The night has fallen, and the soldiers were all sitting outside their tents, by the fires warming themselves. Ling, Cricket, Yao, and Po sat together as they discussed the untimely departure of their two friends. The Fifth Battalion is set out to travel back to the Imperial Palace the next day. Although it was a sign of the end of the war, Ling, Po, Yao, and Cricket wasn't feeling glad about it as they should be, mainly because of the sad fate of their comrades, Hua Mulan and Chen Honghui.
"Honghui was expulsed too?" asked Po frowning as he sat down beside Ling. "No sight of him anywhere."
"I expect so," Ling sighed. "Surprising that the superiors were so discreet about his expulsion."
"Agreed," Yao said gruffly.
"This is so right and wrong at the same time," Cricket said.
"How so?" asked Yao.
"Lying is wrong," Cricket said. "But Mulan did it for such a selfless reason."
"I wonder how are those two doing right now," wondered Yao.
"Wherever there are, I hope they are alright," Po said as he stared into the fire.
"Well, they should be. The war is over, thanks to them," Ling said.
"Yeah, you're right. We just defeated the entire Rourans army, didn't we?" asked Po.
"Well, it doesn't feel like a victory at all," Yao said sighingly. "Plus, it was the avalanche that Mulan and Honghui caused that took them out. We did nothing."
"You're right Yao," Cricket agreed. "It doesn't."
"Nothing about this feels right," Ling sighed as he looked into the fire blankly. Soon, silence took over the four.
The silence was then broken by sounds of murmuring and the sounds of galloping horses that were growing louder and louder. Naturally, the soldier's head turned to look at the riders who rode into the garrison. None of them had expected one of them to be Hua Mulan. Murmurs grew within the soldiers as Mulan and Honghui got down from their horses hurryingly.
"Mulan? Honghui?" Cricket murmured in disbelief.
"They're back?" Yao asked surprised, not believing his eyes.
"They are going to get themselves killed," grimaced Ling as he muttered, looking at Mulan and Honghui.
The soldiers that were sitting outside the tents gathered in front of Honghui and Mulan, muttering and eyeing them curiously. Yao, Ling, Po, and Cricket came out of the crowd and hurried towards their friends.
"What is with all this commotion?" asked Sergeant Qiang loudly as he came out of his tent before he saw Mulan. "That witch," Sergeant Qiang snarled before he rushed towards Commander Tung's tent.
"Honghui… Hua… I mean Mulan," Ling said, greeting the two. 'What are you two doing back here?" asked Ling frantically.
"Yeah, you both know that you're going to be executed for-" added Cricket.
"Yes, we know, we know," Mulan interrupted hurryingly with her normal voice that was still a surprise to her other four comrades, given that she has spent so much time around them using her disguised voice. "Where is the commander? We need to warn-"
"What is going on out here?" asked Commander Tung loudly as he walked out of his tent with Sergeant Qiang standing beside him, already prepared to draw out his sword as the two superiors advanced towards Honghui and Mulan.
"Soldiers get away from these two traitors," Sergeant Qiang ordered firmly as he and Commander Tung moved towards them. The four comrades moved away from Mulan and Honghui swiftly but still kept a close distance.
Honghui felt Mulan shudder a little when the two officials walked towards them, Honghui grasped her hand. "Don't worry, I'll protect you," Honghui whispered, affirmingly. Mulan turned towards Honghui, smiling as she nodded her head before letting go of Honghui's hands. "I'll be fine Honghui, don't do anything." Mulan turned towards the commander.
"What is the meaning of this?" asked Commander Tung, his voice was showing anger while Sergeant Qiang glared at the two, more specifically, at Mulan, who knelt before them.
"Commander Tung, I come with a warning," Mulan began cautiously, knowing that a wrong word or a wrong move would be enough to get her executed without mercy. "We must ride to the Emperor; his life is in grave danger."
"What nonsense are you even talking about? The Emperor's life has never been safer, witch," Sergeant Qiang spat angrily, already prepared to draw his sword.
