The group now crossed through the route that Shang chose earlier. It was through bandit country so they had to keep a watchful eye. There was still a cloud sadness and silence over the group. Mushu did take into account how Mulan was sad but figured once she saw the bright side of things she'll be happy.

"Mulan I'm sorry." said Sora

"We're sorry as well." said Princess Ting Ting

"You inspired us to follow our hearts but we repaid you by ruining your relationship." said Princess Mei

"No you just open my eyes to see how broken it was. Sora, you were following the duty that was to your heart which what you've always done. I'm indebted to you for that. I'm in debt to you too Mei."

Mei and Sora held Mulan's hands in assurance as they all smiled before continuing on.

"Keep a sharp eye out this is bandit country." said Shang

Suddenly an idea came to Goofy which he told Donald and Kairi. They agreed to it.

"You know it's a shame that you fellas can't talk to the princesses."

"Yes it can't be helped since orders are orders."

They were confused but started to get the idea

"Yes, I do wish that we could talk to the princesses but orders are orders."

"But suppose you got to talk to them what would you say to them?"

"Well, I tell Ting Ting that she is the prettiest, funniest most extraordinary girl I've ever met."

Ting Ting smiled

"I would tell Princess Su that she is like fresh ginger on the rice bowl of my life."

Su giggled with a smile

"And I would tell Princess Mei that she's the one right babe."

Mei smiled while giggling a bit.

Kairi, Donald and Goofy nodded to one another. Riku walked next to Shang noticing him looking the half of necklace that Mulan's father gave him.

"You know," Riku started "In the past I thought Sora and I were different people. That caused a lot of problems and I felt like I could never face him again. But in the end the strength of our friendship prevailed through all those obstacles. I guess that applies for all relationships. You and Mulan aren't that different as you think you are."

Shang took Riku's words into consideration

"You're right."

Sora and Mulan walk close behind the group. Mulan was looking at the half of the necklace when Mushu came up with some food

"Say guys anyone want a little pickup?"

"My father said differences can make you stronger. He didn't realize Shang and I were too different."

"I'm sure things will work out. I just know it."

"Yeah Sora's right. After all you still got us the old team." He tried to smile as guilt was putting a heavy weigh on his mind

Mulan smiled "Thank you, Sora, Mushu. You're both my good friends."

'Oh you know I do the best I can."

"You're always doing that Mushu. You always look out for both of us."

"It's true they are some things we couldn't do without you."

Mushu was now starting to lose it as the kind words and the guilt of his wrongdoings took his toll on him. Then finally he cracked

"Oh I can't take it anymore! The only problem that is between you and Shang is me!"

"What are you talking about Mushu? It's not you made the carriage fall into the river."

"That was an accident. Honest. Of course there were other attempts on purpose."

"And….it wasn't you who was talking outside Shang's tent?"

"Well you know how I gab."

"And it was you woke Shang up after I left?"

"I'll tell you it wasn't easy. That guy can sleep."

"Mushu, what did you do?"asked Sora

"Well I was banging pots and pans-"

"No Mushu what did you do?" asked Mulan and Sora in unison.

"I confess! You were getting married and then Shang's guardians were going to watch over you. Everything was going to change! I was going lose you and my pedestal!"

"You mean you got between Mulan and Shang just so you can still be a guardian?"

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"What you did was unforgivable!"

"I may have forgiven for lying last time. But you can forget about this time!"

"Please guys you got to understand! Mulan, you and Shang are different."

Mulan realized something "Not as different as I thought. All those problems, they weren't us. They were you!"

Mushu cringed at that line

"Then Mulan you have to talk to Shang."

"You're right Sora. I will. I'm going to tell him how much I love him."

They started running

"Please guys I'm really sorry! I can help make things right."

"Be quiet you helped enough." Sora stuffed Mushu inside his pocket

As they approached the group, they were ambushed by bandits. Plus some Heartless appeared.

"Close rank! Save the princesses!"

"Shang I've got your back."

Shang nodded in reply

"We've got your back Sora." said Riku

"Right let's do it!"

They fought off the Heartless and the bandits with ease. Suddenly there were screams.

"The princesses!"

The bandits were trying to steal Princess Mei's gold bracelets but they would not come off. They decided to take her along. Everyone tried and stopped the bandits. However two made off with Princess Mei. Mulan, Shang, Sora and Riku gave chase as they crossed through a rickety old bridge. Shang tackled down the guard allowing Mei to escape and reunite with Yao and the others.

The bandits managed to escape and to make matters worse they cut the ropes of the bridge. The bridge toppled over. Everyone watched in horror.

Riku managed to hold onto the rope as the four hanged on for their lives. A part of the rope gave way causing to fly across and stop briefly. The rope was soon giving way.

"Everyone hang on tight!"

"Don't worry Shang, hang on."

"It won't hold us all."

"It will, it will Shang." said Mulan as tears started to fall

"Mulan…I'm sorry." Shang released her hand

"General Shang!"

"SHANG! SHANG!"

Shang plummeted until he was clear out of their sight.

As night and a rainstorm fell everyone mourned for the loss if their General, their leader. Riku blamed himself for a while for not being able to do something. Sora and the others assured him that it was not his fault. Mushu fell sad and watched Mulan as she stood outside in the rain. The one who was hurting the most was Mulan as she drove the sword into the ground and cried her eyes out.

She stood there all night up until morning. Everyone approached her slowly

"Fa Mulan, we're ready to go through with the wedding."

"No, your orders are to take care of each other."

Everyone was surprised at this. Sora however knew exactly what Mulan was thinking

"Guys look out for everyone here. I'm going with Mulan."

"…I understand." said Riku

"But…"

"I'll be fine. I know what Mulan is planning to do."

He went over to Mulan. They nodded at each other

"Losing Shang will not be meaningless. No matter what this mission must be completed."