Queen of Hearts

by UknownHero

Weiss Schnee has been having these weird thoughts lately. But once she is taken from her world, she has no choice but to make some new friends and stop Organisation XIII. But why is the Organisation so interested in Remnant? And why does she have a giant key for a weapon? Well, no matter what, "May your heart be your guiding key."

6. Chapter 6

This morning was like any other morning in China for a farmer simply working hard to provide for his family.

Only a few hours later, he had dropped his hoe, tired and burned from fighting against an invading army of Huns, watching as they massacred friends and family alike.

Now there was nothing but him, dust and echoes…and the thing that had orchestrated it all.

Standing over him was a man- no, a demon with piercing black and yellow eyes, gripping onto a lightning shaped sword stained with the blood of his brethren.

"No! Please! I'll give you-!"

SLASH!

Breathing in the ashes, Shan-Yu took a moment to soak in the blood that he had spilled.

Another successful raid on yet another pathetic village.

Those who were left behind to defend either fled or fell to his might.

Their homes and crops were destroyed, with nothing but skeletons and ashes left to say that there was something there.

His army was efficient and brutal, and with the new blood in his ranks there was no stopping his war.

Yet more evidence of their greatest defense failing to protect anything.

The Great Wall of China?

Bah, it didn't stop him from burning this worthless piece of land to the ground. It was an insult, a challenge to his authority. Fortunately, he was always up for a challenge.

And this would be his greatest triumph.

The Land of Dragons was his for the taking.

Meanwhile, hidden amongst the bamboo of a nearby forest, a woman in Imperial soldier armor and a dragon watched as Shan-Yu and his falcon let out victorious screeches.

"See that, Mulan?" The dragon spoke up. "It's Shan-Yu, leader of the Hun army! C'mon, girl. This is your big chance! I can see it now: Fa Mulan whups public enemy number one! You gonna be famous! I'm talkin' A-list!"

Mulan sighed as sat down next to the small fire she made. She knew joining the army would be a scary thing but…seeing that monster was a whole different story. "Mushu, I'm not sure... I haven't even joined the army yet." She pointed out. "I have to take my father's place to preserve the Fa family honor. I just hope I don't get discovered."

"Whatever. You're just scared, admit it." Mushu scoffed.

"Aren't you?"

The dragon placed a hand on his forehead, resisting the urge to sigh.

Meanwhile, Sora, Weiss, Donald, and Goofy had landed on this world not too long ago and were making their way through the grove. "You don't need to spin the ship all the time, Sora." Weiss groaned as she held her head. So...many...barrel rolls….

"Hey, we made it in one piece." Sora reminded as he placed his hands on the back of his head. "Chip and Dale definitely made tons of upgrades to the ship. It never traveled so fast before…or had that many weapons. Maybe I should get back into designing ships again…"

"Sora, the last time you designed a ship, it almost blew up in the middle of an asteroid belt!" Donald reminded the boy.

"I was still getting my practice in!" Sora defended himself. "But come on, wasn't it cool to ride in a giant Chocobo?"

"It was pretty cool, Sora." Goofy admitted.

"Why are we letting him pilot the ship?" Weiss had to ask for the thousandth time since traveling through Asteroid Sweep. "Do you have a license or anything of that sort?"

The hero of the Keyblade merely blinked. "...Gummi Ships need licenses?"

Just as a sense of dread and confusion washed over the heiress, Donald shushed the two and hurried everyone into cover behind a rock. The four then poked their heads out to see a soldier, weaponless and looking rather afraid, looking directly at a man-sized black dragon.

"A Heartless?" Donald assumed.

"That doesn't look like any Heartless I've seen so far…" Weiss muttered.

"We've seen some pretty weird Heartless…" Goofy remarked.

"But there are also different types of Grimm and like them, they seem to have a common-" Weiss began to explain, only to get interrupted by foolish decisions.

"Let's get the jump on 'im!" Sora suggested as he pumped his fight.

"Wait, I thought we weren't supposed to meddle in the affairs of other worlds." Weiss whispered with a frown.

"It's no use. If someone's in trouble, we have to meddle." Sora responded. "NOW CHARGE!"

"WAAAAAAAAKKKKKK!" Donald quacked as the two hotheads ran into battle.

"Both of you, don't-" Weiss tried to stop them, only to realize she could do nothing but watch. "Do...anything...ugh…" She groaned.

Wow, it was like she was in Team RWBY all over again. Or working with Nora.

"Gawrsh, maybe we better look before we leap!" Goofy called out, but was promptly ignored as Sora and Donald dived at the thing.

Mulan heard their mighty battle cries and gasped as they ran in. Meanwhile, Mushu jumped from behind the campfire and into the wannabe soldier's armor.

"That was just…a plain shadow!?" Weiss got out in disbelief. Why did that shadow have red eyes then!?

However, the loyal knight's eyes widened. He recognised that red little guy. "Is that Mushu?"

The heiress blinked as Donald and Sora stopped in their tracks. "Excuse me?"

"That's right, I know you heard of me!" The family guardian called, popping up from behind the soldier. "I'm little, lethal, and legendary! Now y'all scram before I get my dragon dander up!"

"...The lizard is talking." The white haired girl whispered in disbelief.

"DRAGON! D-R-A to the G-O-N!" Mushu insisted, puffs of smoke coming out of his nostrils.

"Hey, Mushu! We missed you!" Sora greeted with a bright smile on his face.

"Yeah, well you better hope I miss you, or else you're-" Mushu continued shouting before the dots began to connect in his brain. "You're...Sora! Donald! Goofy!"

"Heya!" Sora replied.

Mushu smiled, only to notice the other party member. "...Don't know you though. New friend of yours?" He soon guessed, looking her up and down.

"H-Hello." Weiss got out as she waved at the little dragon. "I'm Weiss."

"Nice to meet ya." Mushu waved back.

"Do you know them?" the feminine-sounding soldier asked as the little dragon hopped down to the ground.

"Know them? Man, we used to kick all kinds of bad guy butt together! Yeah, you know, I helped these guys out of a lot of tight spots. 'Cause I'm a mighty dragon! Right?" Mushu bragged as he leaned against Sora's leg.

"Uhhhh…" Sora got out as he remembered one of the times he summoned the dragon.

"YOU SUMMONED ME TO FIGHT THAT THING!?"

"Come on! You're the only one who can do this!"

"THAT IS A BIG FREAKING DEMON THING! I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS!"

"That's Chernabog, a demonic denizen of Bald Mountain!"

"OH! THAT TOTALLY MAKES THINGS BETTER, CRICKET!"

Mushu was cheering and bragging until Sora ran out of magic after that particular fight.

Back in the present, Sora slightly moved his leg, causing the mighty dragon to fall over. "Something like that. And...you are?" The boy asked.

"I'm Mulan." The wannabe soldier answered automatically before catching herself. "Um, no, I-I mean…" she then tried to correct with a lower voice as Weiss began to raise her eyebrow.

"Ping!" Mushu interrupted.

"Mulan Ping?" Donald repeated.

"Just...Ping. I am Ping, son of Fa Zhou." Ping corrected as he put his hands on his hips.

However, Weiss simply looked at the wannabe soldier with a questioning look on her face.

"You know Mushu?" said Sora.

"Mushu's one of my family's guardians." Ping explained.

"We didn't know we were borrowin' somebody as important as a family guardian." Goofy got out in an apologetic tone.

"Yeah, that's right!" Mushu spoke up as he scurried up Ping's armor to be on her shoulder. "And that puts you three up to your eyeballs in debt to Ping here. Well, guess what, kiddies? It's payback time!"

"Mushu…" Ping however scolded as he nervously smiled at the group.

"Ah, they don't mind. Ain't that right?" Mushu stated as glanced at the boys.

"Hmm, sounds fair." Sora got out with a shrug.

"Wait, hold on." Weiss however spoke up with a frown. "I get you are a family guardian, but what exactly do you want us to do?"

"Ah, Ping here was just on his way to join the Imperial army." Mushu explained.

"You're joining the military?" Weiss muttered with a frown.

"Yep. We gotta go find the other recruits over at the training camp." Mushu then stated as he pointed over to the encampment in the middle of a large field.

"Would you join us? It'll be easier to fit in if I'm with guys, like you." The wannabe soldier asked, looking rather hopeful.

"Guys?" Weiss repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"What do you mean, fit in?" Sora questioned.

"Oh, you're a-" Mushu began before quickly changing his tune. "Well, um, uh, don't—don't worry about that."

"You're pretendin' to be a boy, aren't ya?" Goofy deducted.

It took exactly ten seconds for Sora and Donald to process this information…and react accordingly.

"WHHHHAAAAATTTTTT!?"

"There we go." Weiss sighed as she shook her head. She had a feeling at first, but her voice gave her away.

"You're a...girl?" Sora squeaked.

Mulan couldn't help but look a little sheepish. "You didn't notice?"

"Uh-uh/Not me." Sora and Donald said as they shook their heads.

"I think it's working." Mulan whispered over to the little dragon.

"I don't know—those two would fall for anything." Mushu pointed out in a teasing manner.

"I'm right here!" Sora complained.

"Hey!" Donald called out in an indignant tone.

"No...I think he's right." Weiss agreed, causing the two to pout. "But I don't really understand. Why do you need to be a man to join?" She had to ask.

"What?" Mulan got out in surprise. "You...don't know?"

Everyone was looking at her with raised eyebrows, with Donald silently reminding her not to reveal the existence of other worlds. "...From where I'm from, women are allowed to join the army with no issue." Weiss said.

"Ah, it's just a bunch of fooey about honor and duty and women should stay at home, get married and pump out them babies and whatever." Mushu scoffed as he rolled his eyes.

"...E-Excuse me?" Weiss got out, stunned.

"Sorry girl, but unless you cut your hair and wear some armor, you ain't gonna cut it like Ping here."

"She's barely cutting it now." Weiss couldn't help but think. "But…wait, what about you three?"

"Wak?" The mage quacked.

"Is there a problem?" The knight questioned in confusion.

"What's wrong, Weiss?" The hero got out in concern.

"Well…I mean…you three are…" Weiss blinked. Sure, there have been plenty of underage fools who were able to sign up in the Atlas military, but was no one here going to question the bipedal duck and dog? Was she just the weird one here? "M-Mulan, do you see anything wrong here?"

"...No…?" Mulan responded in an unsure tone, not really understanding Weiss' severe confusion.

"What do you mean no!?" Weiss called out as she stomped her foot.

"Hey, girl, calm down. Donald and Goofy can join the army pretty easily." Mushu assured, attempting to calm the girl down.

"But…You…They…" Weiss tried to say something, only to slap her forehead and sigh. "I'll be waiting on the ship." She grumbled as she turned to leave.

"Hey, don't you want to find your friends, Weiss?" Sora reminded, causing the heiress to flinch. "Just stay behind us. We might be able to convince whoever's in charge to let you join."

Weiss sort of doubted that, but it was certainly better than spending who knows how long on the ship. "...I really hope this isn't for nothing." She sighed out before turning to the wannabe soldier. "So, how much combat experience do you have, uh…Ping?"

"...S-Still practicing. I cut down some bamboo pretty cleanly." Mulan informed.

"Is that why you have a bruise on your head?" Weiss then questioned with a raised eyebrow she looked at the faded purple spot on the soldier's forehead.

"Uh…yes."

And now Weiss was certain that Mulan…Ping…whatever…was going to die without them.

With that morbid thought pushed to the side, the group began to travel outside of the bamboo forest and down to the encampment.

It didn't take all that long though, only about an hour walk, but they were feeling hungry by the time they got there and they could smell that lunch was being served.

Since the watchtowers were unmanned currently, it gave them the chance to talk before the disaster of a plan was to be executed. "I'll wait just outside. Don't cause any trouble while you're in there okay?" Weiss stated before unwrapping a ration bar from Hollow Bastion. Looks like she was going to have to live off those for a while.

"You don't have to worry about us, Weiss." Donald assured.

"Considering an underage boy and giant humanoid animals have a better chance at joining the army than a woman, I think I'm allowed to worry a little." Weiss couldn't help but think. "So, where's the recruiter?" She soon asked.

"What? We obviously can't do that, they'll bust us for sure." Mushu got out, popping out from Mulan-well, Ping's armor. "A ton of the guys here were drafted into the army, including my girl's daddy. All we gotta do is stroll in like we're supposed to be there and grab a tent. This is war, girl, they ain't that picky for recruits."

"Well, you at least have someone back home who will support your story just in case." Weiss soon assumed.

"Oh, look at the time!" Mushu exclaimed. "Lunch is halfway done! We gotta go get in while everyone's shufflin' around."

"But-" The heiress tried to speak up, only to sigh as the boys (and Mulan) left. "I should just give up and go with it." She groaned.

"Remember, girl; manly!" Mushu got out as he flexed his nonexistent muscles.

Ping nodded before straightening up and…trying to walk like a man…if he just got kicked in the gonads and needed to see the nearest doctor.

Weiss simply sighed at Mu-Ping's attempt at mimicking Sora's stride. She looked like she was about to be crushed under the weight of that armor any second now. "Well, at least she's certainly selling manliness better than Jaune." She couldn't help but think as her mind began to wander over to Remnant and the people she could call friends, particularly Team JNPR.

If she had been gone for a year, by this point Pyrrha should have confessed to Jaune right?

WHAM!

"Not even five minutes…" Weiss sighed as she shook her head. Now she had to see what those dolts were doing before they got themselves court-martialed.

Upon poking her head out, she saw the scene with a flat look on her face. Sora and Donald had somehow ended up getting themselves mixed into a brawl with some fat guy, some skinny guy, and some short guy while several other soldiers ignored them and grabbed their lunch.

Goofy was powerless to stop his friends from getting too hurt, while Ping…

"Please!"

…Was already screwing up by not shouting in her manly voice.

"Please!?" The skinny soldier in yellow, Ling, said in confusion.

"What a girl!" The short red guy got out in a mocking tone.

