Thanks for the reviews this chapter should be a little more interesting, well at least I hope...hehehe. Enjoy!

Chapter 2: Messages are sent

Shang had returned to his home that following morning and was not only greeted by his grateful mother but by his whole family. All the relatives wanted to hear the news about the big adventure. Even though tired he was glad to share his journey's tale. When it came to his father time was taken to pray and remember their loved one. His mother was proud of her son becoming Captain and was glad that he had returned home. "So...my son, word has gone out about this heroine Fa Mulan, and word has also reached my ears that you were her commanding officer were you not?"

"Yes I..."

"What a disgrace she must bring to her family now, all must know that she dressed like a man and joined the army. She will not have many or really any suitors." His Mother announced in disgust.

"Mother....."

"What? It's the truth."

"You know nothing about her and yet you are judging her. She saved all of China and even saved me and my men."

"So she did, but look at her now.... What she's going to have to go through, She broke tradition and the law many times for what just to join and try to become some hero?"

"She did it to save her father...if he would have gone there would be a good chance that he would not make it. So she took his spot and went into the army."

His mother looked at his with curiosity, and wonder. Her brow raised, "How come you know so much about her my son?"

"I..." he paused becoming red in the face. "We have become good friends and plus I find her quiet charming."

"Charming!? Charming!" She yelled, and waved her finger. "No son of mine is going to think a girl like that is CHARMING!"

Shang felt his heart being torn out of him, He was in raged that his mother thought of Mulan like this, when she knew nothing of her, only rumors of the great heroine. "Mother you can't tell me what to do or how to like..."

"Watch me.....You may be taking over this family now that your father risked his life to save China but do not forget that in this family you have to have everyone's approval in order for her to live here."

"I never even said for her to be living here!" He snapped. Even though he said nothing of it, he didn't want to admit that he truly had feelings for her.

"Shang...Do you think I'm stupid...I'm your mother, I can tell that you have something for this Mulan girl...But I'm sorry to say that she is not allowed here, in our home!" His mother ordered making it very clear that she did not want anything to do with her.

Shang stepped back in shame and disgust of his mother's actions and words, "What's gotten into you mother..."

"Nothing...I just want what's best for you and this family and she..."

"She did nothing!"

"Don't you dare raise your voice at me son! She is not the one for you and she will not fit here, nor society she has broken the law and will be looked down upon. What would your father think? After all that he has done for us.... For you!"

"It doesn't matter." His mother shuddered in hurt, even though Shang did not mean it in any way like that of which she had taken it. Shang sighed, "I didn't mean it...."

"If your father was here he would disown you. Because of your carelessness and misguiding he is dead!" His mother yelled. Shang knew that it wasn't his fault but to have his mother blame him for his fathers death was worse then anything else. His heart hurt and was beating faster and faster with rage and sadness. His mother was shaking and tears formed. He thought about comforting her knowing that she was just anger and upset about his father leaving this world, but he was too hurt to even look at her. "I'll arrange for a match to be made so you can run this house." She concluded then walked away.

Shang sat down and put his hands over his face and felt like he could just break out in rage. All he wished for was for his mother to understand and hopefully give Mulan a chance. But now that seemed like only a dream or a mistake.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted his moment of silence. He began to get up and walking to the door. His mother was at the door talking with Chi Fu. He walked swiftly over with confusion written all over his face. He mother looked at Shang with sadness and worry. "What is this all about?"

"You need to report back to the Palace the Emperor wishes to speak to you about the new matter at hand." Chi Fu announced as to why he was there.

"What do you mean the new matter at hand? What's happened?" Shang asked.

"Mongol forces have raised and are now invading China. You must leave now and go straight over to the Emperor."

"But he just returned, he can't leave yet." His mother protested.

"Mother....." He turned to her and held her hand despite everything that was said. "I must..."

His mother nodded and watched as Shang turned back over to Chi Fu. "I'll be on my way soon..."

