Chapter 11.0

I breathed deeply.

I am beginning to think that Mulan hasn't fully thought this through.

"You have to suck in," said Ling.

"Okay, on three," gasped Mulan, "One, two, three!"

I pulled on one arm with Ling as Mulan gripped the other with Yao.

Ling cried, "Suck in, suck in, suck in!"

"Think light—!"

Yao was cut off as Chien-Po fell in, landing on all of our legs.

"—thoughts."

I chuckled, despite the situation. If only the Emperor could see his only hope now. He just might not want to be saved. It had taken us four attempts to free Chien-Po from the window.

"Sorry," said the large warrior as he stood.

"Did you tear the dress?" At Mulan's prompting, the warrior turned in a circle while the rest of us searched for major tares. And after a moment, the one true woman sighed. "It looks unharmed."

"Let's go beat some Huns," said Yao before cracking his neck.

Mulan nodded before racing into the long corridor. She glanced back and forth, looking utterly lost if not a little frantic. "Which way?"

Simultaneously, Yao and Ling shouted, "That way!"

But then they realized that both were pointing in the opposite direction and yelled, "Why that way? You don't know what you're talking about!"

I resisted bouncing on the balls of my feet like a child, as I watched the two who were half a breath away from throwing a fist. It was impossible to believe just then that these two were the best in many of their classes. Unable to keep myself from rolling my eyes, I took off down a hallway. "This way," I called.

I prayed, to whoever may be listening, that I remembered the way. I had not set foot into the palace since youth! I paused, glancing out a window. All the hallways looked identical so far. It felt like we had run in circles, but upon inspection of the outdoors, it seemed that were making progress (whether it be good or bad had yet to be determined).

Mulan stepped up. "Where would they hold him?"

"Somewhere that everyone would see—" I started, but Mulan interrupted me, pointing out the window.

"There! That has to be it!"

I looked over her head to see a large balcony that faced the people. It was a place where the Emperor stood to greet and address the people. The more that I thought about it, the more that it made sense. Even more so, I could see a shadow walking across the roof, heading for the balcony.

"Come," I said urgently, "this way."

We ran down many halls, taking many turns. It felt like we had run forever, but it was only for a few seconds. Though my memory of the palace was unclear, I knew that we were close. I put out my arm, signaling them to slow down.

I began to glance around each corner before we turned. It was the right decision, for at the fifth corner, I found them.

Even in the low lantern light, I could make out Shan-Yu's men.

I turned back to my group of ladies. "What is the plan?"

"First of all," she said in a soft voice, "how many are there?"

"Five. Four swordsmen and one archer," I replied without hesitation.

I watched as Mulan's brow furrowed. Again, I wondered if she had fully thought this through, but then she whispered, "We will play as concubines."

And, I am sorry to say, that after my tiring journey I was left with only adrenaline as my energy, leaving my mind to my imagination's mercy. And so, in that moment when the critical part of her plan was revealed, I had only one thing to say…

"What?"

"Um, well, not you… But, I mean, you could if you wanted to," she paused, seeming to realize what she had just uttered, "but I am not saying that you would!"

I blinked a few times. She looked…flustered.

I could see my men trading looks out of the corner of my eye.

Of course, my courteous instincts, that I had beaten into me as a youth, made a show; and I was speaking before I even realized it. I am still saving damsels, mother.

"As long as it gets us in, it will suffice. But I will stay back here," I made sure to meet her gaze, "When the coast is clear, give the word."

Mulan smiled, the action drawing my attention to her lips.

"What about an escape?" Ling blurted, "The Emperor is not exactly known for his fast feet."

I blinked, the trance breaking, like a spell that was lifted. Chien-Po raised a hand near his painted face. "I could carry him," he said.

Mulan nodded, thinking rapidly from the looks of it.

"Must we wear the sashes? It's hot," said Yao in his rumbling voice, using both hands to open the delicate fan to cool himself.

"That's it," said Mulan, straightening, "Yao, you are brilliant."

"Yeah…" trailed the soldier with a grin, but then he seemed puzzled, "Huh?"

"These," she said, holding up her sash, "this will be our escape plan."

I was about to interject at the absurd notion, but she held up a hand to silence me.

"Here me out. There are ropes that hold lanterns tied to that balcony. Using these sashes, all we have to do is slide down."

She met each of their gazes before coming back to mine.

"But if the ropes don't hold—" Again, she interrupted me. "They will."

"But what if they don't?"

"It is a risk that I am willing to take," she whispered, "Don't worry, it will work."

We will see, I thought, knowing that we could not waste any more time. Mulan stepped past me, removing her fan and glancing around the corner. It fully dawned on me just how crazy this plan truly was. So many things could go wrong! I practically bit my tongue to keep from objecting any more than I already had. It seemed that knowing Mulan's identity was becoming more and more of an issue for me. There was a part of me that knew she had the training, but then there was a part that wanted to keep her out of it all, to protect her. This was why women were kept out of the army; she was messing with my head, and she wasn't even doing anything!

The troublesome girl, that was seemingly the cause for everything complicated in my life, turned back to us. "Okay, any questions?"

Yao looked down at the red dress that he wore. "Does this dress make me look fat?"

I could not help it, but any explanation would sound like an excuse. I could lie to you all, but it is not worth it. I hit him. Yes, I hit my soldier, but even getting into his face would not have made a difference in the situation that we were in. Now was not the time to make jokes, not when the Emperor's life was held in the balance.

And so, in the end, I head slapped Yao, which I had planned on doing for a long time, actually. What I had not planned on was Ling slapping him on the cheek, as well. In short, the sound of the hit was louder than I had anticipated, and I winced.

"Ow!"

I could see Mulan watching us with a crooked smile. But it all turned suddenly serious as she whispered, "Alright, when we head out, giggle like a girl if you can. Try anything that you have seen women do. All that we have to do is distract them until we are close enough to attack. Ready? Fans open."

Once again, I found myself biting my tongue. I did not have a better plan, and so there was no reason for me to stop them. What if this is a mistake? A fear of mine came to mind. It should be me going out there and distracting them. I squeezed my eyes shut. What if one of them gets killed?

I opened my eyes to already find them gone, female laughter echoing off the walls. Whatever doubt that I held had to be set aside, because it was too late.

If I intervene now, I will blow their cover.

Sliding down to the corner, I peeked, watching, praying that I would not have to bury one of my men… or her.

Alright, I am very confused. Is Chien Po supposed to have a dash in the middle or not? I have seen it spelled both ways. Well, if any of you know, please say because I am very unsure.

This chapter was for the awesome and amazing Elliette, Miss Anly, Icannotwait, creepyLotRfangirl55, vampyrelover2, KC-Z, SnowWhiteWithKnives, HorseStar1, WolfishMoon, NatariiGrace, Cakedecorator, M, Artemis's Bow, goanago, and Cheetara 7!

My editor seems to be on vacation, so if you see anything VERY wrong, please let me know!

I love you all!