"What's that supposed to mean!?" Weiss quietly growled through gritted teeth. Even Ruby could probably snap that man's arm in two with just her legs…

Ping blushed before coughing. "Uh...knock it off!" He then ordered in a more manly tone.

"Knock what off?" The red guy, Yao, questioned.

"You punched me!" Sora called out.

"Cutting in line!" Donald added.

"What a shrimp!" Ling got out in a mocking tone.

"Ugh. Boys." Weiss couldn't help but think as she rolled her eyes.

Suddenly, Mushu popped out from Ping's armor, looking seriously offended. "Who you callin' a shrimp, panda lips? I'm a bonafide guardian dragon!" He called out before being pushed back into the armor by Ping.

"L-let's just get back in line, okay?" Ping suggested in a mature manner.

Weiss really wanted to believe in this plan, she really did, but it was going to be a miracle if this charade was going to last the week.

"Whose side are you on? I just got slugged!" The hero of the Keyblade complained.

"Want some more?" Yao threatened as he shook his fist at the hero.

"Sora, stop instigating." Weiss mouthed over to the boy before covering her mouth and hiding once again as an important-looking man approached the bickering group.

"Soldiers! Get back in line!" A commanding voice interrupted the fighting, causing many soldiers to freeze.

"The Captain!" Ling gasped as everyone stood straight in line.

"Hello, Captain Shang." The big blue guy, Chien-Po, greeted with a bow.

"So he's the one in charge…" Weiss whispered with a frown before quickly hiding once it looked like he was going to turn towards her direction.

Shang ignored and focused on the soldiers he had seen fighting with each other. "This type of behavior is unacceptable in the Imperial Army!" He called out, causing the men to shake. "We have a much bigger enemy to fight, and you waste energy and time on fighting with each other. I will not allow this to stand. Any grudges that you may have had in the past or make here today will not last more than tonight's sleep. You are all comrades, brothers-in-arms, from this day forth and you should all be expecting to die for each other without any hesitation. If you cannot settle it like men, the Hun army has already won and we will lose more than just China. Do not dishonor the Emperor with such petty disagreements. Do I make myself clear!?"

"Yes, Captain!" The soldiers (and Sora, Donald, and Goofy) dutifully responded.

"Now, please. Enjoy your meals in peace." The Captain concluded as he walked past the line.

"Wow." Weiss whispered in slight awe. This Captain knew how to handle a situation.

Too bad Sora was a pretty bad listener, and held grudges judging by the fist he made while glaring at Yao.

Okay, now Weiss was more worried about Sora's chances of staying in the army. Mula-Ping was doing just fine as far as anyone was con-

Wait, did she just see a shadow move without anyone else…

"GUYS!" Weiss called out as several Shadow Heartless began to crawl out of the ground.

"Huh?" Sora got out before spotting the creatures of darkness and summoning his Keyblade. Soon enough, the other soldiers began to notice as more and more Heartless began to appear around the camp. In the next second, everything devolved into chaos as the army began to fight back!

"What are they?" Mulan asked as he struggled to pull her father's sword out.

"Heartless!" Sora simply answered. "Ping, I hope you're ready!"

Mulan could only give the hero a nervous look before steeling herself for her first real battle, before letting out a war cry and blindly charged in, wildly swinging her sword around.

"She's worse than Jaune…" Weiss couldn't help but think before seeing the skinny man in yellow attempt to punch the Heartless, only for him to only hit dirt as the Shadows sank into the ground.

Ling was then scratched by several Shadows at the same time and ended up on his butt, his armor doing next to nothing to protect him. He was going to die.

"SOMEONE HELP!" Ling cried out before the Shadows went in for the kill. "Aaaaahhhhh!"

STAB!

"Huh?" Ling got out, taking a second to wonder why he wasn't hurt, only to see someone standing above him, with a strange sword in her hands. "A-A girl!?"

"Who just saved your life." Weiss declared while taking her Keyblade out of the ground. "And I suggest you leave. Now."

"Y-You can't-"

FREEZE!

Suddenly, right behind the short man, was a frozen Shadow Heartless, poised and ready to rip his heart out from behind. "Now." Weiss insisted in an irritated manner.

"Y-Yes ma'am!" Ling squeaked as he scrambled away to safety.

"Thank you." Weiss breathed out before running over to Sora and helping him take out some Heartless.

"Weiss!" Sora got out in surprise. "Weren't you gonna hide?"

"I can't let you have all the fun, Sora." Weiss responded with a playful smile before taking out a Shadow. She then spotted the wannabe soldier swinging her sword wildly at Heartless before tripping over her feet. Donald had to come in and take it out with a Thunder spell. "Mula- I mean, Ping…"

"She's trying his best." Sora assured before looking confused. "Gah! I mean, Ping's trying. Let's get rid of all these Heartless before they destroy the camp!"

"Right." Weiss replied with a nod before charging in, already taking out several Shadows and a Nightwalker in one combo.

At first, the army was losing terribly against the Heartless but as Sora, Weiss, Donald, and Goofy fought, the tides began to turn as the soldiers pushed the darkness away from the camp. The more the heroes fought, the higher the morale became for the army!

Eventually, the last of the Heartless were destroyed, leaving the encampment safe…for now.

"I think that's the last one…" Sora breathed out as he wiped the sweat off his brow. Suddenly, the soldiers who were powerless to stop the Heartless before began to surround them, all with eager faces.

"Whoa!"

"Those guys are amazing!"

"They practically took out that entire invasion by themselves!"

"Men amongst men!"

"Three cheers for the weirdly dressed heroes!"

"O-Oh…hehehe…it's no problem…" Sora chuckled sheepishly as several soldiers congratulated and thanked the young man and his group.

"Seriously. Is no one even acknowledging the duck and the dog?" Weiss whispered in sheer befuddlement, although at this point she knew she should really just give up already.

Soon, the cheers died as the crowd broke to reveal the Captain approached the group, particularly focusing on the boys.

"You three. What are your names?" The Captain commanded.

"Sora."

"Donald."

"Goofy."

After giving them one last look, he nodded. "You're welcome in my troop. Your battle skills are encouraging." Captain Shang of the Imperial Army declared before turning to his soldiers. "You might even teach something to the worthless pathetic lot we have here."

"Captain!?" Yao exclaimed. However, he was ignored as the Captain shifted his focus.

Weiss looked confused as the Captain only looked at her and Ping. And he did not look happy. "Um...sir." She soon got out as she stood up straight, hands behind her back. She hoped the little she picked up of her sister's mannerisms would help her here.

Meanwhile, Ping cleared his throat and bowed. "I am the son of Fa Zhou-"

"You two should return home." Shang didn't hesitate, looking away from the women without a second thought.

"What!?" Weiss exclaimed, a little stunned by how fast that dismissal was.

"B-but... That would dishonor my family!" Ping argued.

"You'd rather dishonor my troops?" Shang countered as he narrowed his eyes. "And you, the army is no place for a woman."

The heiress' eye twitched. "Excuse me!?" Weiss finally snapped. "My sister is in the military, you musclebrained imbecile! I at least deserve a thank you for saving your men's lives while they did nothing but try and get themselves killed!"

"Weiss…" Goofy got out in a cautious manner as the Captain studied the glaring woman.

"...You don't dress like you're from around here. But it's how we run things." The Captain stated as he shook his head. "Now go home. Or escort the son of Fa Zhou here home yourself. He fought worse than the Emperor's advisor." He then commanded, giving Ping a glare.

"Don't make me-!" Weiss growled as she stepped forward, not willing to take such a thing lying down.

"Hey, they did more than your guys did!" Sora suddenly spoke up. "Without them, the Heartless would've overrun this camp! So if they're not in...so am I!"

"I'm with Sora!" Donald agreed as he stood by his friend's side.

"Me too!" Goofy agreed.

"..." Shang frowned. It would dishonor the army, but he couldn't lose the skill of three warriors. The three of them were practically worth an entire unit by themselves. "Fine...the woman-"

"It's Weiss." The heiress growled through gritted teeth.

"Do not talk back to me." Shang glowered at the defiant woman. "I am giving you two a chance. Miss Weiss...I cannot allow you to officially join the army, but for your skills, I shall hire you as a mercenary. You shall be fed and provided a tent, but that is all you get."

"...I shall agree to those terms." Weiss breathed out with a nod.

"However...as for the son of Fa Zhou…"

"...I'll get stronger." Ping promised in his bravest tone.

"Yeah. If Ping trains hard and does his best, he'll get stronger in no time." Sora got out. "Just give us an assignment! Any assignment! We'll show you how well we can work together."

"So...you want to be tested?" Shang muttered as he took a moment to think. "Our orders are to ambush Shan-Yu's army on their way here. They should be coming through the mountain pass."

"We'll smash them!" The mage declared as he cracked his knuckles...wings...whatever.

"I doubt that." Shang freely admitted, deflating the duck. "You five will be the advance party. Scout out the mountain for my troops. Depending on your performance, I may allow you…"

"Fa Ping." Weiss spoke up.

"To join." Shang finished. "Just don't expect any assistance until then. Not even medical."

"That's it? No problem. Right?" Sora got out with a confident smile.

"R-right." Ping responded with a less confident whimper.

"I'll brief you on the details later. Return when you're ready to depart. Remember, the smallest mission may have the greatest purpose. Stay alert!" The Captain then ordered the team.

"Sir!" The advance party responded with a salute.

With that, Shang returned to his tent to…do whatever a Captain does in this weird world they had just landed on.

"...Well, that could've gone worse." Donald said with a tired sigh.

"At least you're in the army." Weiss breathed out.

"Weiss, I thought you weren't going to join." Goofy got out with a raised eyebrow.

"I just couldn't let these people get slaughtered by the Heartless." Weiss sighed as she shook her head. "Besides, if they're just going to let strangers join the army with little identification, then things around this…land seem rather desperate." She then added, subtly shifting her eyes over to the other male soldiers, who were glaring at her for various reasons she'd rather not think about.

"Yeah." Mushu said as he popped his head out of Ping's armor. "Shan-Yu and his Hun army's been kicking all sorts of butt around China, and burning more of it to the ground every single day."

"And I've heard it's gotten worse recently. Like he's growing stronger with every village he razes." Mulan quietly added in her normal voice.

"All the more reason to get involved then." Sora responded with a nod. "...Now, can we go get lunch now?"

"Sora, are you seriously-"

Suddenly, as if this world hated her even more, Weiss's stomach growled.

"...Okay, lunch sounds good." The heiress relented as they got in line.

For the next week or so, the advance party spent their days battling Heartless and keeping morale up for the troops, all while participating in the training to improve their skill, from sparring to climbing to the top of smooth poles. With every passing day and with every successful mission, it was another step towards driving the Hun army out of their homeland.

It actually became quite routine after a while. Wake up, eat, train, mission, train, eat, sleep. It would've all been blur if it hadn't been for…

"Hey! The food's been tasting better lately! Guess the woman's been making our rations better. Just wish she could make it her full-time job around here."

"Oh, I have other ideas what she can do…"

Yeah. That.

"Grrr…" Weiss growled as she clenched her hands on her bowl. "Is this what being Blake feels like?" She grumbled, bitterly eating her congee.

This had to be the stupidest form of discrimination she ever had to experience! She was discriminated against for a lot of things in the past; her name, her actions, her decisions. But being a woman? This was low. If she had to stew in this environment for most of her life, she would've gladly joined a terrorist-

Weiss stopped herself.

"Getting a little dark there, Weiss." The heiress mumbled to herself. "Ugh…I wish Blake was here…" She then sighed out.

"Be a man~! You must be swift as the coursing river~! With all the force of a great typhoon~! With all the strength of a raging fire~! Mysterious as the dark side of the moon~!" Sora happily sang as he sat down next to the only mercenary of the army.

"It's good to see you're having fun here in the army, Sora." Weiss grumbled as she rolled her eyes. However, she had to silently admit he had a nice voice…for a beginner.

"Are you ready for our next mission?" Sora asked in a curious tone.

"After breakfast." Weiss answered before frowning. "But…have you noticed that we've been mostly fighting Heartless for these missions? We haven't seen anyone from this Hun army the Captain has been preparing everyone for…"

"Yeah…" Sora hummed out, putting on a thoughtful expression. "He could be controlling the Heartless. It's not the first time someone's been able to."

"Like that Pete character." Weiss remembered. "Are you sure he's not going to cause more trouble?"

"I'm sure. And if he does, we'll just stop him like last time." Sora responded in a confident tone.

"Well…you're the more experienced one here…" Weiss muttered with a frown before looking around the camp. "Hm? Where's Ping?"

"He's probably training to get that arrow." Sora guessed. "Wait, didn't he do that yesterday?" He then remembered.

"Well it's one thing to achieve your goal, it's another to do it consistently." Weiss pointed out as she grabbed her bowl. "I'll go bring him some food before you and Chien-Po takes all the extra servings."

"Not all of it…" Sora mumbled, blushing as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll be here if you need me."

Weiss nodded as she headed off to grab Mulan's serving and to deliver it to her. When she got there, Weiss shook her head as Sora was proven right, seeing the woman training like tomorrow.

Weiss watched as Mulan wrapped a cloth around the smooth wooden pole and climbed up to the top in record time. She smiled…before running up the pole and sitting on the top in mere seconds. "You're getting really good, Ping." She praised.

"You don't…need to mock me…with your strength." Mulan struggled out as she tried to keep herself up.

"I am not. Now get down so I can give you your breakfast and we can eat."

"Breakfast?" Mulan's eyes widened as her grip slackened, causing her to drop to the ground. "Oof!"

Weiss only shook her head, jumped down and helped her to her feet. "You should eat. You can't do much on an empty stomach." She said as she handed Mulan her breakfast.

"...Thank you." Mulan responded in a grateful manner as the two women of the army sat down and enjoyed their food in peace.

"Where's Mushu?"

"Inside my tent sleeping."

