they stayed up and looked over the stars above and he would recall tales from his own service. Moments like those were precious to her.

Li drilled presentation and manners into her daughter until she knew it all by heart. She wasted little more time in arranging the meeting and it seemed far too soon that Mulan found herself dressed up for the part of a bride and standing before the matchmaker. She went through the ceremonies without flaw, keeping herself rigidly in control to show none of the fear she felt. The meeting was a success and she went home with the guarantee of the matchmaker that a husband would soon be along.

Mulan hated that notion with every fiber of her being.

Having experienced the freedom of living as a man, she scorned the traditions that kept her so fully in bondage, but she didn’t dare fight them. She had already strained her family too much to break their hearts a second time. Marrying, becoming a wife, birthing children to bring further honor, that was what she had to do, but each day brought more and more doubt over whether she could truly do so.

Zhou picked up on her feelings almost immediately. He took his daughter aside and asked her point blank if she was happy. The look of resignation that crossed through his face after she gave her positive answer was almost enough to break though the mask she forcibly constructed. Almost. She knew very well that her father deserved far more than a rebellious daughter who couldn’t even do her basic womanly duties. So, she hid it all.

News from the matchmaker came quickly. The first son of the Chen family had come of age, so a meeting was set between his parents and Mulan’s, as well as another between the two themselves. The parents were pleased with one another so the son came to the farm to meet with Mulan so that they could acquaint themselves with one another.

Bao was a respectable young man. His face was plain and he was rather shy, but Mulan felt she might feel a fondness for him as time went on. There was a puppyish quality to him that age had not taken and he spoke with a well mannered, soft voice.

The two spoke in short, awkward sentences. Mulan had little in common with a boy who had only reached the age of maturity months before and had never spent one day in battle. She found herself noticing the baby fat along his cheeks and how dainty and clean his hands were. Even as a farmer, Bao had soft, clean hands with only the barest calluses. She studied his plain face and saw a slight indention across his nose as well as another near both ears. It was with an internal start that she realized Bao would likely never be a warrior, if he could help it.

“A scholar,” she said suddenly. Bao glanced away.

“No,” he replied but she heard the longing in his voice. “I will be joining the army after we are married.”

“You don’t want to.”

“Are you always so forward, Fa Mulan?”

His eyes met hers and she realized that she had just stepped out of bounds. She quickly reeled herself in and the short, awkward sentences returned for the rest of the meeting. They bid one another a polite, though slightly tense goodbye. The agreement was finalized a week later and a date set for the wedding.

That night, she dreamed of Captain Li Shang and awoke with an empty feeling in her heart.

Mulan made her way towards the gate with Khan beside her. The reigns felt good and familiar in her hands, something that would always be with her. He would be accompanying her to her husband’s home, where the couple would live after their wedding. In a sense, he was a part of her dowry, which had been considerable because of her father’s status as a famous general.

In three days, she would be married and her name would never again be Fa Mulan. It was a terrifying prospect, which was likely why her morning runs with Khan had become longer. The horse soothed her aching soul and was her best confidant.

Mushu, in his own annoying way, had tried to make it better by sabotaging the whole thing. She almost wished he’d succeeded, but had all but ordered him to leave it all alone when she found out. The dragon reacted with upset, both at her and the fact that, apparently, he would lose his precious pedestal. He both amused and angered her, but she’d said nothing.

When she reached the gates and led Khan out, she was surprised by the sound of footsteps. She turned and watched as a familiar imperial soldier made his way towards the gates of the Fa family farm. Mulan started to panic as he got closer.

“Hey, I have a message for…” Yao paused and looked harder at the horse. Recognition sparked in his gaze before he looked at the girl standing before him. Her form was small and lithe with youth, clothing practical, and when he looked at her face, her hair carelessly falling to frame it, his gaze fell to her wide eyes. He blinked. “…Ping?”

“You’re mistaken,” she murmured, dropping her gaze immediately as she quickly thought up an explanation. “He is my brother.”

“Oh.” He nodded a little, satisfied. Grabbing a scroll from his belt, he held it out to her. “Please make sure he gets this fast. It’s important.”

Mulan took the scroll and he bowed his head politely before going on. She stood in the gateway and watched him go. It was several minutes after he disappeared that she realized with a start that she was still standing there like an idiot. Quickly, she led Khan back in and went to read the scroll. Her father found her a little later, staring at the paper in her hands.

“Mulan?”