"That is what Bori Khan wants you to believe," Mulan answered pleadingly, looking at her former superiors faces, she knew that they weren't convinced at all. "Please, you have to listen to me," Mulan pleaded, the emotion and desperateness in her voice were clear to her comrades. However, Commander Tung and Sergeant Qiang were still looking at the pair specifically, their emotions unreadable. "Commander Tung, please, I'm telling the truth I swear."
"And why should we believe you, witch?" asked Sergeant Qiang angrily, looking at the girl. "You lied and infiltrated our camp for who knows what reason, probably a spy for the Rourans as well. Commander? Permission to execute them?" asked Sergeant Qiang firmly.
Mulan gulped and turned to look at Honghui, who looked back at her with the same worried expression. Now more desperate than ever, she turned back and faced the commander before he could come to a conclusion. "Kill me if you must. But first, listen to me, please, I beg of you." Commander Tung's icy glare turned towards the pair with his expression still unreadable. Honghui tightens his grip on his sword, prepared to protect Mulan, glaring at Sergeant Qiang. Soft murmurs came from the crowd around them as they were waiting for Commander Tung to come to a verdict.
Mulan knew that time was running out, Bori Khan and Xian Lang might already be close to the Imperial Palace. She couldn't afford to wait any longer. "The garrison attacks were just a distraction," Mulan spoke right as Sergeant Qiang was about to move forward. The sergeant stopped his movements upon hearing Mulan's words. Murmurings grew from the crowd around them, presumably surprised by the revelation. Mulan felt relieved and she realized that they were listening to her, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Khan has our army focused on the Silk Road so he can sneak into the Imperial Palace with Xia-, the witch and his troops of Shadow Warriors to kill the Emperor," Mulan continued to speak. Now, the soldiers standing around them were muttering to each other, trying to process the information they just learned.
"Those crooks are still alive?" Yao murmured.
"What? I thought it was over," Cricket muttered surprised.
"It is. There is no way the battalion is going to catch up to them in time to save the Emperor," Ling answered worryingly.
"You think they are telling the truth?" asked Po, but his firm voice already shown the answer in his mind.
"I know they are," Ling answered firmly. Looking at Commander Tung, his facial expressions softened a little, but they were still unreadable. Sergeant Qiang has completely changed, he was now looking worried.
"Bori Khan is far ahead, the Imperial Army can't stop him now," Mulan said. "We wouldn't be able to reach the Imperial City in time in such a large group. But, perhaps a small, well-trained force could when employed properly, 4 ounces can move 1000 pounds," Mulan finished, standing back up on her feet, facing the commander who was not convinced by Mulan's words, but Mulan could see a flicker of change in his expression before it was replaced by the same unreadable expression once more.
After a short while, Commander Tung turned to Sergeant Qiang. "Only a foolish man listens to someone whose very existence is nothing but a lie. Sergeant, hand me the sword, I will kill this liar myself." Sergeant Qiang turned and handed the sword in his hand over to the commander as he commanded. Honghui, knowing that Mulan's life is now in danger, quickly moved forward, standing in front of the girl as he held up his sword. "Honghui, don't," Mulan hushed urgently but Honghui only cared about one thing, protecting Mulan. Commander Tung, held the sword in his hands, turning towards the pair. Yao, Ling, Po, Cricket all turned to look at each other worryingly, the commander was about to execute them.
"If you would believe Hua Jun then, then why do you not believe Hua Mulan now?" asked Honghui, standing in between Mulan and the commander. "She risked everything by revealing her true identity, for what? Just to protect all of us. She could've just let us die out there. She could have run away, but she didn't. She, a woman, is braver than any men here. And she is the best warrior amongst us. I believe Hua Mulan, and you all should too."
"And why should we believe you?" Commander Tung threateningly. Honghui was already prepared to defend themselves, but he wasn't expecting to hear the voice of his comrades.
"What differences does it make if they have lied? They are the reason that we still live today," Ling voiced out, knowing that voicing out like this would probably end up with him getting a severe punishment, but he will still do it anyway, not wanting to sit on the sidelines as something as unjust as this happens in front of his eyes. Commander Tung was taken by surprise as well, he stopped as Ling with Yao, Po, and Cricket, walked to the front of Mulan and Honghui, standing between them and the commander.
"We all owe them our lives," Cricket added firmly, as he made a move forward as the other three followed suits, facing the commander.