"Lazy dolt." The heiress scoffed as she rolled her eyes.

"Don't be too mean. He's my only companion here, outside of you and the others." Mulan said. "To be frank, I still feel like an outsider around here."

"No kidding." Weiss mumbled as she turned her head away from the disguised woman.

Mulan, however, could already tell what was troubling the heiress. "Many of the men there still don't quite treat you as an equal. Do you need help?"

"No. I don't." the heiress shook her head. "I've proven them wrong again and again, so if they wish to remain ignorant, so be it." She then got out in a bitter tone.

"Meanwhile, I've been proving the Captain right." Mulan sighed out, idly stirring her congee. "You slay dozens of those creatures in only a minute, while I can barely handle one of them by myself."

"Being able to handle even one of them is a feat. Most people can't do that." Weiss assured. "I have an acquaintance back home who is just like you. He isn't the most…competent warrior in the world, but he is improving with constant training like you." She then added before glancing over to Mulan's ancestral sword and the armor that lay beside it. "Speaking of which, you're getting good with that sword, but that armor is getting in your way." She then noticed.

"It's my father's armor." Mulan informed. "It's the standard here in China. You should get some yourself."

"I'm fine without armor." Weiss waved off. "Armour is mostly useless from where I come from. We developed a different way of protecting ourselves, so we require as much freedom of movement as we can."

"That would explain you and Sora's more…odd abilities." Mulan admitted. Weiss decided not to correct her that they came from different places.

"But I do understand that you need it." The heiress continued. "I don't think there's any way to solve this situation without issues arising. Just think about reducing the armor's weight somehow. Protection is one thing, but if the enemy can take advantage of your slow speed, it won't mean a thing."

Mulan let out a hum. "I'll…take that into consideration."

Weiss soon frowned as she realized something. "Ping, no, Mulan. Why are you fighting in your father's place despite the laws of this land?"

"...I never really did tell you all in full detail." Mulan muttered.

"Not at all."

"My father…he can barely hold my family's sword, but he was conscripted to fight regardless of his age and injuries in his previous tours. Especially with these Heartless running around, he wouldn't survive such things. I joined so I could protect my family and…look myself in the mirror and see someone worthwhile." Mulan explained.

"Someone worthwhile?" Weiss pressed. "Who were you before?"

"Well, before this I was going through some marriage interviews." Mulan answered before letting out an awkward chuckle. "I uh…it didn't end all that well."

"Marriage interviews?" Weiss repeated. "Hm, I guess we're in the same sort of camp."

"What do you mean?" Mulan got out with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm supposed to be in charge of a large company when my father eventually retires." Weiss said, quietly adding to herself 'Or gets killed'. Her family had a lot of enemies. "Every part of my life was…controlled until I decided to become a…traveler, but even then came with caveats."

"He doesn't approve?" Mulan assumed.

"He doesn't want me out of his control." Weiss corrected. "I still remember hearing my father talking about marrying me off to some business associate when I was younger before my elder sister left to be part of the military."

Mulan frowned. "He sounds like the worst."

"I'm willing to bet he made my brother the heir as soon as I… left." Weiss muttered under her breath. "But…I won't know until I return home. Ignoring my father, I still have a family I love dearly and…I just want them to know that I'm fine."

"At least your family might be happy to see you return. Erm, most of your family." Mulan muttered as she poked at her food. "I ran away from home without saying goodbye, and stole many things. Even if I lived or died, returning home will be…difficult." She mumbled in a saddened manner.

"I guess we all have our familial problems." Weiss couldn't help but chuckle, although it rang a little hollow all things considered. "It would be nice to get married though, but by my own choice rather than being set up with a suitor." She then added with a small smile.

"Well, I don't think I'm ready for such a thing yet." Mulan admitted. "I don't even know what I want in someone."

"I'm sure you'll find out after this war." Weiss assured. "We both have plenty of time. How old are you?" She then asked as she popped some congee into her mouth.

"I'm 16."

"PFFFFTTTT!" Weiss spat out her food and coughed.

"Weiss!?" Mulan exclaimed as the heiress patted her chest and wiped her mouth.

"W-Why is everyone I know right now underage!?" Weiss got out in disbelief. "Seriously, I thought Ruby was an exception, but then Sora comes along and just-"

"Who?"

Weiss stopped complaining and blushed. It seemed the stress of the past few weeks was getting to her. "A-A friend." She soon explained in a much more calm tone. "I'm actually trying to find them. Have you seen anyone with a red cloak, a bow, or with long golden hair?"

"No. You don't see a lot of blondes in China." Mulan frowned. "Actually, I've never seen anyone with white hair either. How old are…"

"I'm…18, I think." Weiss answered with a shrug. "We best finish our breakfast and report to the Captain for our next assignment."

"Right." Mulan responded with a nod. "That was a nice talk, Weiss. I think…I think we both had some things we needed to get off our chests."

"It's not much trouble, Mulan, er, Ping." Weiss replied with a small smile. "Just…don't do anything too drastic to impress Captain Shang. You've been working yourself to the bone ever since we joined. You might get seriously hurt if you push yourself too hard."

"I won't. I promise." Mulan assured.

Soon enough, Ping and Weiss returned to the camp and joined up with Sora, Donald, and Goofy to get their next assignment from the Captain.

"Enjoy your breakfast, team?" Shang asked.

"Yes, Captain!" The advance team responded with a salute.

"What's our assignment Captain?" Weiss asked.

"Quiet down." Shang shushed as he leaned in close. "It seems the enemy has invaded the camp. I'll evacuate the soldiers while you all clear out these Heartless." He informed in a whisper.

"That shouldn't be too hard." Sora got out with a smirk.

---

"Sora…Weiss…Donald…Goofy…Ping…" Shang got out, staring at the soot-covered team with barely restrained anger. "When I said to clear out the camp, I didn't mean burn half of it down!"

"Some of those tents exploded!" Weiss snapped, still smoking as Donald patted down her jacket. "Who keeps fireworks next to them while they sleep!?"

"Whoops." Yao got out as he and several other soldiers began whistling while walking away.

Shang simply slapped his forehead and dragged his hand down his face. "At least no one was hurt-" He paused as the advance team looked a little indignant. "At least no one had significant injuries that warrant serious medical attention. And you did provide us with spare tents. You did well."

"It also cost us most of our munny…" Weiss couldn't help but add mentally. Those Moogles were stingy…

"Captain…" Ping whispered as he stepped forward.

Shang narrowed his eyes before looking up and down the soldier. "And…I suppose you've made a little progress…"

"Not a little—a lot!" Donald quacked however Ping put a hand on his shoulder to stop him from going into a rant.

"No. You're right, Captain. Please give me one more assignment. This time I'll show you what I'm truly made of!" Ping insisted with a determined look in his eyes.

Shang narrowed his eyes before letting out a sigh. "I'll give you one more chance. See me tomorrow morning when you're ready to depart. Remember, this may be a test, but it's still an important mission. Be alert!"

"Sir!" The advance team responded with a salute as the Captain entered his…charred tent. Sora couldn't help but scratch his cheek and chuckle. He was getting pretty liberal with his Fire spell.

"Um…we better get cleaned up first." Goofy suggested.

Donald only coughed up some soot in response.

And so, the rest of the day was spent cleaning their clothes and armor, and getting the necessary supplies needed for the mission. Potions, Ethers, extra tents, and new equipment for everyone via synthesis.

The next day, the advance team woke up bright and early and met with Shang inside his charred tent.

"Your mission is to secure the path over the summit so our company can pass. I've authorized you to be let through to the summit. Don't let me down!" Shang informed.

"Yes, Captain." The advance team responded with a salute.

"Light this firework once you have secured the area. That will signal us to march through." The Captain soon added as he tossed over a small firework over to Sora. "Leave nothing behind." He then stressed.

"Eliminate every enemy in our way." Weiss assumed. "We will not even let a shadow survive."

"And be cautious out there. There have been earthquakes recently so you may encounter obstacles on the way. However, I trust that you will find a way to overcome them given the abilities…most of you have displayed." The Captain then warned.

"Thank you for the information." Ping responded, choosing to ignore that last part.

"Good. Now depart."

And with that, the advance team headed out of the encampment and began their trek to the Mountain Trail.

---

They had only been traveling for an hour or so when Weiss began to notice the faint condensation of her breath. "We're getting there…" She thought as she looked up at the mountain in the distance as a falcon screeched over their heads.

"Wak!?" Donald suddenly exclaimed, causing the group to stop. In front of them was a giant wall of boulders in their way. "The Captain never said anything about giant rocks in our way!"

"I think we have bigger problems Donald!" Goofy called out as he looked behind the group.

Sora and Weiss didn't even have to turn around to know what was going to happen. "The Heartless really know when to become the biggest annoyances for mindless creatures." Weiss grumbled as she summoned Edelweiss. "Ready, Ping!?"

"Ready!" The wannabe soldier responded in a confident manner.

"There you go!" Sora got out with a grin before getting serious as they faced the Heartless. They weren't gonna get anywhere with them around.

"We need to clear the path for the army!" Ping reminded the group as they managed to take out the first ambush sent after them. "We'll hold them off while you work on destroying those boulders!"

"Thanks, Ping!" Weiss said in a grateful manner before she and her fellow Keybearer faced the near-insurmountable wall. "Sora, do you have any ideas?"

Sora smirked before taking a stance with his Keyblade. "This!" He responded before bashing the Kingdom Key against the wall, and then…

BOOM! CRASH!

Weiss blinked as she watched the young boy completely destroy the wall of boulders with his oversized key. "I don't even know what I expected, really…" She sighed out before turning to the others. "Come on! We need to move!"

"Got it! We're running, guys!" Goofy responded as he, Donald, and Ping began retreating from the current battle and followed Weiss and Sora through the Mountain Trail, fighting Heartless along the way.

"Why are there so many Heartless here!?" Donald complained as he rained Thunder on the dark creatures.

"Who cares!? Burst!" Weiss shouted out, her clothes and Keyblade instantly changing, giving her the ability to dash away from the attack before countering by slicing the Assault Rider's head off with her scythe. "Hah! No wonder Ruby makes it look effortless!"

"Weiss! Another wall up ahead." Sora suddenly called out as he went into his Valor form.

"I got it!" Weiss responded as she burst into petals, rushing past various Heartless to get to the wall before reverting her weapon back into a Keyblade.

[Take Stance]

"HAH!" Weiss called out as she created a glyph underneath her feet, holding Edelweiss steady before…

[Earthshaker]

…Before her glyph propelled her forward to help break through the obstacle.

"Way to go, Weiss!" Goofy cheered.

"Celebrate once we're safe!" Weiss however stated as she barely managed to guard against an Air Pirate from dive bombing her, and countering with a quick slash to kill it. "GO GO GO!"

"We're almost there! Keep pushing!" Ping encouraged as they fought through the Heartless. The hordes seemed unending, but after what seemed like hours, the Heartless began to disperse until there was nothing left. By that point, they had made it to where snow began to form.

Weiss quickly used a Potion to recover some strength and took a moment to ensure there were no enemies left. "I think it's safe. Sora, light the flare." The heiress soon got out.

Sora nodded as he pulled out the firework and set on the ground, pointed high at the air. "Here we…go!" He then called out as he casted some Fire magic to set it off, causing a bright shower of colors to fill the sky above them. "You think everyone saw it?"

"They better." Weiss breathed out before taking a second to calm her breathing. "Now all we have to do is wait."

Sora and the others nodded as they sat down on the ground and waited for the Imperial Army to make their way to them. Soon enough, the army arrived, and many of them looked happy to see them.

"Hey, you ain't half bad." Yao complimented the group as they passed by, continuing up the mountain.

"A man among men!" Ling praised.

Ping blushed a little before accepting such compliments with a nod. "Thanks!"

Meanwhile, Weiss barely got more than a look, but at least they weren't talking behind her back. Some even looked thankful.

"You were amazing, Miss Weiss." Chien-Po got out in a grateful tone, snapping the young woman out of her thoughts.

"O-Oh, that's kind of you. Thank you." Weiss responded with a small smile.

"I'll make sure you get an extra serving next time we eat."

The heiress nodded, feeling warm in her chest despite all the snow.

"Captain!" Sora suddenly exclaimed. Instantly, it caused the advance team to stand up straight and bow as Shang arrived with two foot soldiers by his side.

"You all survived." Shang remarked.

"Yep! Ping sure did great out here!" the knight got out.

"You bet he did!" The mage added.

Shang narrowed his eyes, but the battle-worn armor on Ping's body was enough proof. "Hmm...Fine. I'll let you join my troops…" The Captain said, causing the advance team to smile. "But I'm still not convinced you have what it takes to be a worthy soldier." He then added, causing those smiles to drop.

"Why not!?" Sora whined only for the disguised woman to put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"It's all right, Sora." Ping assured. "I'll find a way to show him what I'm made of. Just give me a chance."

Shang let out an amused smile. "That's the spirit, Ping."

"Sir!" Ping responded with a salute. With that, the advance team joined the march up the mountain.

However, as they did, Weiss nudged Mulan on the shoulder. "Again, Ping. Nothing drastic." She then stressed.

"You don't have to keep reminding her, girl." Mushu grumbled from within the armor.

---

A few hours of marching later, they had managed to get to their desired destination before nightfall; a small remote village in the mountains that was happy to give the army a respite from the harsh conditions. Plus, it was near the summit, where they would surely clash with the Hun army.

Weiss looked around and felt…weird. Sure, she was used to roughing it by this point thanks to all the missions Team RWBY went on, but this was the first time she was somewhere with actual houses and…

Well, there was no power for lights or heating, only torches and candles. And, to her embarrassment and disgust, these people had uses for bodily waste so it was…collected.

Maybe she should've stayed in the Gummi Ship-

"Wow! Mommy! Look!"

"Hm?" Weiss hummed out before noticing a little girl, maybe 7 years old or so, run up to her.

"Are you part of the army?" the child asked, her eyes sparkling despite the fact that the sun was hidden by the clouds.

