Chapter 35: Land of Dragons
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Now I know Mulan 2 wasn't a movie that was big on fighting, but I needed it to get the ball rolling for Roxas. I hope you like what I have planned for it. Please review and enjoy.
On the Tempest everyone was enjoying their success of saving another world.
"So, wait one touch from this hand and everything turned to gold?" Ginger asks.
"Seriously, Cassim touched the ground and the whole room turned to solid gold I swear even the water flooding the room looked gold." Daring said.
"Probably best that Cassim threw it into the ocean, one mistake and you're a statue." Dexter said.
"I liked that Princess Jasmine she's going to be a really amazing ruler of Agrabah." Briar said.
"I hope I can run my future kingdom like her one day." Apple said.
"That Genie of Aladdin's was pretty hilarious too." Poppy said.
"That guy was a master of impressions." Sparrow said.
"So, Roxas what other worlds have you been to before?" Cerise asks Roxas as he took a bite of Sea Salt Ice Cream.
"Well besides Agrabah I went to quite a few worlds I went to Beast's Castle or as you would know him by, Rosabella's dad." Roxas said getting their attention.
"You saw my parents?" Rosabella asks.
"Yeah I saw Beast in action a few times he fought off hordes of Heartless using his bare hands I'm just lucky he never saw me roaming around his castle or I would've been in trouble." Roxas said.
"Sounds like my dad." Rosabella nods.
"You said you went to Wonderland a few times what was it like compared to ours?" Lizzie asks.
"Well for starters the Cheshire Cat was an actual Cat and he drove me nuts with all those riddles." Roxas said.
"Wait in that Wonderland my Mom, is a he?" Kitty said surprised.
"And an actual cat." Roxas added.
"Did you ever see my Mom in that Wonderland?" Alistair asks.
"Sora met her, but she's still a kid in that Wonderland." Namine said.
"We need to see this for ourselves one day." Lizzie said as all the kids from Wonderland nodded.
"Hey Roxas, before we left Yen Sid told us that your friend Riku and Mickey were Keyblade Masters. How do you become one?" Ashlynn asks.
"I don't know, but something tells me you would have to have some pretty amazing skills to be considered one." Roxas said when the map started to beep.
"Hey, looks like we're coming up on another world." Holly said.
Darling looks at the map. "Let's see the Land of Dragons, sounds dangerous." Darling said.
"My kind of world." Daring smirks.
"Don't hold your breath Daring when Sora went to this world he only found one Dragon and I wouldn't exactly call it one." Namine said.
"So, what's in this world?" Cerise asks.
"Well when Sora went here he met someone who all you Rebels would love. Her name's Mulan and to save her father's life she disguised herself as a man and snuck into the Army to save everyone from a war. Not only did they succeed, but with the help of Sora she became known as China's greatest hero." Roxas explains.
"Whoa, that's hardcore." Ramona said impressed.
"I want to meet this Mulan myself." Cedar said.
"Maybe if we run into her I can get an interview." Blondie said.
"Alright we're coming in on the Land of Dragons." Dexter said as the Tempest prepared to land.
Walking out of the ship they enter the city surrounding the Emperor's palace.
"Wow this place is sure is different." Briar said looking around.
"I'll say look they slide open their doors." Maddie said looking at some people leaving their homes.
"Uh let's try and focus on the mission." Melody said when they heard screaming.
"It was this way!" Ramona points towards the town square where three men were doing their best to fight off Heartless. One was short and had a black eye, one was large with a big belly and the last was a skinny man. These were Yao, Chien Po, and Ling fellow soldiers who fought with Mulan and Sora who protected the Emperor from Shan Yu and his army of Heartless.
"Hang on!" Roxas yells summoning Hand of Fate as he slams it into a Hook Bat Heartless electricity surrounds it stunning it.
"Nice effect." Sparrow said impressed.
"Hey who are you kids?" Ling asks as they jumped into battle with them.
"Hey, I knew a guy who had a weapon like that." Yao said looking at Roxas.
"Save this for after we deal with them." Namine said summoning Chain of Memories and slashing a Shadow Heartless.
Cupid, Hunter, and Sparrow draw back their bows and fire arrows at the Rapid Thrusters zooming around them.
