five days later
Shang and Mulan (now Ping) rode into the army camp. The men looked around and saluted as the general rode by.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Mulan muttered to herself.
"You know you can do it, girl." A familiar voice said. She looked around and saw a bright red dragon come out of her saddle bag. She quickly looked around to make sure no one was looking.
"What are you doing here?" Mulan whispered.
"I'm your guardian ain't I?" Mushu said crossing his arms.
"Ok, ok. Stay hidden."
"Captain Ping!" Mulan looked around and saw Shang motioning for her.
"Yes, General?"
"These are some of the newer recruits." Shang said motioning to the scraggly group in front of him. "I would like for you to teach them the ropes." Shang sent Mulan a smile.
"Yes, General." She said smiling back.
"I also got you some help." Shang turned and motioned as three men came into view.
"Guys!" Ping Exclaimed. She was then pulled into a monster hug.
"Can't breathe." She heard a gravelly voice complain. As she was sat on the ground She looked at Yao, Ling and Chien-Po.
"Good to see you guys."
"You too, Ping" Ling said elbowing her.
"What do we do first, captain?" Chien-Po asked.
"How about a challenge of strength?" The four looked at each other and grinned.
"Perfect." Yao said cracking his fingers.
Shang was in his tent looking over some war strategies that had been used in the past.
"So, General. Who's the new captain?" Shang looked up at the questioner. He was sure he had never seen this guy before.
"And who are you?" He asked standing to his feet. The man was a good six inches taller than him.
"Captain Mar Don, sir."
"Mar Don. I don't think I've ever met you."
"No, Sir. I'm from a different regiment."
"Well, welcome.".
"Thank you, General." He then looked out the door to where Ping was working his men. "So…" He said nodding out the door.
"Captain Fa Ping is one of my former men." Shang began. "He helped defeat Shan Yu."
"Very impressi…" The man looked at Shang. "Did you say 'Fa?'"
"Yes I did."
"You mean THE Fa Zhou? I didn't know Fa had a son."
"Neither did I till about a year ago."
"Nice." The man looked from Shang to Ping then back. "Good day, General." He then bowed and left.
"Oh boy." Shang muttered to himself. "Ping is gonna have some trouble."
At lunch that day
"So, Captain Ping." Ping looked up and saw a man towering over him.
"Yes, sir?"
"I am Captain Mar Don."
"Pleasure to meet you."
"May I Have a seat." He said motioning to the ground beside Ping.
"Sure." Ping watched as Mar Don sat and looked around.
"So I hear you are Fa Zhou's son." He began.
"I am."
"Wow. That must be a heavy burden to bear?"
"Why?"
"Well…" Mar Don looked around. "Your father was an amazing fighter. The best anyone had ever known. Those are big shoes to fill."
"Tell me about it." Ping said rolling his eyes. "Did you know my father?"
"A little. I've heard amazing stories about him though."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Well. I'll let you finish your grub." He stood to leave. "Talk to you later."
"See you later." Ping watched as Mar Don walked away.
"I'm glad he left. I was about to fire his pants or something." Mushu said as he came slinking out of Ping's pocket.
"Mushu!"
"What… That guy scares me."
"That guy scares you. My guardian." Ping said trying to hide a chuckle.
"I'm just watching out for you." Mushu said defensively.
"Of course." Ping said with a smile. He then finished his food in silence.