"O-Oh, no. I'm just…a wanderer who happened to cross paths with it." Weiss answered with a gentle smile. She didn't dare call herself a mercenary, it might scare the girl off. "After all, girls can't join the army."

"But you must be super strong to be with them." the little girl assumed.

The white haired girl frowned. "I'm… I'm not strong at all. Not by myself." Weiss confessed as she clutched her chest. "I don't think I can protect my friends or myself without someone to help me."

The little girl frowned before looking down at the stuffed doll in her hands. Her eyes widened as she held it out. "Here! Let Berry protect you and your friends!"

Weiss paused, stunned by the gesture, but then smiled before giving the doll back to the little girl. "I think you and this village need Berry more than me."

"Really?"

"Yes. I already have people to watch my back." Weiss assured as she looked over to Sora enjoying a snack a villager gave him. "Don't worry, we won't let any of those bad guys hurt you."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Hey Weiss! Over here!" Sora suddenly called out, waving to her.

"Coming, Sora!" Weiss called back before turning back to the little girl. "Goodbye. Stay safe."

"Bye bye!" The child replied as the mercenary of the Imperial Army met up with Sora and the rest of their little group, who were standing near a cave. From what she could remember, it led to a shrine at the end.

"Okay, what is it?" Weiss asked.

"I dunno. Mushu just told us to come over here." Sora answered with a shrug.

"Mushu…?" Weiss muttered as she narrowed her eyes as the little dragon jumped out of Mulan's armor.

"Okay, girl! Here's your chance! I just saw this real shady guy. And I know it's Shan-Yu." The family guardian informed the group.

"Shan-Yu!?" Mulan gasped.

"How can you tell?" Weiss however questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Well there ain't a lotta big scary guys with a lightning bolt sword and a falcon in China." Mushu responded as he rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, girl, it's him. I know it."

"We've got to tell the Captain!" Sora said in a serious tone.

"Right!" Ping agreed as the others nodded, except for…

"Waaaait wait-wait-wait WAIT!" Mushu interrupted. "Everybody, use your heads a sec. Now, why are we here?"

"To fight against an invading force that's been razing the countryside for the past 12 years?" Weiss answered.

"Wrong!" Mushu said, which caused Weiss' eye to twitch. "To make the Captain see Mulan's-I mean, Ping's talents and bring honor to her family."

"I guess that too." Sora muttered with a shrug.

"So, let's go find out where Shan-Yu is, by ourselves." Mushu suggested, and instantly Weiss was not-so onboard with the plan. "Then, if we're lucky, we can fry him up good! Though just tracking the guy down should earn us our stars... Captain Musclehead will have to notice my girl!"

"Um...I don't know about this…" Weiss however got out in concern. "We should at least tell the Captain where we're going…"

"Aw, don't get your unmentionables in a twist." Mushu grumbled, glaring slightly at the party proper. "With all of us fighting him, he stands no chance. He won't even notice that we're gone until we bring him his sword."

Ping thought about it for a second before nodding. "Okay. Let's go."

"Ping," Weiss said in a low, dangerous tone. "What did I say-"

"We'll help out." Sora spoke up.

"S-Sora?" Weiss sputtered out before looking towards the animals of their group. "Donald, Goofy…"

"Well…we can't let something like this be ignored." Donald reasoned. Sora had definitely rubbed his hero complex into him from their previous travels.

"It's one of the rules of adventuring: investigating anythin' and everything you can, even on a hunch." Goofy informed. "It was number…uhm…seven? Six? Forty-nine?"

"Ugh...fine. But only to stop you guys from getting killed…" Weiss sighed as she shook her head.

"Now we're cookin'!" Mushu cheered with a fist pump.

"I still have a bad feeling about this…" Weiss couldn't help but think as the group headed into the Village Cave…unaware of the trap they had just walked into.

When they got to the end of the cave, it was as Weiss expected; a shrine and a bunch of lit candles lighting the place.

"Dead end." Sora announced in disappointment.

"There's nobody here…" Donald added.

"You're crazy. Check again!" Mushu urged as he looked around frantically.

"Mushu…" Weiss got out in an unamused manner. "Maybe you were just seeing things."

"Hey, my eyes work!" The little dragon argued. "There's gotta be like, uh… a secret passage or something…"

Weiss simply groaned and placed her forehead. "What a waste of time."

"Oh, well…" Donald sighed as he shook his head and began making his way out of the cave.

Goofy soon noticed his feather friend leaving and went after him. "Wait for me, Donald!"

"Hey, wait up!" Sora got out as he and Weiss began to walk out as well…until…

RUMBLE!

"Huh?" Ping got out in surprise as the cave began to shake rather harshly.

"What? What is it?" Mushu asked as he leapt into the disguised woman's armor.

"A cave-in!?" Weiss assumed as she watched the ceiling.

The hero of the Keyblade narrowed his eyes, a familiar feeling beginning to saturate the room. "No…" Sora muttered, not wanting to believe it, but his fears were founded when a barrier formed at the entrance of the shrine…with Donald and Goofy on the other side.

"Sora!" the knight cried out.

"Weiss! Ping!" the mage screamed.

Weiss' eyes widened as the hairs on the back of her neck began to stick up. "It's a trap!" She called out as they were suddenly surrounded by Heartless.

"Shan-Yu really was here!?" Sora got out in disbelief.

"Or it was Pete." Weiss assumed before glaring at the boy. "Sora…"

"We don't know that!" Sora countered.

"Stop arguing and fight!" Donald called out as tried blasting down the barrier with magic.

Weiss and Sora looked at each other before summoning their Keyblades, just as the Heartless pounced at them.

Sora instantly began destroying all the Shadow Heartless in the room while Weiss went for the Assault Rider, who tried to spear with its halberd.

The heiress used her Keyblade to deflect the weapon away from her, giving her the breathing room to finish the Heartless off.

[Disarm]

Her eyes focused on the weapon and stepped onto it. She then used it to leap up into the air and slice its arm off.

SLASH!

With her enemy now vulnerable, Weiss then grabbed the guan dao and used it to slice the Assault Rider in half, destroying both at the same time!

"Way to go, Weiss!" Sora cheered.

"As if you expected anything less." Weiss responded confidently before cartwheeling out of the way of an attack as two more Assault Riders spawned in the room right by Mulan. "Ping!"

The disguised woman gasped as she rolled out of the way of one attack, jumped onto its back and cut off its head with one swing. Then, just as the Heartless began to dissipate, she leapt off and stabbed the second Assault Rider in the chest, killing it as well and causing her to drop on her butt.

And all throughout, she had her eyes closed.

"...Did I do it?" Mulan asked, looking a little dazed as Sora and Weiss helped her to her feet.

"Nice fighting, Ping! You were amazing." Sora praised.

"Yes. You did well there." Weiss added with a smile. Suddenly, she heard something from behind them. "Hm?" She hummed out before they turned around.

It was the shrine, and it was glowing.

"Uh…does that happen often?" Sora asked. Mulan only shook her head in response.

However, it was Weiss who stepped towards it. Why did it feel like it was…calling to her.

Suddenly, in a flash of light, something spawned from the shrine and floated over into Weiss's hands. It looked like one of the things Merlin gave her to learn…

Magic.

Weiss closed her eyes and pressed it into her chest, causing a small swirl of wind around her as she felt the magic flow through her body. "Aero…" Weiss breathed out.

"Looks like…the gods gave us a reward for protecting the shrine." Mulan assumed. Behind them, the barrier dropped.

"You okay?" Goofy asked as he and Donald rushed over to the three.

"Yeah, thanks to Ping." Sora answered with a grin, causing the disguised woman to blush a little.

Mushu soon popped out of Mulan's armor. "C'mon! Time to report to the Captain!"

"But Shan-Yu wasn't here." Mulan reminded with a frown.

"Puh-lease! That Hun is old news! We're gonna tell the Captain how thousands of Heartless stormed the cave, and Ping took out almost every one of 'em!" Mushu stated with confidence.

"Stories can only get you so far…" Weiss sighed. "I doubt the Captain would believe us. We'll need more proof than…" She began, only to stop mid sentence as she noticed something…off.

"Hm? Something wrong?" Donald got out.

"Why is it all quiet? It's not that late is it?" Weiss questioned as she frowned.

Goofy's eyebrow raised before using his own ears to listen before sniffing the air. "Huh? That's odd. It smells like…" He started as his eyes began to widen as the smell began to overwhelm the group.

"Ash…" Ping finished.

Instantly, everyone ran out of the cave as fast as they could.

They were blinded by the light for a second, their eyes adjusting to the sunlight, before seeing what had happened.

The small, innocent village was burned to the ground, with nothing living in sight.

Weiss felt cold, despite the heat from the remains, as on the blackened snow was Berry...burned and stepped on, abandoned.

"What the…" Sora breathed out before they all ran into the village.

However, Weiss didn't instantly go after them as she kneeled down and picked the abandoned doll up, cradling it in her hands as she ran over to the remains.

"Over here! We need help!" They suddenly heard someone call out.

"That's Po." Sora realized as the group headed over to him. There, they found Po and Ling attempting to lift some rubble off of Yao.

Quickly, the advance team helped and got Yao out of there. A quick Cure from Donald helped them recover some strength, but they still seemed quite battered and tired.

"Yao, guys… what…what happened?" Ping questioned.

"It was…crazy." Ling got out, panting and sweating. "Shan-Yu and his army came outta nowhere and just…rolled through everyone like it was nothing."

"He even captured a few of our friends." Po informed, ashamed he couldn't save them.

"We didn't stand a chance…" Yao concluded in a sad tone. "Have you seen the Captain anywhere?"

"No…" Ping said as he began to worry.

"Stay here. We'll find him real quick." Goofy assured before running off.

"What about the civilians?" Weiss questioned in a cold tone.

"T-They ran away but…some of the enemy managed to get them…" Po sighed.

Weiss grew even colder than she ever felt in Atlas.

"Hey! Over here!" Goofy called out, jumping and flailing his arms. "He needs help!"

"Captain!" Ping exclaimed as they rushed over. Shang was laying against some rubble, clutching to his side. Beside him was a small puddle of blood. Nothing worrying, but he definitely needed medical attention.

"Ping…Sora…Weiss…" Shang panted as he regained his breath. He had fought hard, gave it his all, but it was clear that it wasn't enough to stop the destruction of the village. "You're still here."

"We're sorry we left our post. We thought we saw the enemy but we were ambushed." Weiss informed in an apologetic tone. "Who did this to you?"

"Shan-Yu...personally." Shang growled as he tried to stand. "That bas-Agh!" He then cried in pain as he collapsed against a blackened wall.

"Don't overdo it, Captain!" Sora warned.

"It's just a flesh wound." Shang said as he tried to stand. However, more of his blood began to leak through his fingers.

"Flesh wound or not, you shouldn't be getting up right now." Weiss stated as she pushed him back on the cold snow, barely holding back the bubbling anger in her heart.

Sora instantly dug through his pockets and gave the Captain a Potion, which he gratefully took. It dulled the pain, but it didn't replace the lost blood.

With no hesitation, Ping tore off some of his clothing underneath his armor and began tending to the Captain's wounds with the makeshift bandages. Once his wounds had been tended to, Ping allowed himself to growl. "Captain, the enemy! Where did they go?"

"They went toward the summit…" Shang informed.

"We'll stop them!" Ping promised with no hesitation in his voice.

"It kinda is our fault." Goofy added in a regretful tone.

"Right." Weiss muttered in a small tone.

However, it was the little dragon that was taking it the hardest as he looked around at the destruction. "You mean my fault."

"Uh-uh!" Donald however shook his head to that.

"Shan-Yu and the Heartless did this, not us! Captain, if you track down the villagers, we'll handle this." Sora promised before turning to Weiss to get her input. However, he quickly noticed that the woman was staring at the blackened doll, unable to tear her eyes away from it. "...Weiss."

Weiss flinched as she regained enough sense to put the doll in her pouch before looking towards the summit. "He'll pay. They will all pay." She growled, summoning Edelweiss to her side. "Let's go."

"We'll meet you at the summit once we locate the villagers and gather whatever is left of our forces. Hold them off as long as you can." Shang assured.

"We will, Captain." Ping assured, a fire lit in his eyes.

"Rest well." Goofy got out before the group headed for the summit. It was getting colder and colder as they traveled upwards, but they ignored it. They wouldn't let a little cold stop them from avenging the villagers.

What was going to stop them, however, was a snow covered cliff with no trees tall enough to get them to the top.

"We don't have time for this!" Donald growled, preparing himself to shoot a fireball to melt the snow.

"Hold on! That might cause all that snow to bury us." Goofy warned.

"How do we get up there…?" Ping wondered with a frown.

Weiss looked down before her eyes widened. "Sora, get ready for a boost."

"What?" The boy got out in confusion. Still, he didn't think much more about it as everyone began to step back.

"Okay…you can do this…" Weiss whispered to herself as she summoned her Keyblade and gathered magic into it. "Wind!"

WOOSH!

"Whoa!" Sora exclaimed as the magic wind shot him up to the top of the cliff. "Hey, that worked!"

"Kicked up a lot of snow though…" Donald grumbled as he wiped the snow off his feathers.

"Sorry." Weiss quickly apologized before using Aero again to get everyone up to the top of the cliff before doing it herself. "There. Now, let's hurry. Before Shan-Yu escapes."

"I don't think he's the type that would run from a fight." Goofy said.

"Well, only a coward or an animal would attack a defenseless village." Weiss bitterly stated as they continued up to the summit.

When they arrived, they saw the falcon from before fly over them to land on Shan-Yu's shoulder at the top of the summit. He smirked as he spotted what was left of the Imperial Army.

"There he is." Sora muttered.

"Gawrsh, he looks really scary even from here." Goofy admitted.

"But where's the rest of his men…?" Weiss questioned as she narrowed her eyes.