"They helped us lead us, taught us so much, it should already prove that they are loyal to the Imperial army," Po added.
"Why else would they willing to risk execution and return here? They are telling the truth. They could have gone on and left us, but they didn't, this proved their loyalty and sincerity to the Imperial Army, by being true," Ling finished. "We believe Hua Mulan and Chen Honghui."
Commander Tung looked at the group for a long while, as his facial expressions softened, lowering his sword, he gestured for the other 4 soldiers to stand aside, which they did so, but still kept a close distance from their comrades. "Hua Mulan, Chen Honghui, your actions have brought disgrace and dishonor to this regiment, this kingdom, and your families. Especially you, Hua Mulan. But… your loyalty and bravery are without question," Commander Tung commented as he walked closer towards the woman. "You will lead us as we ride to the Imperial City," Commander Tung said, nodding before turning around.
Mulan and Honghui both couldn't feel more grateful as the commander turned around and headed back to his tent to prepare. Mulan couldn't believe it, after all that happened, she was still alive and well. She couldn't feel more fortunate to have Honghui and such a supportive group of friends. Mulan was so overwhelmed with gratitude as she looked at Honghui, who smiled back at her.
"So, what do we do now? Mulan" asked Yao turning towards Mulan.
"Are you all coming as well?" asked Honghui smiling, as he was as relieved as Mulan was.
"After what you two did for us? Count us in," Ling said encouragingly. "So, Mulan, what now?" asked Ling as the men turned to her.
"Ready the horses, we ride out in a short while," Mulan said, she couldn't help but smile. Things were working out for her in the best way possible.
The entire battalion got to work, preparing to move to the Imperial City as a backup, while Mulan, Honghui, Ling, Po, Yao, and Cricket headed to the stables to get their horses. It was now just remaining Honghui and Mulan as they prepared for battle.
"Mulan, I… know that this was probably not the best time to ask this. But, just in case, I don't make it out alive tomorrow… I've been meaning to ask you something," Honghui said as Mulan was entered the stables. There was no one here but them. "What will you do after the war ended?" asked Honghui.
"To be honest," Mulan sigh smiling at Honghui, he was right. It wasn't the best time to be talking about something like that. "I never thought that someone would be able to help me make it this far. So, I never really thought about the question. What about you?" asked Mulan. It was probably not the best time to have a conversation at that moment, but Mulan couldn't help but ask.
"Hmm… I'm not sure, I could go back to my family and help at their farms," Honghui said. "But I never thought that I would meet you, so now, I'm not sure," Honghui said. "What about us? After all of this?" asked Honghui.
"We can talk about this when we survive this," Mulan said turning to leave, realizing that they were getting distracted from what they were supposed to be doing.
"We will survive this, Mulan, trust me," Honghui promised firmly. "At least, I will make sure you do. I won't let you get hurt like last time again."
"No… Honghui, don't say it like that, I can't imagine my life without you," Mulan answered shakily as a scene of Honghui's dead body lying lifelessly on the ground formed in her mind. Mulan clutched Honghui's hands. "I love you."
"I know," Honghui responded, the two has gone through this part enough times to know that. However, this time, he was the one that pulled Mulan in for the kiss. As if this was the last time they will get to be together, he
Mulan's knee gave in a little, taken by surprise as Honghui kissed her. It took a short while for the woman to respond to his actions as their lips brushed together, feeling each other warmness as they embraced. It was when they finally parted then they realized a person standing at the front of the tent, looking at them quietly.
"Ling! How long have you been there?' asked Honghui surprised as Mulan flushed, hiding her face in embarrassment.
"Well, long enough," Ling answered. "Are you two quite done?" asked Ling smirkingly as he leaned against the walls of the shed casually, looking at his two friends smirking. "We have a battle to fight."
"Ah We- are… this," Mulan stuttered nervously, looking at Honghui then at Ling awkwardly.
"Don't worry, I won't tell the commander," Ling said. "But something tells me that they already know as well." Ling eyed the two smirkingly as he folded his arms.
Mulan shared an awkward glance with Honghui before turning to leave the stable.
"So, you got the girl?" asked Ling chucklingly towards Honghui after Mulan has left.
