Chapter 11
Kim and Ron had ridden their horses alongside Mulan and Shang for most of the journey, while Ling, Yao, and Chien-Po had taken turns driving the wagon for the princesses. Kim couldn't help but overhear some of Mulan's conversations with Shang, which were getting increasingly tense.
"It's not fair," Mulan spat, "why are princesses being used as pawns?"
"Because that's politics for you." Shang put his hand on Mulan's hand, as their horses were fairly close, but Mulan snatched it away.
So not a good sitch, thought Kim, but decided to keep it to herself. What she couldn't keep to herself was a frown.
"KP?" Ron's familiar nickname broke the teen hero from her sulking. "Why the face?"
"What face?" Kim didn't realize it, but she and Ron were pretty much recreating a conversation Mulan had with Shang earlier on the journey.
"That face." Ron chuckled.
"This is my face." Kim answered.
"Come on, KP, we've known each other since Pre-K," pointed Ron, "what's wrong?"
Kim sighed. "I'm worried about the team. Mulan and Shang are having more lover's quarrels, and you've been acting… I dunno, awkweird."
"I can explain, KP. Mulan's grandma gave me a special tea. Ever since I drank it, I've been having visions. And the bandits that attacked us…"
"Ron, you were unconscious during that!" gasped Kim.
"My eyes were closed, but I could see everything. Like I was playing a first-person game. One of the bandits got hit with an arrow, and right before they died, they said they were working for Galyn Khaan."
"Didn't we kick his Hunny bun?" A familiar voice questioned from Kim's pack.
"Mushu!" Kim groaned. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to protect Mulan!" Mushu shrugged. "After all, she's a girl worth fighting for, and I'm her guardian!"
"Then go and hang out with her! She could use your help right about now." Kim gestured to Mulan, who was facing away from Shang with a scowl.
"Heh, wouldn't want her to throw me in the river…" Mushu twiddled his claws. That seemed suspicious, but neither Kim nor Ron pushed it.
"Anyway…" said Ron, "he's resistant to fire and extreme heat, remember? He probably survived the battle at the forest lair and came back here to plot his next move."
"But he can't be everywhere." reasoned Kim. "That's probably why he hired bandits."
"And in the city," added Ron, "I sensed someone was following us to the palace, someone with strong magic."
"So…" Kim began, "he's got bandits, a sorcerer, and possibly the surrounding territories."
Ron fell silent again. "Surrounding territories is right. I had a vision of Qui Gong in the imperial throne room… I think Galyn Khaan is an advisor to Lord Chin, because he knows the tribes and the area."
"Oh no!" Kim put two and two together. "We have to warn Mulan and Shang!"
"Like they'll listen," scoffed Mushu, "too busy arguing."
"Look, this could work for both of them." said Ron. "Shang will find out the princesses are in danger. He'd sooner fall off a high bridge than fail to duty to protect them."
"And Mulan will be happy to know that the mission might be called off because of said danger." finished Kim.
Still, Kim grimaced at the thought of Shang falling off a high bridge. Even though Mulan seemed to be going through a rough patch with Shang, Kim knew that the relationship was something special. Mulan and Shang shared a bond forged by the fires and avalanches, richer than gold and stronger than steel. And if Shang died, Mulan would likely slit her chest, baring her heart that beat only for her beloved General.
Then there goes our expanded team, thought Kim, and not only that, but two of my closest friends.
She shook her head. Nothing was going to happen. Right?
TO BE CONTINUED...