Ping suddenly gasped as he spotted the army crest over the summit. The group's Jaws dropped as hundreds of Heartless hovered over the edge of the cliff, none of them even glancing over to the warmonger.

"W-What? Those aren't Huns!" Ping exclaimed.

"His army...It's all Heartless…" Weiss gasped as she stepped back.

"We can do this." Sora however said, brave and stalwart. "We can let him get away with this."

Weiss hesitated before nodding and gripping onto Edelweiss. "Right."

She remembered many stories about revenge and how it would feel hollow after the deed was done…

But they never broke a promise.

Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Ping all got their weapons out.

"Yes...there they are…" Shan-Yu smirked before raising his sword into the air. "ATTACK!" The warmonger commanded as his Heartless began going down the mountain.

"FOR CHINA!" Mulan roared as they charged up the mountain.

Instantly, the Heartless swarmed the battlefield, covering the sky like bees. "Sora, we need to go straight after Shan-Yu! If he's controlling the Heartless, they should fall along with him!" Weiss called out as she slashed through the Heartless. However, there was no response even over all the noise. "Sora? Sora!" She then shouted out before looking around to see she was alone. They must've gotten separated, and with all these Rapid Thrusters around she couldn't see any of them.

With a growl, Weiss focused on killing as many of these dark creatures as possible. Hopefully, the Imperial Army will arrive to help them with this before they were overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, Sora was taking out dozens of Heartless at a time, desperately casting magic and dodging attacks. He's never fought this many Heartless at once, not even at the End of the World. Still, his clothes, experience and older body was helping a lot. No way his younger self could take this.

However, in the chaos, Sora saw something.

Someone.

In black cloak, observing him.

The hero stopped fighting and stared. It…It couldn't be, could it?

"Riku?"

"SORA!"

"Weiss?" Sora got out, turning to see Weiss running over to him. He then looked back at where the black cloaked person was, only to see them gone. "W-Wait!"

"Sora! ON YOUR LEFT!" Goofy shouted out.

"Huh? Whoa!" Sora yelped as he dived away from several Rapid Thrusters charging at him.

"Sora! You need to focus!" Donald scolded as he casted Thunder around him to take out several Heartless at once.

"R-Right!" Sora replied with a nod. "Was that…really him?" He thought in confusion before shaking his head. No, it must've been the lingering effects of that weird pod.

Why did he even think it was Riku? The only people he had seen that cloak on was part of the Organization and-

"SORA!" Weiss shouted out before taking out a tower-like Heartless that was about to take him out.

"Gah, what is with me today!?" Sora scolded himself before charging back into the battle.

However, as the battle wore on, the heroes began to falter as the near-endless amount of Heartless began to wear them and their supplies down. And yet, Shan-Yu kept sending more, never moving from the top of the mountain.

However, no longer. These soldiers were weak, yet they interfered with many of his plans by themselves.

No longer. He would finish them all himself…and keep their heads as trophies.

With a war cry, Shan-Yu charged down the amount with another wave of Heartless behind him

"There's too many!" Weiss called out as she took down another group of Heartless with a Bolt Reversal.

"How many Heartless does Shan-Yu have!?" Sora panted as he landed back to the ground after his Speed Trap attack. "I've never fought this many at once…"

"H-Hey! Look!" Goofy suddenly called out as he pointed down the mountain.

The group followed his gaze and saw Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po arriving with fireworks and flint under their arms. "It's the Imperial Army!" Donald got out in relief.

"And looks like they're bringing out the big guns!" Sora cheered with a fist pump.

"Ping, we need to…" Weiss began only to notice one person was missing from their little team.

"Hold on, where's Ping!?" Donald exclaimed as they began to frantically look around.

BOOM!

Suddenly, they heard a firework go off nearby. The group saw a trail of smoke go right towards…nothing but the peak of the mountain.

"You're going the wrong waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!"

"Was that Mushu?" Weiss got out in disbelief.

Boom!

The heroes blinked as they saw the firework hit the peak of the mountain. They then followed the smoke trail to its source; a very pleased Ping. "Yes!" He got out with a fist pump.

"What?" Weiss exclaimed as she saw chunks of snow beginning to fall off the peak. "What was she thinking!? We're still here!" She then got out.

"Captain?" Sora suddenly got out, spotting Shang marching over with some men.

"What!? He shouldn't be here!" Weiss called out as she felt everything beginning to fall apart. The Captain didn't seem pained at all, but that was about to change real quick.

RRRRRRUUUUUUMMMMMBBBBBBLLLLLLEEEEEEEE!

Mulan's eyes widened in panic as she realized what was about to happen. "Look out!" She shouted out as she rushed over to Shang and pulled him behind a rock.

"EVERYONE RUN!" Weiss shouted out as the group ran for their lives, away from the oncoming avalanche before managing to dive for cover away from the avalanche.

The whole thing lasted for minutes as chunks of snow rolled down the mountain, destroying anything in its way…including Shan-Yu and his Heartless army. Slowly but eventually, however, the avalanche stopped. Barely anyone moved, not wanting to risk anything yet before they were confident that it had finally settled down.

"I-Is everyone okay?" Weiss panted out while she wiped some snow off her outfit.

"Yeah…all good." Sora wheezed as he supported himself on his knees. "I don't think…Shan-Yu and the Heartless are though."

"Wow…" Donald got out in awe as he looked over where hundreds of Heartless had just been a minute ago.

"Ya know, Mulan's real scary." Goofy admitted, and no one could disagree with that sentiment.

Meanwhile, Shang and Ping finished wiping off the snow from their armor and helped each other to their feet. "Thanks, Ping." The Captain said in a grateful tone.

"It...was nothing." Ping responded, turning away to hide his blush.

"I should never have doubted you. From now on, you have my trust." Shang stated with a smile.

Ping was stunned for a second before bowing down. "Thank you, Captain."

Nearby, however, Mushu popped out of the snow, smoking coming out of his nose. "First she uses me as a lighter, then she turns me into a cannon ball. The head ancestor's gonna hear about this. You know, that's it! I give up! I can't take this no more! C'mon, Mulan. Let's quit this charade and go home, girl." He then complained…right in front of the Captain.

Mulan's eyes widened. "Mushu!"

"Huh?" The little dragon got out in confusion before seeing the Captain, and clasped his hands over his mouth.

However, it was too late. "Mulan? A woman? It can't be!"

"Ping! Captain!" Sora called out as he, Weiss, Donald and Goofy approached the two.

"Oh boy, you're okay!" Goofy breathed out in relief.

"Excuse me, Ping…" Weiss politely began as she rubbed the snow out of her hair. "Next time, give us a little warning before you cause an avalanche."

"You all knew, didn't you?" Shang got out, causing the outsiders to step back. "You knew Ping was really a woman in disguise."

Sora, Weiss, Donald, and Goofy were all struck silent, not sure how they could respond. They knew they were caught, and no amount of weaseling was going to help them.

"...Yes, and?" Weiss finally responded with a challenging glare.

"I can't believe you lied to me." Shang spat out as he walked past the group.

"Wha- Who cares!? She just helped you all take out an entire army by herself!" Sora called out, glaring at the Captain before Weiss pulled him back before he did anything he would regret.

As much as she wanted to punch out Shang right now, it would only make things worse.

The Captain stopped, but didn't turn to face the group. "The punishment for high treason and dishonoring the Army...is death." Shang informed, causing several of the soldiers to stand stock still.

Sora and his group gasped while Mulan simply looked down in shame. "You're...going to kill us?" Weiss cautiously got out as Sora prepared to summon his Keyblade.

"No." Shang answered. "Get out of my sight...now. You're all dismissed." He then declared.

A dishonorable discharge from the Imperial Army; it was the kindest thing he could do, even after all they've done to deceive him.

"But Captain…" Sora began in a pleading tone.

"This can't-" Weiss tried to argue, but it was already too late.

"A life for a life. My debt is repaid." Shang coldly muttered as he walked away.

The group stepped back with nothing else to say, looking down as they couldn't bear to take his gaze of anger and distrust, even with his back turned to them.

"The Emperor is waiting! Move out!" The Captain ordered, going back down the mountain without even looking back. Not even at the stumbling soldiers by his side.

Some soldiers left soon, glaring at Mulan for the mockery she made of the army, while some stayed for a bit and gave her looks of pity. Chien-Po, Yao, and Ling were the last to leave, and only gave the group a sorrowful look before following the Captain.

And with that, they were all alone.

Mulan could only sigh, sniffling a little.

It was all over.

Mushu soon hopped onto her shoulder and gave her an apologetic look. "Mulan... I blew it." He could only say.

"...Let's just set up camp for the night." Weiss suggested as she pulled out her Tent item from her pouch.

The entire day had become one disaster after another. The least this world could do was give them a good night's rest.

---

The group woke up bright and early the next day, although the mood was still pretty down. At least, it was to Weiss as she left her tent and saw Sora eating his breakfast by the fire they made last night. "Good morning, Sora."

"Hey." The boy greeted before taking a bite of his dried fish. "You did really good out there."

"Thank you, but it was Pin-" Weiss said before stopping herself. "It was Mulan who saved the day. We couldn't fight all those Heartless by ourselves." She then added, her mind flashing to the sea of Heartless back in Hollow Bastion.

"Yeah…" Sora responded with a nod.

"Where is everyone?" Weiss asked as she sat down next to him and pulled out her rations.

"Mulan, Donald and Goofy finished breakfast early and are washing up."

"And you're here having seconds."

"I'm a growing boy. I gotta eat a lot." Sora argued, but wasn't in much of a mood to fight any harder than that. "Mulan and Mushu have barely talked since the Captain left."

"Probably dreading what's to come." Weiss assumed before poking at the fire. "I know the feeling."

"Weiss?"

Weiss swallowed, yet there wasn't any food in her mouth. "It's…nothing. I just know the fear of coming back home without anything to show for it." She mumbled.

Sora saw how uncomfortable the white haired woman was and decided to leave it for now. He knew something was seriously troubling her - he had a good understanding of others' hearts after everything he's been through - but he knew when to push it and when to leave it be and let them come out on their own. And for Weiss, it was that second part.

And so, the rest of the morning passed by without much fanfare. They all ate, got cleaned up, and packed up their supplies, ready to head down the mountain.

"Thank you, everyone. Sorry I got you in trouble." Mulan got out in an apologetic tone.

"It's no big deal." Sora responded with his usual bright smile, but it felt a little hollow to the heiress though.

Meanwhile, Weiss noticed that the armor she wore was packed neatly into a bundle. "Your father's armor…"

"I already dishonored my family enough." Mulan answered, barely taking a glance at the armor. "The least I can do is ensure that it is safely returned."

"So Ping... I mean, uh, Mulan...what're you gonna do now?" Sora asked.

"Go back home." Mulan replied with a shrug, attempting to smile but it never quite reached her eyes.

"You know, your daddy's gonna be steamed as a chicken dumpling." Mushu stated.

Mulan could only sigh again. It was likely she wouldn't be let out of the house, not even after getting married off to some other man she barely knew.

Sora saw the sadness on the woman's face and quickly pulled in Weiss, Donald and Goofy beside him. "Relax, we'll take our share of the blame." He promised.

"It's the least we can do. Just because the army abandoned you, doesn't mean we will." Weiss added as she awkwardly tried to pull herself away. Wow, that boy was surprisingly strong.

Mulan smiled at that. "Thanks. You're all wonderful friends." She got out in a grateful tone.

"It's no big deal. Come on, we better not keep him waiting." Sora said as they began their journey down the mountain.

It was mostly a quiet affair for the trip down, none of them really wanting to talk. They were not looking forward to passing through the remains of the village and seeing the villagers.

And that's when they spotted a hand gripping onto a lightning shaped sword burst out of the ground.

Shan-Yu growled as he dug himself out of the snow, and let out an animalistic roar that echoed throughout the mountain. His falcon even managed to find him and land on his shoulder. He instantly casted his gaze towards the Imperial City.

No…he hadn't lost yet. This was only the beginning.

Meanwhile, the group instantly dived into the snow and could only watch in mounting horror as they watched Shan-Yu recover from the avalanche as if it was nothing. "Shan-Yu!" Mulan whispered.

"He's alive!" Sora got out in disbelief.

"He can still walk after bein' under all that snow overnight!?" Goofy nervously got out.

"Guys, we can still stop him!" Weiss spoke up as she stood up and-

RUMBLE!

"Huh!?" the heiress exclaimed as the ground began to shake.

"Oh no! Another avalanche!" Goofy yelped as he covered his head.

"No!" Donald however got out as he saw the snow behind the warmonger begin to move.

RRRRRROOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRR!

In the next second, a giant dragon-like Heartless burst out of the snow and let out a roar. Shan-Yu let a vile smile before leaping onto the Storm Rider and pointed to the Imperial City. It seemed Heartless obeyed his command and began flying towards it.

"What the…?" Mulan got out in horror and awe.

"Where did he get that giant Heartless!?" Weiss exclaimed.

"He must have a lot of darkness in his heart." Donald assumed.

Mulan suddenly gasped. "He's heading for the Imperial City! We've got to warn Shang!" She realized.

"We're not beating him to the Palace on foot though, and he's got a day's head start already." The heiress pointed out as she watched the Storm Rider fly to the city.

"Hmm…" Goofy hummed out before snapping his fingers, causing the others to wince. One avalanche was enough for one day.

"Hey! Careful about what you do!" Donald called out, his loud voice shaking loose some snow.

"Goofy?" Sora looked a little confused, but interested.

"I gots an idea!" Goofy got out before summoning his shield. He then tossed it to the ground, which caused it to grow much bigger, enough to fit all five of them on top of it. "Hop on!"

Weiss suddenly felt a sense of dread sink to the bottom of her stomach. "Wait, we're going to…"

"No time! We need to get going!" Donald interrupted before rushing over to Goofy.

"You heard him, everyone!" Sora got out as he hopped onto the shield.

"...This better not kill us…" Weiss sighed as everyone got onto the shield as well, with Goofy at the front, Weiss in the back, and everyone else in the middle.