"Wow these things are fast." Cupid said when Raven runs over.
"Stop!" Raven yells with glowing hands and all the Heartless freeze in place.
"Everyone Attack!" Yao yells as they all charged destroying the last of them.
"Well I see you three have been busy." They turn to see a woman with long black hair and a man with his hair tied up in the end.
"Mulan, General Shang!" Yao, Ling and Chien Po smiled.
"Whoa she's Mulan?" Cedar said looking at her.
"If you three aren't too busy disturbing the peace Mulan and I need you three on a mission." Shang chuckles.
"To save China?" Ling asks.
"Naturally." Mulan looks over to the team from Ever After. "And who are all you young fighters?"
"Just some people who want to help those in need." Darling said.
"Well the way you all handled those Heartless was beyond impressive." Shang said.
"You know Shang if they came along they can help with our cover and keep the Heartless away." Mulan suggests.
"Hmm not a bad idea. Tell me something would you all be interested in helping us all with our mission?" Shang asks.
"What is it?" Namine asks.
"You see this land is on the brink of war by Mongols to stop it we plan to escort three princesses to the neighboring kingdom of Qui Kong if an alliance is not formed within 3 days the Mongols will attack us. We could use a few extra protections." Shang said.
"Excuse us for one minute." Dexter said as they all huddled up to discuss.
"This seems pretty simple protect a few damsels make sure they get to the kingdom, easy." Daring said.
"If it was easy they could do it with just those three soldiers." Lizzie said.
"But you heard him if they don't make it in 3 days a war will start." Hunter said.
"Sounds like a good enough reason for me." Alistair said as they separate.
"So, when do we start?" Roxas asks.
"Tonight." Shang smiles.
That night Shang pulls up with a carriage for the three princesses and a small one for all their supplies. Looking around to see the coast was clear Shang signals for them all to come over and keep watch.
Walking out of the palace was Mulan, the Emperor and 3 women who covered their faces with fans. They were Princess Mei, Ting-Ting and Su.
Leading them to the carriage Shang opens the door for them allowing them in. As Princess Mei walks into the carriage one of her shoes falls off her foot. Seeing this Yao runs over to give it back to her. Holding it up he looks into her eyes and she looks into his, startled by this Yao holds up her shoe allowing her to slip it back on before running back to the others and letting out a sigh.
Ling and Chien Po look at each other in confusion never seeing this side of Yao before.
"We're about to depart your highnesses. We will arrive swiftly and safely." Shang said.
"My sisters and I thank you General Shang." Princess Ting-Ting said as Mulan walks over.
"Permit me to introduce Fa Mulan." Shang said.
"It is an honor to meet you." Princess Mei said.
"I leave you in her capable hands." Shang said before walking over to Roxas. "Yao, Ling, and Chien Po will be with the carriage while Mulan and I are up front. Can you all handle keeping an eye on everything from the back?"
"Absolutely." Roxas nods as they paired up into teams and shared a horse.
"Well Dexter looks like you and me are on one." Raven said as she walks over to the one he was at.
"Wow really? I mean great." Dexter said nervously.
"Yeah great." Raven said just as nervous.
Dexter climbs up onto a horse and helps her up.
As Roxas walked over to his horse the Emperor walks down to him. "Please protect my daughters and make sure they make it there safely." The Emperor said.
"We'll do our best your majesty." Roxas said climbing onto the horse and leaving with everyone else.
Moving through the Land everyone couldn't help but take in the beautiful landscape.
"Look at all those mountains and beautiful forests." Cerise said.
"Sure, are different from Ever After." Ramona said.
"So, I get that we're trying to stop a war, but why are the princesses involved in this?" Roxas asks.
"Well Roxas I think thye plane to have the princesses marry the princes from the other kingdom to make an alliance." Apple said.
"You mean they marry people they don't even know?" Roxas asks.
"It's actually a common thing among rulers and Royals." Briar said.
"Some people don't have the option of following their hearts." Namine said.
"Kinda makes you feel a little bad for them." Hunter said.
"Not everyone is lucky enough to find their own Prince Charming." Ashlynn said.
Pulling up by a river everyone gets off to give their horses some water and stretch their legs.