"Good...me and my men will go gather the others and Mulan, The Emperor wishes for her to be back in army hoping to bring another victory to this country." Chi Fu said in more unlikely tone. Shang nodded and tried to keep himself from smiling. Chi Fu bowed down and made his way to his horse again. Shang closed the door and walked past his mother and other relatives who stood beside her now noticing what the situation was all about.

He gathered his things, and placed them in his bag and suited up in his fine armor. His mother walked up beside him and stared at him with teary eyes. He ignored her proving to her that he was hurt with what he words did to him. "Shang.... What does this mean?"

"I'm going back to war...," He said simply.

"With her?" She said rolling her eyes at him.

Shang turned sharply to her and stared her down, "She is what brought me and many men home and she'll do it again." He finished packing then carried it out to his white stallion and latched it on to the back of his saddle and mounted up on his stallion's back. He gathered up his reins and took a one last look at his mother and the rest of his family. He nodded and said his good-byes and told them he would be back soon.

He never liked leaving, especially now since he has just gotten back home. He hated the fact that he was still in a fight with his mother. It made leaving even harder knowing that they were still in a fight and not better. He would have apologized but he knew that it would not change anything about what she said. He sighed heavily and pressed his heels against his horse and got him into a gallop straight on down to the path that would take him to the Palace.

Entering the great hall was all too familiar and too soon. He dismounted and handed his horse to one of the solders that insisted he took Shang's horse and hold him. He began to walk up the many stairs, which he had done only a day, or two ago. All was still in pieces and being cleaned up from when Mulan set Shan Yu straight into the fireworks and killing him.

The doors opened and Shang walked proudly in; he was escorted by another solder that took him to the Emperor who was now walking down from his chair over to him. "Leave us...." the Emperor ordered. After the solder left the Emperor sighed heavily in aghast. "I'm sorry to bring you hear so soon...but as Chi Fu probably told you...we're in war again but this time with the Mongols. They have already reached China and word is out that they are on the move and fast. I need you to take your men and stop them before they kill."

"I am promoting you as General, you have proved to me that you are capable and strong enough to lead my men."

"Yes sir. Thank you sir" Shang bowed down in gratitude.

"Plus I hope Mulan is willing to fight for me again, So if you may would you go to her village and take her with you, that is if she is willing to go back." The Emperor asked.

"Gladly sir."

The drums echoed through the sky sending all the men and women to the open. Seeing Chi Fu there brought chills down their bones again, they all feared for the worst. Mulan and her family opened their door and saw Chi Fu and sharpened their eyes watching and listening to what he was about to say. "China is under attack and we need all eligible men to come fight." He began to call off the names once again. Each man took it with out complain and returned to their originally spots. "Fa Mulan!" Everyone's eyes turned to her. She began to walk slowly up to Chi Fu to get the message when he father pulled her back. Mulan looked at her father with bewildered eyes.

"Chi Fu...May I speak on her behalf?"

Chi Fu seemed confused himslef but allowed it, "Carry on..."

"My daughter will not be joining the army again, you can tell the Emperor that as well.."

"What? But Baba?"

"No buts.... You are staying home and that is that. You have other things you have to get done here besides going into battle." Fa Zhou said not wanting to argue it with his daughter. "Is this clear Chi Fu?"

"Uh...yes...yes it is."

"Good...." Fa Zhou walked back with Mulan trailing behind him. He closed the door and walked to the front door.

"Baba.... What's going on? The Emperor needs me out in the battle fields...."

"Well we need you here.... If you haven't realized you need to still see the matchmaker, she wishes to see you as soon as possible and since your last incident and you joining the army she know is going to be giving you personal lessons making sure you do everything right this time."

"But I don't want to go!" She protested then running away to the back near the back of the gardens where the bench and the blossom tree was. She fell to her knees and began to cry. The world seemed to be unfair to her all over again. Not only that but she feared for Shang knowing that he was going to be leading his troops back into battle and she wasn't going to be there and help.

Soooooo what do you think? I hope this was longer for you all? Hehehe next Chapter is probably going to be a real sad one.... Sorry, but I have to! Lol. Please review thanks!