"Awlright, here…we…go…!" Goofy announced as he tipped his shield over the edge, causing it to begin sliding down the mountain.

"YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHH!" Sora cheered.

"HOW CAN YOU BE ENJOYING THIS!?" Weiss exclaimed as she held onto Sora as tight as she could. "AH! TREE!"

"SHIFT LEFT!" Goofy called out as everyone began to lean their weight to avoid the tree…and the rocks…and the Heartless.

"Wait, what was that!?" Mulan got out as it rushed by them.

"WAK! BEHIND US!" Donald suddenly warned. "Heartless!"

"Of course they wouldn't let us go down the mountain peacefully…" Weiss grumbled as she turned around to face the creatures of darkness. "Mushu! I may need your assistance!"

"Already on it, girl!" Mushu got out as he popped out of Mulan's clothing. "Just tell me who to shoot!"

Weiss nodded as she summoned her Keyblade and allowed the little dragon to climb onto the tip. "Dragon Shot!" The heiress called out as Mushu spat fireballs at the Heartless like a machine gun, taking out each one Weiss aimed at. Meanwhile, Sora was in charge of getting everyone to shift their weights to avoid obstacles.

"BIG JUMP COMING UP!" Goofy called out.

"Oh no!" Mushu said as he leapt off the Keyblade and back into Mulan's clothes while Weiss held onto Sora once again and closed her eyes.

In the next second, the shield hit the natural ramp and shot them high into the air and off the mountain. "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" They all screamed.

"I REGRET EVERYTHING!" Mushu cried out.

"HOLD ON! WE'RE ALMOST THERE!" Sora shouted out, now able to see the Checkpoint at bottom.

"WE WON'T MAKE IT!" Donald however was less optimistic as they began to drop.

"YES! WE CAN!" Weiss countered as she summoned her Keyblade again. "AERO!"

WOOSH!

Instantly, they were boosted into the air. "AAAAHHHH!" The boys and Mulan screamed as they held onto each other as tightly as they could.

Meanwhile, the heiress herself was focusing on getting everyone down the mountain alive and quickly began conjuring the next spell. "AERO!"

WOOSH!

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

"AERO!"

WOOSH! SPLASH!

Weiss was expecting to need a fourth cast of Aero, but crashing and landing in the river worked too.

"Urgh…" the group groaned in pain as Donald casted Cure on everyone.

"You know…you're kinda right, Weiss…" Sora got out as he shakily got to his feet.

"O-Okay, let's never do that again." Weiss panted out as she wiped off the snow and dirt off her outfit.

"Ugh…" Mulan moaned in soreness as she twisted the water out of her hair. "W-We're at the checkpoint."

"Yeah." Sora nodded before seeing the Imperial City in the distance. It was still far away, probably an hour out if they ran the entire time, but it was a lot closer than from the mountain. And with Shan-Yu riding that Heartless straight to the Palace, they might just have enough time to warn Shang now. "Come on, we still have a long way to go before we catch up to the Captain."

"But Shan-Yu will make it long before us." Weiss muttered with a frown. "If only we had some sort of transportation…"

Mulan furrowed her brows before snapping her fingers. "Hold on, let me go get someone real quick." She didn't stay long enough for them to respond as she ran away towards the encampment.

"Uhh…okay." Sora got out with a shrug.

Mulan came back not even a minute later…riding on her noble, black stead.

"Wow…" Sora whispered in awe.

"You had a horse this entire time!?" Weiss exclaimed.

"The enemies we faced and the paths we tread were too dangerous for Khan to face." Mulan explained as she brushed her hand through her horse's mane. "Khan, do you think you can carry all five of us to the Palace as fast as possible?"

Khan whinied loyally. He was ready for anything. Plus, they didn't seem too heavy.

"Thank you, Khan." Mulan said with a grateful smile before turning to the others. "Hop on!"

The heroes nodded before doing as the woman said.

They were getting to the Imperial City before Shan-Yu and warning Shang…even if it killed them.

---

What would've been a several hour sprint became a minute's ride. Khan was fast and agile, getting to the city in record time without needing to pause for a little rest. However, he was quite tired when he finally got them there.

"We made it!" Donald happily cheered as Goofy helped Weiss and Mulan off.

"Hah! We beat Shan-Yu!" Sora got out with a fist pump.

"Don't celebrate yet, Sora! We still need to warn the Captain!" Weiss reminded the boy before looking up at the sky. The Storm Rider was fast approaching. "Hopefully they'll have enough time to get some defenses ready…"

"Khan, thank you." Mulan got out as she brushed her horse's mane. "But now, me and my friends have to go at this alone. Stay here and rest, I will return soon." She then ordered

Khan whinied, nodding as the heroes ran into the city and towards the Imperial Palace.

Meanwhile, Shang and his troops had walked through the palace gates and were heading through the courtyard. To be honest, he had no idea what to tell the Emperor. Shan-Yu and the Hun army was defeated…but it was by a lying woman. He didn't have the heart to claim victory for himself, but he couldn't dishonor the army by telling the Emperor the truth…

"Shang!" A familiar voice rang out across the courtyard.

Shang stopped, his heart growing cold as he turned to see Pi-Mulan, and her fellow cast of deceivers running towards them.

"C-Captain Li!" Weiss breathed out as the group skidded to a stop in front of the army. "We have a serious problem!"

"Shan-Yu is alive! He's headed this way!" Mulan informed.

"And why should I believe you this time?" The Captain questioned as he narrowed his eyes.

"But...she's telling you the truth!" Sora insisted, glancing at the sky. Shan-Yu could be here any minute now!

"You can't ignore such information!" Weiss called out in a frustrated manner. "Why would we make it all the way here to the Palace, knowing that we'd only be captured and executed on sight!?" She soon pointed out.

Suddenly, Donald quacked as he spotted a falcon flying high above the palace. Shang followed the falcon before it landed on Shan-Yu's shoulder, who was standing on one of the watchtowers triumphantly.

"Believe us now?" Donald couldn't help but grumble.

Shang didn't exactly have any room to argue. "Guard the palace! Do not let the enemy get anywhere near the Emperor!" He ordered as many of his troops began rushing to the palace. However, some of the soldiers who had been acting strange since the village had stayed. "That's an order!"

The soldiers stopped in their tracks, right before their bodies twisted and changed into Heartless. Shang was stunned, but instantly the group stood in front of the Captain, weapons at the ready.

"Those soldiers…!" Weiss breathed out, horrified at the sight.

"Weiss," Mulan spoke up as she armed herself. "All we can do is ensure they are given an honorable rest."

Weiss hesitated before nodding. There was no saving them. They were just Heartless now.

"...Allow me to join." Shang got out as he pulled out his sword.

"Every bit helps." Sora said with a nod. "Let's go Captain!"

With that, the battle for the Imperial City began! While the waves of enemies paled in comparison to the swarms of Rapid Thrusters they had fought at the Summit, they still took a good few scrapes that needed a Potion or Cure to heal.

Soon, the Heartless began to retreat from the heroes, but there was still fighting all around them.

"That's all of them." Shang got out as he sheathed his sword. He soon turned to look at Mulan.

Now that he got a look of her without her armor, and how she could fight without it, he…

"Watch it!" Goofy called out as they barely managed to get out of the way of the diving Storm Rider.

"I was wondering where that was!" Sora admitted as he tightened his grip onto his Keyblade.

"Oh my!" Jiminy exclaimed, popping out of Sora's hoodie. "If we don't stop that Heartless, Shang's men won't stand a chance!"

"And you think we can!?" Weiss exclaimed.

Mulan couldn't help but agree with that statement, but it wasn't like they had a choice as the giant Heartless began to fly straight at them, blowing away soldiers and Heartless alike.

[Vertigo Toss]

Sora's body moved before he could even think. He slid under the Heartless before striking and stabbing the Storm Rider to interrupt its attack. He then performed a third and final strike that launched it high into the sky, wherein it fell the earth behind Sora as the boy himself landed back on the ground in a heroic pose.

"Whoa!" Mulan got out in awe while Weiss and Shang's jaw dropped.

"Nice one, Sora!" Goofy cheered.

"Could you always do that?" Donald asked.

Sora simply smiled before getting serious and turning to Shang. "Captain! We'll secure the courtyard, and you can save the Emperor!"

Shang didn't move. An army was one thing, but a giant monster…

"It's waking up!" Weiss warned as she brandished her Keyblade.

Donald growled as he turned to the Captain. "That's an order!"

Shang hesitated before nodding, racing to the palace.

"So, what's our plan of attack?" Weiss asked, attempting to do the breathing exercises her trainer had taught her so that she would remain calm against overwhelming odds.

"I guess…attack?" Sora answered with a shrug.

"We need a lot more than just attack here!" Weiss called out.

"Weiss, there's something you need to know if you want to beat Heartless like this." Sora got out as he let out a relaxing breath. "Sometimes…you just have to trust your heart."

Weiss…was less confident in such a strategy, but still she steeled her nerves, held onto her Keyblade with an iron grip…

And charged forward.

"RRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRRRR!"

"FOR CHINA!" Mulan screamed as the heroes ran straight at the giant Heartless.

"May your heart be your guiding key, may your heart be your guiding key…" Weiss repeated to herself, an attempt to keep her mind focused despite all the chaos around her. She soon saw the Storm Rider was flying up high into the air. No way they could reach it! Unless… "Sora! Mulan!"

Sora turned to Weiss getting a spell ready and smirked. "Let's go!" He called out as they both rushed over to her.

[Soar]

"Soar!" Weiss called out as she twirled her Keyblade like a baton, creating a swirl of wind that launched Sora and Mulan high into the air. Then without hesitation, she followed suit, casting Aero again at her feet to blast her skywards.

Mulan made it to the Storm Rider first, grabbing onto the tail and somehow managing to hold on long enough to get her foot and climb onto the monster's back.

Meanwhile, Sora managed to stab his Keyblade into the Storm Rider's back before holding out his hand to grab Weiss and throw her onto the Heartless's back. The heiress then reached down and pulled Sora up. "Thanks."

"It's what a good teammate would do." Weiss responded with a nod just as Mulan came up behind them.

"What do we do now?" Mulan soon asked the two.

"Hmm…" Sora hummed out as he scanned the enemy. "Those horns! On the wings and shoulders! They should be its weak spots!" He answered.

"You've fought something like this before!?" Weiss got out in an incredulous tone.

"Nope!" Sora happily responded before running off to attack the head.

"But how did you-"

"No time, girl! Start hitting it!" Mushu interrupted.

The girls nodded before following Sora. Soon they were all swinging their blades at the horns, causing the Heartless to cry in pain.

"SORA! IT'S GOING TO TRY AND THROW YOU OFF!" Donald suddenly screamed from the ground.

"What!?" Mulan exclaimed.

"Grab onto something!" Weiss soon called out as she and Sora grabbed onto a horn, just as the Storm Rider did a backflip in the air.

[Hang On]

Mulan, however, couldn't react fast enough and fell off! "Wh-AAAAAHHHHH!" She screamed.

"I GOT HER!" Goofy called out as he rushed over and- "OOF!"

…And used himself as a makeshift cushion. "S-Sorry…" Mulan groaned as she got off the knight.

"I've had a lot bigger land on me." Goofy assured, although the stars spinning around his head and his dazed look did not inspire confidence. "Where's Max?"

"At home." Donald deadpanned before shaking his head. "Cure!"

Goofy was then soon enveloped in a green light. "WOW! Thank you!"

"No problem, ya big pa-IN COMING!" The mage soon screamed as Sora and Weiss rode the Heartless down as it crashed to the ground.

CRASH!

"AH!" Sora yelped as he and Weiss were flung off the Heartless. "Ow…"

"Get up, Sora!" Goofy exclaimed as he helped the boy to his feet while Mulan helped Weiss. However, they didn't have time to breathe as walls appeared beside them.

"Wak!? Walls!?" Donald shrieked.

"It's going to squish us!" Sora got out with widened eyes.

However, Weiss was the first to notice that the Storm Rider wasn't finished yet, as at the end of the artificial hallway it was charging energy in its mouth. "No…it's boxing us in…"

"W-We can't get out of this!" Mulan gasped as the heroes began to slowly step back and the walls drew closer and closer together.

"Give me a second to think!" Weiss called as she studied their surroundings. However, there wasn't anything she could see that would help them survive the next attack! These walls were too slick to jump off of.

The Storm Rider soon began charging its laser, and in seconds would be distergrating the heroes if they didn't figure something out.

Then, her eyes shifted over to Goofy.

Perfect.

"Goofy Goof! Out in front!" The heiress ordered all of a sudden.

"Huh?"

"Enlarge your shield when I say so!" Weiss instructed as she gripped her Keyblade. This might be their only chance!

Goofy looked confused for a second before getting it. "Oh, I got it!" He responded with a thumbs up, already bringing up his shield.

"What's she thinking!?" Donald exclaimed.

"I don't know, but it better be good!" Sora replied before looking towards Weiss and nodding.

Weiss soon let out a breath as she felt the energy in the Storm Rider's mouth beginning to reach its peak. "Get ready…" She whispered as everyone stood behind the knight, preparing for the attack as it kept building…

And building…

And building…

BLAST!

Now! "GO!" Weiss shouted out as the beam of death quickly came towards them.

"HERE WE GO!"

[Goofy Guard!]

"Ngh!" Goofy grunted when the beam hit his shield, splitting the beam in two and creating a safe area for his friends to stay in. However, his arms began to shake as the beam's force proved too great for him to handle alone, causing the knight to start sliding backwards.

"Together!" Sora suddenly lying shouted out as everyone soon began to hold onto the enlarged shield with all their might.

[Goofy Charge!]

"Here goes nothin'!" Goofy declared as everyone began pushing forward.

Suddenly, the force pushing them back began to give. Was it getting weaker? No, they were overcoming it!

"Keep pushin'!" The knight called out.