"Shut up, Ling," Honghui sighed smilingly at Mulan who had left the tent to tend to her horse.
"Got to hand it to you, brother. I never noticed it before, but she looks beautiful," Ling commented.
"Yeah, yes, she does," Honghui agreed as he turned back to prepare his horses.
After the group prepared themselves, Mulan, Honghui, Ling, Yao, Po, Cricket, Sergeant Qiang, and Commander Tung ride towards the Imperial Palace as fast as possible while the Fifth Battalion followed them at a slower pace due to their large numbers. The journey was mostly quiet as the group rode hastily, neither of them talked to the other, knowing that the fate of the entire kingdom is at risk.
As Mulan rode, leading the group towards the Imperial Palace alongside Honghui. It gave her quite a bit of time to reflect on her life so far as her mind dwindled upon the question that Honghui proposed to her. "What do I want to do after the war?" Mulan wondered. It was probably not the best time to think about this question right now, but she couldn't help but think about it.
It was indeed a good question that the woman never thought about. If she survives this, what then? What does she do? How would she live out the rest of her life? Mulan has never really thought about this question before. It was probably because she didn't expect to last this long in the war and was so sure that she would die fighting on the battleground. If someone has asked Mulan this question before she joined, Mulan would probably say that she would return to her family, beg them for forgiveness and act like none of this ever happened, and probably live with her parents till their deaths as she was certain that no men would want to marry a woman like her. But now, after meeting Honghui, it was a completely different story.
Ever since Honghui and Mulan shared their first kiss, Mulan has been thinking about having a married life with the man that helped her and cared for her so deeply, but ultimately, she still wasn't sure if a married life was what she truly wanted. Her feelings told her time and time again that she isn't like the other women. They were good at what women should be good at, cooking, sewing, being a good housewife. But she, she was pretty sure that fate has bounded her to be different, how can she be a good wife if she wasn't good at all of these?
Then, the question of children came into Mulan's mind. Mulan has never thought about marriage before meeting Honghui, let alone bearing a child. She may be good with her sword, she may be a good fighter, but will she be a good mother? That was what worries Mulan the most when the thought of marriage and childbirth came to her mind. Would she want to bring a child into this world? Sure, Honghui may be in love with her. But Mulan felt a lingering fear of not living up to Honghui's expectations as a wife. Mulan wasn't sure of the answer herself, mostly trying to distract herself from the questions in her mind by looking forward, trying to remind herself that it wasn't yet the time to focus on these questions.
Honghui was feeling troubled. Mostly because he was worried for Mulan's safety. Flashbacks of the last battle he and Mulan fought caught up to the man. Honghui remembered that moment when the witch was about to strike him down, then Mulan came in, taking the hit for Honghui, injuring herself in the process.
Honghui always thought that it should've been the other way around. Mulan shouldn't even need to protect him and risk herself getting hurt in the process. Honghui didn't want that, he would gladly take an arrow for Mulan, if it meant her being safe, but he knew that Mulan wouldn't be too happy about it but, as long as Mulan, his rival turned the love of his life is safe and well, anything would be worth it.
Honghui hadn't thought about marriage after his miserable failure back in the village. He came from a poor family, one of the unpopular families in the village. He has never really thought to meet a girl that would see him as he is, not for the money or value. But marriage itself was a good question, what do they do after they get married? Live out their lives in a village? Conceive a child? Would Mulan want that? Honghui shook her head, realizing that he wasn't focusing on more important matters.
As Mulan, Honghui, Yao, Ling, Chien Po, Cricket, Commander Tung, Sergeant Qiang, and the other soldiers rode into the grounds of the Imperial City hurryingly. They all soon realized that something was not right.
"Where are all the guards?" Commander Tung wondered in distress as he looked around.
"No sight of any of the Imperial Guards," Sergeant Qiang commented as they hurried towards the palace. "There should be some guards patrolling the city areas close to the palace," Sergeant Qiang said.
"Everything seems alright to me," Cricket said, looking around relaxed. "No enemies in sight."
"Be careful, it is just the calm before the storm," Commander Tung warned as they walked cautiously, headed towards the palace. "Be ready for anything."
