I do not own Mulan or Sword of a Stranger

Chapter 1: A Weird One

Nanashi walked a leisurely pace as his eyes scanned the sights around him. Kotaro, Tobimaru, and him had just arrived in a small town in Northern China. Why, you might ask? Well, staying true to their words, once Nanashi had recovered from his battle with Raou, Kotaro, Tobimaru, and him crossed the East China Sea into the vast Chinese Empire. They found shelter wherever it was given, and took food and money legally and illegally. Long story short, after one too many run ins with the authorities the trio fled north in hopes of finding small town to hide away in. Besides, a war was brewing with the Mongols from the North. The government would never risk sending its valuable men North to try and catch a couple of petty thieves.

So here they were. Walking the streets of their current hideout. Animals and venders littered the streets, accompanied by merchants struggling to make sales. Kotaro and Tobimaru ran slightly ahead of Nanashi, enjoying the new sights and secrets this town had to offer. A small smirk ghosted over Nanashi's features as he watched Kotaro skid to halt, but not fast enough, as he face planted over a rogue chicken that Tobimaru had chased into the street. "Come on. We need to find somewhere to stay tonight," Nanashi chuckled as he began to pass Kotaro.

Kotaro bounced to his feet, Tobimaru at his heels, but just as he was about to run ahead of Nanashi again, his stance became rigid and he grabbed hold of Kotaro's shoulder. "What is it?" Kotaro asked. His voice laced with curiosity.

"I hear something," said Nanashi. Kotaro followed his line of vision down the street where a cloud of dirt was forming. Soon angered and frantic shouts could be heard as a black animal ripped through the street. At first Nanashi figured it was a cow that had been frightened into a stampede, but as it came closer he could see that it was a jet black horse with a single thick white marking down the front of its face. It still had on its bridle, so its rider must had been near by. Nanashi lead Kotaro over to a shop off the road. "Stay here," he said. Kotaro started to protest, but one look of warning was all it took for him to close his mouth, and stay put.

Kotaro walked back into the center of the road. Everyone around him looked at him like he had grown two heads, but he might as well. Who else would willingly walk into the path of a bolting horse? He looked back towards Kotaro and Tobimaru, both sporting a worried look. But, both trusted the man and they continued to stay where they were told. As the horse was none, but 15ft from him, he slowly raised both of his hands above his head, and stepped towards the animal. Nanashi could see the white of its eyes; it was terrified. For a brief moment he had doubts that the steed would stop for him, and just trample his body into the dirt. However, as Nanashi prepared to jump out of the way he saw something akin to acknowledgment flash through the horse's eyes. It skidded to a halt, and completely reared back on its hind legs, its midnight-black coat shining from sweat and sunlight. Despite the situation, Nanashi couldn't help but marvel at the strength and beauty the animal possessed. As it returned to all fours Nanashi reached out to the bridal; softly speaking the beast into a calm as he gently put pressure on the reins.

Once he had managed to get the animal still Kotaro, followed by Tobimaru, cautiously walked back to his side. "Easy now," Nanashi said as he gently stroked down the animals neck.

"Does it have a rider?" Kotaro asked.

"Looks like it. This bridle belongs to someone." He noticed Kotaro visibly deflate at that. We haven't had a horse since before we left Japan, and even though Kotaro would claim he just wanted to show off, Nanashi knew he really missed having another soul, be it human or animal, in their little group. "Come on. We should find his rider before sundown," Nanashi said as Kotaro nodded in agreement.

As they continued walking Nanashi and Kotaro looked at just how much damage the steed had done. People ran around, a lot like their loose animals, whose crates and cages had been smashed in the chaos. Fruits and vegetables scattered the street, most were either smashed into the gravel of the road or covered in mud and other unidentifiable sludges. Shop owners, and others who were caught in the crossfire shot us death glares as we traversed back up the ruined street. "Great, one day in this town, and we already found trouble," Nanashi and Kotaro unknowingly thought at the same time. Nanashi chose to ignore them while Kotaro, and even Tobimaru scowled and snarled back at the town's' people. Nanashi sighed and shook his head at his companions' antics. When he looked back ahead of him he spotted a young woman running in their direction.

She had full makeup on, but her cloths and hair were disarray. When she spotted Nanashi her steps faltered, but quickly fell back into rhythm. "Khan!" She yelled with relief. She immediately took the Reins from Nanashi, who gladly gave them to her. Satisfied that the horse had been returned to its owner, Nanashi kept walking and gestured for Kotaro, who stared at the woman in wonder, to follow suit. "Wait!" the woman yelled from behind them. Nanashi paused and turned his head in her direction. She stayed silent for a moment, and Nanashi started to walk away again when she spoke up once more. "Thank you for returning my horse."

Nanashi stopped completely and turned around. "Your welcome." The woman looked like she was contemplating something, causing Kotaro to watch attentively to see what would happen next.

"You look new to town. I-If you don't have anywhere to stay tonight you can come to my home. My mother would be glad to have more guests to try her food." The woman finished. Nanashi chuckled when he heard Kotaro's stomach growl at the mention of food.

"We would appreciate it…"

"Oh, ah Mulan. Fa Mulan," she said happily, brushing stray hairs away from her eyes, She walked ahead of the trio, motioning for them to follow.

"She's weird," Kotaro whispered to Nanashi.

"Hmm. How so?"

"She just doesn't seem like most of the women we've met before," Kotaro mumbled.

"She's offering us shelter and food. If she's weird then lets hope we meet more people like her." Nanashi finished.