"AAAAAHHHHHH!" The heroes cried as they all gave everything they had to overpower the giant Heartless's attack.

And then… it stopped.

Stumbling forward from the sudden loss of energy, Goofy shrank his shield back to size as they checked on the Storm Rider. It looked like the last attack had utterly drained it!

"It looks tired!" Weiss informed.

"Then let's finish this!" Sora declared before looking back at his friends. "Ready?"

"Ready!" Mulan responded with a nod.

"LET'S GO!" Weiss declared as the three swordsmens dashed towards the monster, leaping into the air and…

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

…Defeating the Heartless in a combined attack. The Storm Rider thrashed around before laying still, releasing the giant heart it contained before disappearing.

"W-We actually destroyed it…" Weiss panted in disbelief.

"It's not over yet, Weiss!" Donald however reminded as he quickly casted Cure on the tired girl.

"The Emperor's in danger!" Mulan added as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

"No time to lose!" Sora declared.

Weiss nodded to that before the team ran towards the palace. Hopefully it wasn't too late to stop Shan-Yu.

When they finally arrived, they skidded to a stop when they saw the Emperor held hostage by the warmonger's jagged blade. It was sharp enough to cut through a few of his beard hairs with ease, more than enough to end his life at a single twitch of his wrist.

"Now you'll bow to me!" Shan-Yu declared with a vile grin.

"No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it." The Emperor stoically responded.

Shan-Yu gripped his sword.

So that will be his final words.

However, before he could end the pathetic whelp's life, a blast of fire and ice magic was sent in his direction, causing him to jump out of the way, yet still managed to keep a grip on the old man.

"Step away from the Emperor! It's over!" Weiss called as the heroes climbed the last few steps and brandished their weapons. She and Donald had tried to hit the monster, but a warning shot should suffice right now.

His forces were falling to nothing. He was alone. He had nothing to lose or gain anymore. Shan-Yu had lost…

But at this point, it mattered little to the warmonger. He didn't want anything else and he didn't care what would happen afterwards. He wanted revenge.

Shan-Yu looked over to Mulan and glared. "And who are you to defy me?" The warmonger growled.

Mulan glared back at the man before tying up her hair.

Instantly, the warmonger recognised him-no, her. "The soldier from the mountains...!"

"And her friends!" Sora added as he, Weiss, Donald and Goofy stepped forward with their weapons raised.

"We stopped you once. We can stop you again." Mulan declared, standing strong against the man, her heart barely faltering at the thought of facing the warmonger head-on.

"I know you won't even move a muscle as long as I have him at the blade." Shan-Yu soon stated he pressed his blade a little harder against the Emperor's neck. "Honor means nothing here, soldier-"

WHAM!

It was right then Shang jumped down behind the warmonger from the top of the Palace roof and socked him in the face, stunning him and giving him a black eye.

"Shang!" Mulan gasped.

"Stay focused, soldier!" Shang ordered as he helped the Emperor to his feet. "And make sure to make him pay." He then added before heading into the Palace, with Chien-Po and Ling closing the door as fast as their strength would allow.

Shan-Yu recovered from the surprise attack and growled, charging straight for the door. However, the heroes had already taken their position in front of the gate, stopping the warmonger in his tracks.

"It ends now!" Mulan declared.

"Right now!" Sora added.

"This is your last chance to surrender!" Weiss concluded.

"Surrender?" Shan-Yu repeated in amusement as his falcon landed on his shoulder. Soon, he began to glow with a dark energy, making him cackle with a sick grin. "I'm afraid most of us will not walk out here alive."

"Uh...could he always do that…?" Mulan asked in a cautious manner as she turned to the others.

Donald and Goofy shook their heads, but kept their brave faces on. Weiss, however, felt her heart beginning to beat against her ribs, stepping back she felt overwhelming power exhumed from the warmonger.

Sora, however, looked down. Away from the monster. He didn't feel fear, he had long conquered that.

No… all he felt was pity.

"The darkness…" Sora whispered. "It's too deep in his heart…There's no other way…" He then got out in a sad tone.

"No other way…?" Weiss repeated with a raised eyebrow. However, she shook it off and focused on the Leader of the Hun Army while Sora tapped his Keyblade on the door, creating a magical lock that was strong enough to hold the forces of darkness back, if only for a little while.

"Weiss, we'll have to give it all! Hold nothing back!" Sora called out as he clenched his fist.

"Right." Weiss agrees before twirling her Keyblade around before tossing it into the air. "BURST!" She then declared, catching the scythe her weapon had transformed into.

"VALOR!" Sora cried out, twirling around his dual Keyblades.

Shan-Yu smirked. "Such worthy foes…our battle will be legendary!"

"But this is where your legend ends." Mulan whispered. "GO!"

With that, the heroes charged forth to engage Shan-Yu and truly end the war.

Sora got to the warmonger first, quickly clashing with him with his Kingdom Key and Oathkeeper, only to be surprised and knocked away.

Weiss and Mulan instantly went in after him to keep the pressure up, but even with two opponents, he still managed to force them away without much effort.

Donald and Goofy didn't do any better. Despite covering each other's weaknesses when they engaged with the Leader of the Hun army, they still couldn't even get past his defenses to even get a scratch on him, tossed away like nothing!

"We didn't do anything!" Donald exclaimed.

"He ain't the leader of the Hun army for nothin'." Mushu growled, his nose blowing smoke out in annoyance.

"Well, how about some magic! THUND-WAK!?" Donald suddenly shouted out, causing Weiss and Mushu to look…and have their jaws drop at the sight.

"THE BIRD'S GOT ME!" Donald screamed as the falcon lifted him high into the air.

"That's one strong falcon." Mushu couldn't help but remark.

"Let go of him, you vile creature!" Weiss shouted out, quickly aiming her scythe and shooting a precise shot of Blizzard magic at the falcon, freezing it solid in the air. "Donald Duck!"

The mage smirked as he aimed his staff straight at the frozen falcon's face. "FIRE!"

BLAST!

The falcon vanished in a puff of darkness, destroyed. "Hah! Take that, ya overgrown flying rat!" Donald cheered.

"Uh, Donald?" Weiss soon got out, blinking at the sight.

"Wak?" Donald looked confused for a second before looking down…and seeing that gravity wasn't paying attention to him right now. "Aw phooey!" He sighed in defeat before reality reasserted itself, making him drop like a rock.

"Gotcha!" Goofy called out, successfully catching the duck in his hands like a princess. "Ooh, you're getting lighter, Donald." He soon remarked.

"Just put me down!"

Now, Weiss would've spent more time wondering about the implications of these cartoon physics or blaming it on magic, but right now she was sort of fighting a warmonger who wanted her head on a stick, so she didn't really have the time.

"Why serve such weaklings? These cretins are beneath you!" Shan-Yu questioned as he tried to cut the girl up into ribbons, but that oversized gardening tool was making it difficult to get in close.

Weiss said nothing as she instinctively transformed her scythe back into a Keyblade and began dueling with the warmonger.

[Parry]

Weiss's body acted before she could even think, deflecting Shan-Yu's vicious swings of his sword.

So much power behind each attack…all she could do is let her Keyblade glide along his to defend herself. There was no way she could overpower him through strength alone.

Still, as skilled as he was with a sword, he was nothing compared to a trained huntress.

[Clash]

Shan-Yu and Weiss soon locked blades, glaring at each other.

Suddenly, the warmonger chuckled. "Such fine skill from a young woman. You would've made a fine addition to my army in another life."

"Flattered." Weiss scoffed. "But I will never follow someone…who would make such an amateur mistake!"

[Coulé]

Weiss slid the jagged blade across Edelweiss, causing sparks to fly between them before using the teeth of her weapon to twist it out of his hand. With no means to defend himself at the moment, the heiress went for it. "HAH!"

SLASH! STAB!

With a quick swing and a thrust, she tore through Shan-Yu's clothing and cut him lightly across the chest.

The warmonger stumbled back, recoiling from the attack. "Hrrr…You should be trying harder…to kill me…" Shan-Yu growled as he picked up his sword.

"That is called mercy Shan-Yu." Weiss responded as she stepped back and transformed her Keyblade back into a scythe. "I'm not a monster like you." She then growled in a low tone before pressing the attack.

Shan-Yu roared as he engaged the heiress once again. However, this time, he summoned a few allies onto the field to help even the odds.

"More Heartless!" Mulan exclaimed.

"He's summoning more cannon fodder! We can't let him break down the doors!" Weiss called out.

Sora nodded before turning to his long-time allies. "Goofy! Donald!"

"On it, Sora! Donald, come on!" Goofy responded before charging forward to the door.

"WWWWAAAAAKKKKK!" Donald let out a war cry as he charged straight at the Heartless, blasting them away with Fire and Thunder.

With that taken care of, the others could focus on Shan-Yu. With barely any hesitation, Weiss burst forward and swung her scythe at the enemy, its sweeping arcs and speedy swings making it difficult to completely defend against, but it still didn't do much against him.

"Tag out!" Mushu suddenly called out.

Weiss nodded to that. "Mulan!" She soon called out as she jumped away, allowing the other woman to step in.

"Hah!" Mulan got out as she and Mushu worked together to hurt the warmonger, to repay the pain and suffering he's caused with each swing of her sword. However, it still wasn't enough. She barely managed to lay a scratch on him!

"Sora!" Mulan soon called.

"Right here!" The hero responded before running straight at the enemy with his Keyblade raised.

[Clash]

Sora grunted as he clashed with Shan-Yu, Keyblade to sword, feeling his bones shake from the sheer impact. "No…No…" He got out through gritted teeth, hoping his stamina wouldn't fail him now.

The warmonger saw the teen losing to him, making him smile. "Each and every one of you has been a thorn in my side." Shan-Yu growled as Sora struggled to keep him from overpowering him. "I'm going to enjoy burning everything and everyone you love to ashes." He soon stated in a low tone.

Sora's face instantly twisted into rage. "C'mon!" He roared in a very un-Sora-like way as pressed harder against the man's sword.

However, to his shock, Sora overpowered the warmonger instead and pushed him away, losing his footing and causing him to stumble.

Now was their chance to react!

[Trinity Rush]

"You're finished!" Sora declared as he slammed his Keyblades into Shan-Yu's skull before launching him off his feet.

This was quickly followed up by Weiss thrusting Edelweiss repeatedly into his chest, and then continued with Mulan slashing away and Mushu popping up for an occasional fireball.

The three continued their brutal combo, following up each of their attacks with one another, never allowing Shan-Yu to break out until finishing it off with a trio of stabs and a blast of magic in the form of a heart and crown that sent the warmonger flying!

"Is that all you have!?" Weiss called out as her Keyblade transformed back into a scythe.

Shan-Yu growled as he tore off his upper clothing. It was torn to shreds and worthless now. Then, with a mighty roar, he charged.

Weiss blinked, and suddenly all she felt was burning pain.

"AAHH!" Weiss cried as the warmonger swung his sword and slashed her across the chest, shattering her Aura and reverting her back into her base form.

"Weiss!" Sora called out in worry as he ran up to the hurt girl just as his own Drive Form faded.

"That power…I can't keep this up." Weiss panted out as Mulan gave her a Potion and an Ether.

"You won't be alone!" Mulan responded with a determined look on her face. "You all taught me that, so I hope you are following your own lessons."

Weiss' eyes widened at the woman before nodding. "Y-You're right." She breathed out as she stood up straight and resummoned her Keyblade to her hand.

"Mushu! Sora! Weiss! For China!" Mulan declared as all three stood together with magical energy beginning to flare around.

[Limit: Red Rocket]

"I'll handle this!" Mushu declared, before spitting out crackling fireballs around them.

Soon enough, all three began to float off the ground, directly focused on the warmonger's piercing stare.

Shan-Yu thought little of the power on display and charged towards them.

"Sora!" Mulan got out as Sora quickly shot to the front.

"Flametongue!" With that, Sora lunged forward with his Keyblade in front, a swirl of fire surrounding his weapon as he sent the warmonger flying into the air. "Weiss!"

"Dragon Dance!" The heiress declared before all three followed their airborne opponent, with Weiss summoning red flaming dragons to deal a flurry of attacks! Stunned and dazed, Shan-Yu could only take the punishment with barely any time to defend.

"Mulan! Finish him off!" Sora called out.

Without any hesitation in her eyes, Mulan charged forward. "Mushu!" She soon got out as the little dragon leapt out from her clothes, aiming up further into the air.

"I'm on fire!" Mushu laughed as he shot out giant balls of flame to finish off the last of the magical energy flowing through them, utterly blasting Shan-Yu with the true power of a Chinese dragon!

The warmonger exploded in a shower of meteors before falling back to the floor, charred and burned.

Right after that, Sora, Weiss, and Mulan landed back on the ground as well, with Mushu managing to land directly in Mulan's clothing soon after.

The heiress was breathing heavily as all her magical power had been exhausted. Still, she pushed through it and aimed her Keyblade at the warmonger. "Had enough!?" Weiss dared the man. Shan-Yu could only growl as he stood back up and held up his sword. "What!?"

"It's over, Shan-Yu!" Mulan declared.

"Don't make us do something we'll regret." Donald added as the tip of his staff glowed with magical energy.

"No…No! I won't LOSE!" Shan-Yu roared, letting the darkness consume his heart as a dark aura flared around him more powerful than before.

"Ah!" Weiss yelped as everyone shielded themselves from the darkness. "This pressure…it feels like it's weighing down on my chest." She thought.

"He's getting stronger!" Goofy exclaimed while hiding behind his shield.

"He's turning into a Heartless!" Donald panicked. They were too exhausted to handle another fight like this!

"Someone stop him!" Mushu pleaded, the darkness causing him to shiver.

"RAH!"

SLASH!

Weiss's eyes widened.

Blood splattered onto the ground as Sora jumped back.

Bleeding, Shan-Yu clutched his side before falling over, losing the grip on his sword.