As the group moved through the Imperial City and towards the palace, the lack of guards was starting to become worrying. Despite, some of the group feeling that everything is alright, both Mulan and Honghui felt that it was too quiet as if something big was about to happen.
As the group hurried towards the place, Mulan noticed Honghui suddenly turned sharply and looked in a direction. "Honghui, what is it?" asked Mulan as she turned, looking in the same direction as Honghui, the group took notice of this. "Honghui?"
"N- nothing, I thought I saw something," Honghui shrugged as he turned back. "Let's move forward."
As the small group moved close to the palace, they realized that something was very wrong. The gates were open, and there was still no Imperial Guards in sight. "The gates are open," Commander Tung realized. "Something is very wrong."
"Stay alert," Mulan warned as the group moved closely and entered the open gate. As they walked into the building, when they walked into the grounds of the barracks, it was then they saw the Imperial Guards, standing information. Standing on the garrison walls was the chancellor himself
"What is everyone doing here?" muttered Honghui puzzled.
"Everyone is here, wait… Chancellor Lee?" Commander Tung questioned as he noticed the chancellor who was looking down at them, in a somewhat smirkingly manner, until he turned and noticed the familiar and unmistakable woman with them, red attired, with her hair, let down.
"No," the chancellor muttered as his smile turned into a frown. Suddenly, a huge flock of dark birds burst from the man and flew up into the air, casting a shadow over the Imperial Palace.
"Xian Lang," Mulan muttered, immediately recognizing the flock. "It's the witch!" Honghui said loudly, drawing the attention towards them. The soldiers then dispersed from their formation, shocked by the sudden darkness that covered them.
Suddenly, a loud sound of metal moving, and banging could be heard. The group turned around quickly only to find a closed door. It was then when they realized that it was a trap. Someone has closed them in from the outside. Before Mulan could process what to do, sounds of people moving and footsteps could be heard, the small group turned back and saw a group of masked warriors, wearing dark, scaling down the walls skillfully with the flock of birds long gone and the chancellor nowhere to be found.
"It's an ambush!" Sergeant Qiang said as he drew out his sword, prepared to strike. "The Rourans!"
"Someone needs to get to the Emperor," Commander Tung said urgently as he gripped his sword firmly as one of the enemies charged towards them.
"I will go," Mulan volunteered quickly, exchanging glances with the commander who just nodded confidently, a gesture for her to go.
"As will I," Honghui added, exchanging a glance with Mulan.
"Go! We will cover the both of you," Yao grunted urgently as he blocked off an attack from one of the enemies. Mulan and Honghui turned towards each other and nodded, this was it, the battle begins.
Xian Lang scowled silently as she flew towards the Emperor's throne room, as she left her 'students' to take care of the problem at hand, it wasn't like she cared whether they lived or died, after all, they were supposed to just be pawns in her plan. The older woman was visibly annoyed that Mulan just had to get back to the battalion and warn them about their plan and attack, trying to ruin her plans.
Truth be told, Xian Lang felt surprised that Mulan could pull off such a feat, becoming a woman that led a men's army. Surprised that she could find the courage to return to the battalion, to tell the truth, willing to risk her life for the people that banished her in the first place. It was admirable indeed, but a foolish act as well. But none of that matters now, Xian Lang was just moments away from succeeding, nothing can save the Emperor now. A part of her still hoped that Mulan would be able to see that what she did was the best way after she takes over the kingdom if she was still alive then. Maybe she could take her in as her apprentice, teach the young but talented woman so many things.
Xian Lang flew through an opening into the building. The throne room was empty as a hawk flew in. Soon, that hawk transformed into a woman as she steps foot on the steps leading up to the throne. Xian Lang smirked as she strode up the last few steps, looking around proudly. She knew that as long as everything goes to plan and Bori Khan kills the Emperor, she would get what she wanted.
Xian Lang has dreamt of this moment for the past few years ever since she met Bori Khan. Now, after going through so much suffering and torment, she was finally here. It wasn't a dream, nor a part of her imagination. She was truly here. Xian Lang walked towards the throne, brushing her hands on the seat slowly, a small smile broke across her face as she moved to sit on the throne. "Finally, after all these years… I have succeeded Hong An."