“Ping was promoted and is being called back by royal decree.”

Zhou quietly sat down beside her. She stared at the scroll a little longer, then slowly looked to him for guidance. Sighing softly, he took it and read over the words, sifting through them. There was little information besides the urgency of Ping’s assistance, but he realized the mission had to be important and more facts would only be given in person.

“You must go,” he said simply. He hated the thought of his daughter going into such a dangerous situation again, but there was little he could do to stop it. The Emperor’s word was powerful.

“The wedding-”

“We will try to stall,” Zhou promised. He set a warm hand on her small shoulder. “This is a consequence of the path you took up when you took my place, daughter. I will deal with the Chens and the wedding. Concentrate on your new mission.”

She nodded and went to prepare. By evening, Ping left the farm with his parent’s blessings and this time he was alone.

Shang felt almost giddy. Just weeks ago, he had been promoted to general for his heroics. The four misfits had been promoted as well, but he’d only seen three of them recently. Since no war was eminent at the moment, he had spent his month training newer soldiers.

There was a surge of volunteers after the Hun defeat, mostly young boys who’s fathers wanted them to come home men, and Shang had not been easy of them. He actually enjoyed watching their progress, and the three misfits’ help had been amusing. Yao was still as much of a loose cannon as ever, but that worked out to his advantage. The troops under his command were scared to death of him and none of them had realized how much of a push over he really was. Chien Po and Ling were calmer and managed to get the job done their own way.

It was a good, soothing occupation, he decided. The troops found new ways to annoy him but for the most part he enjoyed it all. His three Lieutenants pranked each other relentlessly and sometimes went after him as well, so he was kept on his feet at all times. It kept him ready for anything.

The doors behind him opened and Shang looked back. Fa Ping strode through and smiled at the new general, pausing to bow to him.

“General,” he said with a hint of amused pride. Shang smirked back at him.

“Lieutenant,” he greeted. Ping straightened and stepped up beside him.

“The message wasn’t specific. Do you know anything about this mission?”

“Nothing,” Shang answered, arms folded. “It must be important for the secrecy…”

“Indeed, it is.” Both soldiers snapped to attention as the Emperor entered and began down the stairs before them. They noted immediately the tenseness of his expression and stood a little straighter. He explained the situation: escorting the three princesses to Qui Gong to marry princes. Shang noted that beside him, Ping tensed further, but said nothing of it. He concentrated instead on assuring the Emperor that the mission would succeed.

“How many men do you need, General?” the Emperor asked. Shang thought a moment.

“Three, other than myself and Lieutenant Fa.”

“Three?” The Emperor frowned a little. “As Emperor, I trust your judgement, General, but as a father, I worry.”

“A smaller group will arouse less suspicion than a full regiment,” Shang replied. “Lieutenants Yao, Jin, and Xian showed themselves to be exemplary soldiers. I am confident in their abilities, as I am in Lieutenant Fa’s and my own.”

The Emperor was quiet a moment before he turned to the other soldier. “Something troubles you, Fa Ping.”

Shang glanced at him as Ping looked up, meeting the Emperor’s gaze a moment. He then dropped his eyes and said quietly, “Nothing, my lord. I am simply anxious to get this mission underway.”

“Good,” the Emperor said, nodding. “You will have three days to get to Qui Gong. I have been told that any longer will result in war. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir,” chorused both. They were dismissed and quietly left. As soon as they were far enough, Shang grabbed Ping’s shoulder.

“What’s wrong? I know there’s something,” he said. “You can’t afford to be distracted.”

Ping looked up at him and sighed a bit. “I…The idea of arranged marriages…”

“You disapprove?”

“I am bothered, sir. My sister got engaged as soon as I got back.” He looked away. “I suppose I’m…channeling my discomfort over it into this mission.”

“Don’t let it keep you from your duty,” Shang replied, though his voice was sympathetic.

“Yes, sir.”

That afternoon, Yao, Chien Po, and Ling were happily reunited with Ping and Shang almost envied their friendly welcome. He considered Fa Ping one of his best and only friend among those he knew, but their difference in rank kept him from showing that fact. After the four buddies had gotten the re-bonding process over with, they went to the palace. It was decided quickly that Ping would wait on the three princesses personally because of his more gentle nature. He seemed a little bothered by the assertion about himself, but never the less agreed to do so.

Under the cover of darkness, the three princesses were loaded into a nicely furnished wagon and the team set off towards Qui Gong.

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