The heiress stepped back a little. That wasn't a mere disabling blow as she expected. "You...Is he…" Weiss got out as she stood up.

"Grrr…" Shan-Yu gritted his teeth and glared at the Keyblade wielder, his wound leaking even more murky darkness.

"No he's not!" Sora shouted out as the group quickly went into their battle stances.

BANG!

However, the deafening sound of something finishing the warmonger off echoed around the Imperial Palace, stopping everyone.

"What a pathetic loser." They suddenly heard someone scoff. They looked up and saw someone in a black cloak on top of the Palace, recalling their weapon as Shan-Yu's body faded to darkness with nothing left but his sword.

"The Organization!" Weiss exclaimed as she tightened the grip on her Keyblade as the man jumped down from the roof, landing right in front of the heroes.

"...Riku?" Sora whispered, his eyes widening in horror.

"Riku?" The black cloaked man got out in confusion before throwing off his hood...to reveal long, graying hair in a ponytail, an eyepatch, and pointed ears. "Never heard of him."

"You!" Weiss called out. She recognised his voice. At Hollow Bastion!

"Hey, I have a name, ya know?" The eyepatched man got out in annoyance before summoning his weapons; dual arrowguns. "It's Xigbar. You should write it down, 'cause this ain't gonna be the last time we meet again."

"He...seems like bad news…" Mulan got out, stepping back a little.

Weiss swallowed. Despite how laidback he seemed, she could feel how powerful this man was. "Sora, we need to-" Weiss whispered, only to see the boy gone. "SORA!?"

"RRRAAAAHHHH!" Meanwhile, Sora roared as he ran up and pounced on the man, his Kingdom Key raised to strike him down.

CLANG!

"Down, boy." Xigbar chuckled as his arrowguns and the Keyblade clashed. "It was your mistake, dude. Don't take it out on me." He then pointed out.

"Shut up!" Sora growled as he pushed harder. "You're going down! You and your whole Organization!"

"As if." Xigbar chuckled before disappearing, stunning the boy and causing him to frantically look around. "Need me to remind you what we're capable of?" He then asked from right behind the boy.

He then jabbed the boy in the stomach with his arrowguns and whacked him back to his friends.

"Sora!" Weiss exclaimed, rushing over to the boy. He didn't seem all that hurt, but it didn't stop her from glaring at the Organization member. "Why are you even here in the first place!?"

"Sorry, Princess, but that's all the time I have." Xigbar chuckled out, almost as if he was amused by their anger. "I was just here to say hello...for now."

"N-Ngh…" Sora grunted in pain, but he still had enough energy to glare at the Sharpshooter.

"Now keep showing us that spirit of yours. Keep beating those Heartless...or else things might get ugly." Xigbar soon advised in a threatening tone as he summoned a Corridor of Darkness.

"U-Ugly?" Sora got out in confusion before shaking his head. "Wait!" He then called out, throwing his Keyblade at man, but by then he had already walked into his Corridor and vanished from the world.

"Sora...he's gone…" Weiss said while shaking her head.

Sora barely acknowledged her as he slumped down. "...Riku…" He whispered.

"Uhhh...I don't know what just happened but uh...at least Shan-Yu and his Hun army is gone!" Mushu cheered as he jumped around happily. "Now that's what I call burning some hunny-bun! Aw, yeah! Mulan's the best! Mulan's the best! No, wait a minute—I'm the best! Mushu's the best! Mushu's the best!"

"Mushu…" Weiss growled. This was not the time to celebrate such a thing.

"...Yeah. We saved the day. I guess that's all that matters in the end." Sora then got out with a smile.

Weiss gave her fellow Keyblade wielder a look of concern before shaking her head. She'll talk to him on the ship.

---

It only took a few hours for everything to be cleaned up enough to be presentable and for all the citizens and soldiers in the city to arrive at the palace. Sora, Weiss, Donald, Goofy, and Mulan were standing at the top of the steps, awaiting judgment from the Emperor. They were tense, but they knew they could rely on each other in case anything went…wrong.

Soon enough, the Emperor, his advisor, and Shang walked out of the Palace, all with stern looks on their faces.

"Mulan? Are you sure about this?" Weiss whispered as the Emperor approached the group. "Wasn't the punishment for all the laws we broke death?"

"Yes." Mulan answered with a nod before taking a deep breath. "But I won't run nor hide. I will accept whatever His Excellency will give me. However, I just hope he doesn't hurt my family or any of you."

"He can try." Sora muttered under his breath. "And don't worry, we'll back you up no matter what happens."

"You got this, girl." Mushu encouraged before going inside the woman's clothes once the Emperor stopped in front of the group.

"I've heard a great deal about you, Fa Mulan." The Emperor began.

The heroes cringed before bowing down to His Excellency.

"You stole your father's armor, ran away from home, impersonated an Imperial soldier. You deceived your commanding officer, shamed the entire Chinese army, and dishonored your family name…"

"We get the picture…" Sora sighed in an impatient manner.

"…You're a young woman. And in the end…" The Emperor continued. The heroes flinched as they prepared for the worst. "...You have saved us all." He finished with a smile.

The Emperor then bowed to Mulan, stunning the group. Mulan looked up, completely speechless before the heroes turned around to see everyone there bow down to them before erupting in cheers. After recovering from the shock, the group began to cheer as well and congratulate Mulan.

"Your Excellency!" Mulan got out in disbelief.

"Captain Li?" His Excellency soon got out as he motioned the Captain to step forward.

Shang nodded before taking out Shan-Yu's sword and handing it to Mulan. "Take this, so the world will know what it is you have done for China." The Emperor said.

"Thank you." Mulan responded, bowing in a grateful manner as she accepted the sword.

Shang soon cleared his throat. "Mulan."

"Yes?"

"Sora."

"Sir."

"Weiss."

"Captain?"

"Donald."

"Wak!"

"Goofy."

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you." Shang got out in a grateful manner as he bowed down to the group. "I think...we should look into changing that rule about women being in the army." He then added as he looked towards a beaming Weiss.

"WOMEN ARE FORBIDDEN FROM THE IMPERIAL ARMY!" The advisor, whose name escaped everyone (even the Emperor), screamed.

The Emperor simply blinked before leaning close to the bravest woman in China. "...If you can't join the army, you can be my advisor."

"YOUR EXCELLENCY!?" The advisor exclaimed while everyone giggled.

Mulan soon cleared her throat and stepped forwards towards the Captain. "So...Shang...how did I do?"

"You...will make a fine soldier." Shang responded in a polite manner, however his blush betrayed him.

The Emperor snorted. He heard children with better pick-up lines. "That's it? Is that all there is to say, Captain? If you wish to win the heart of Fa Mulan, China's bravest woman, you'll have to be a bit more eloquent than that!" He soon encouraged.

Shang sputtered while everyone else began to laugh at the Captain's image shattering into pieces.

Weiss, however, had a few issues. "She's…um…she's sixteen, sir." She pointed out in a polite manner.

"...And?"

"...Never mind, Your Excellency." Weiss sighed as she silently groaned. Some of these worlds, if not all of them, are going to have some very different values, aren't they?

"Can I get an autograph?" Sora chuckled as he nudged Mulan's shoulder.

"Thanks for everything, Sora, Weiss." Mulan thanked the two.

"It's all nothing really. It's just our duty." Weiss stated, blushing a little. Huh, her third world outside of Remnant and she's already helped save a country. That doesn't happen every day.

Winter was never going to believe her.

Meanwhile, the little dragon had leapt out of Mulan's clothing and was stomping and cheering. "Now they gotta let me go back to bein' a guardian! They gotta!"

The heroes blinked before focusing their attention on Mushu. "But Mushu, I thought you already were a family guardian!" Goofy reminded.

"Mushu…" Weiss got out in a low tone as the traveling heroes began to surround the little dragon.

The little dragon stopped cheering as he saw several glares at him. "What? Oh, no, no—don't even worry about that, that's just real technical. Just for us guardians." He sputtered and tried to explain to himself, but the damage had already been done.

"You tricked us!" Sora called out.

"Lying will not get you anywhere good, Mushu." Weiss stated with an icy stare.

"No, no no no, see I did—I just, uh...You know, I just didn't wanna bog y'all down with all the Guardian-ese. See, it's very complex, with a lot of fine print. You wouldn't understand." Mushu tried to explain, walking backwards as the boy stomped over to him.

"COME 'ERE!" Donald shouted out as he waved his wand around.

"OH SWEET HONEY ICE TEA!" Mushu exclaimed as Sora and Donald chased after him.

Meanwhile Weiss and Goofy chuckled together, watching the boys' antics. "...You already knew that, didn't you, Goofy?" Weiss assumed.

"Yup." the knight answered with a goofy smile.

Weiss's eye twitched. This better not be a running theme throughout this adventure.

"Hello miss!"

"Huh?" Weiss turned around, only to feel her heart stop.

It was the little girl from the village, her parents rushing to stop her but it was too late. She had bandages on her forearms and around her left eye but… she was fine. Alive.

"Y-You're…" Weiss choked. She then remembered and rummaged through her pouch. "Oh! I-I have something for you." She soon got out before pulling it out; the girl's doll.

"Ah!" the little girl squealed, jumping up as she grabbed the doll. "Berry really did protect you!"

"Yes. Berry did." Weiss laughed as she wiped some tears from her cheeks.

SHINE!

Suddenly, Weiss's eyes widened as Berry glowed and began to float out of the little girl's hands.

"Huh?" Sora got out as he stopped chasing the false guardian, noticing the light. He and Weiss looked at each other before they summoned their Keyblades.

From there, light flashed from the Keyblades and the doll, wind blowing through Weiss and Sora's clothes and hair as a crown and heart symbol appeared on the ground beneath them. The doll then let out a beam of light revealing a Keyhole.

Weiss and Sora looked at each other before twirling around their Keyblades before aiming at the Keyhole, shooting beams of light at it and hearing a distinctive…

Click!

"I knew Berry was magical!" The little girl laughed while her parents stared in awe.

"Okay!" Donald got out as Sora and Weiss put away their weapons.

"Guess it's about time to be movin' on." Goofy stated.

Mulan, Shang and His Excellency all looked a little saddened, but smiled and nodded in acceptance. "You shall be missed." The Emperor said with a bow.

The four smiled in return. "Is it okay if we come back to visit?" Sora had to ask.

"Of course!" Mulan replied with a bright smile.

"We will look forward to your return." Shang assured.

"Well, Mulan. Captain. Emperor…" Weiss began before trailing off as the heroes' eyes drifted over to the Emperor. "Excuse me, but um…"

"Buri Khan." the elder informed with a small chuckle.

The heiress blushed before recovering. "Emperor Khan. It's been an honor." Weiss added as the four bowed.

"You two play nice." Sora teased, causing Weiss to cough and Shang and Mulan to look at each other nervously.

"Whoa... Watch it, soldier!" The Captain warned, although the smile on his face told them everything.

The boy chuckled, and then grunted in pain as Weiss jabbed him in the stomach. "Sora…" She sighed as she shook her head.

Mulan, meanwhile, could only blush as Mushu popped up from her shoulder as the heroes began to leave the palace grounds.

"Goodbye, Sora, Weiss, Donald, Goofy!" Mulan said as she, the Emperor and Shang waved the group good-bye.

"...There has to be a better way to say that." Weiss couldn't help but wonder. Maybe they need a team name…

And so, the heroes began their long trek back to the Gummi Ship, ready for their next adventure.

---

Meanwhile, on the roof of the Palace, two black hooded figures observed the ceremony. "They did really well, huh." The one with big round ears got out with a smile.

"Yes." A more feminine voice responded with a nod. "Your Majesty-"

"Aw, I told ya already to call me Mickey."

"Mickey…" the black cloaked woman corrected herself. "We could've jumped in and helped them."

"And we will…when they need it." Mickey assured. "But we can't go and help them at every moment. We have our own problems to solve after all."

"I know but-"

"You just want to talk to Weiss again, dontcha?" The King soon assumed in a sympathetic tone.

His partner for this world sniffled under her hood. "It's been seven months, Mickey. Seven months since she disappeared. Seven months since she was stuck in that pod with Sora. We…We've sacrificed so much to find her and now…" The woman got out, the ache in her heart beginning to grow. "And now, when she's awake, searching for…for us…I can't even let her see me…not after…"

"Is that why you decided to show yourself on the mountain?" Mickey interrupted, not wanting her to go back into her dark thoughts again.

"...Yes. But there were just too many Heartless. I couldn't find her." His partner shamefully admitted.

"She'd probably attack you 'cause of what you're wearing." Mickey soon pointed out.

"Yeah. I know." the woman sighed as she shook her head.

"Don't worry. Once we're ready, you can spend as much time as you need together." The King soon assured.

"Thanks." The woman said as she placed a hand over her heart. "But…like you said before…we're all connected."

"Through the bonds our hearts share with each other." Mickey finished with a smile.

SHINE!

"Hey, look." The King got out as they saw a shining star blast through the night sky. More than likely, it was Sora and his friends heading off to their next adventure.

"I guess that's our cue to leave." The woman sighed before turning around and holding out her hand. A second later, a Corridor of Darkness appeared. "I'm sure Riku is waiting at the hideout by now."

"Oh boy, I can't wait to see what he's cooked up this time!" Mickey eagerly got out.

"Ugh. I hope he just bought my food from somewhere." The woman sighed as she shook her head. "The tuna salad he made last time tasted like soap…"

Mickey simply giggled before following the woman into the Corridor, her lavender eyes underneath that hood filled with dread.

Chapter 6: Honor

Magnolia

Weiss's experiences within the Land of Dragons has given birth to this Keychain. Based on her memories of Lie Ren. It represents the struggles she will endure on her journey to find her friends.

This Keyblade has the ability Enemy Away, which reduces the amount of enemies she encounters.

However, to not give the author a headache, Weiss will not be equipping every Keyblade she unlocks.

This chapter only took so long because I don't like writing fight scenes, why do I keep writing stories with fights?