Setting up food and water for everybody Yao drops a cup under the small table they brought with them. As he reaches down to pick it up Mei walks over to him.
"Thank you for helping me with my slipper. May I know your name?" She asks.
In surprise Yao bangs his head on the table. "Ow! Uh, Now, Dow, Cow! Bao?" He said nervously before holding out some food for her.
"No, you must eat. It must be exhausting guarding us day and night." Mei said helping put the food back on the table.
"Yes, I mean no I mean I am strong and marching." Yao said trying to sound cool.
"Yes, I suppose with all that training it must be second nature." Mei smiles.
At the nearby pear tree Princess Su was picking fruit as she tries to reach one high up Chien Po comes over and gives her a boost allowing her to grab it.
Looking over Princess Ting-Ting wasn't happy that her sisters were flirting with the soldiers when Ling comes up from the other side of the tree.
"Well hello there I'm Ling." He introduces himself.
"I am Princess Ting- Ting." She said.
"Well, if you ever need me just give me a ting-a-ling." Ling jokes bursting into laughter. Ting-Ting groans as if she was trying to hide something. "Come on your highness you don't want to let your guard down. Get it guard…down. You know I have some blue blood myself, people call me a royal pain." Ling laughs as Ting-Ting runs off.
"Hey those were some pretty funny jokes." Alistair said trying to make him feel better.
"Yeah definitely put a smile on my face." Maddie said causing Ling to smile.
"Thanks guys." He said.
As Roxas was loading supplies back into the wagon Mulan walks over. "You know there's something about you that just seems familiar. I mean you come out of nowhere swinging that Keyblade of yours if I didn't know any better I'd say you were my good friend Sora." Mulan said.
"Well Sora and I go back a bit." Roxas said.
"I knew it. You just have that look in your eyes." Mulan said.
"What do you mean?" Roxas asks.
"To help people, you see someone in trouble and you don't hesitate you just jump into help people. Sora did the same thing when he first met me, he thought I was in trouble." Mulan chuckles.
"He never was one to think things through." Roxas smiles as Princess Mei walks over to them.
"Fa Mulan?" She said getting their attention.
"Your majesty? Is something wrong?" Mulan asks.
"No, no nothing is wrong." Mei said not hiding it very well.
"Are you…sure?" Mulan asks suspicious.
"I just wanted to compliment you. It was so brave of you to take your father's place in the army." Mei said.
"Oh, thank you." Mulan said.
"Your duty was to stay home, but your heart told you to break the rules. How did you decide between your duty and heart?" Mei asks.
"Well it wasn't easy, but by following my feelings I ended up doing the right thing. I guess I learned that my duty is to my heart." Mulan said.
"My duty is to my heart. Yes, it makes sense! Thank you, Fa Mulan." Mei smiles walking away.
"Uh you're welcome." Mulan said.
"Did you understand what that was about?" Roxas asks.
"Not really I'm as confused as you are." Mulan admits.
"Everybody finish up we'll be leaving soon!" Shang calls out.
"Well I better get back up there." Mulan said walking ahead.
As Roxas walks away he hears something by the carriage. Looking at the wheels he sees a small red lizard like creature talking to himself.
"Oh, this is going to be delicious." He smiles.
"Hey I know you." Roxas said startling him.
"Ah! Uh no you don't you never saw me before in your life!" He panics
"Yes, I do you're Mushu you helped Sora in the past." Roxas said remembering him from Sora's memories.
"Oh, you know Sora. Well not surprising we kicked all kinds of Bad Guy booty together he must have bragged to everyone about having the great and powerful Mushu on his team." Mushu said.
"Uh not really." Roxas said.
"Seriosuly?! Thanks a lot Sora." Mushu groans.
Roxas starts laughing. "Well see you later Mushu."
Sitting down with everyone from Ever After, Yao, Chien Po, and Ling.
"Here you go Roxas." Rosabella said handing him some water.
"Thanks." Roxas said taking a sip.
"So, what exactly is going between all you kids? Do you all travel around like Sora?" Ling asks.
"Sort of, we try to help out as best we can." Cerise said.
"And because all this traveling is fun." Melody said.
"Well we're happy we met you all." Chien Po smiles.
"Thanks, Chien Po." Apple smiles.
Looking at them from the carriage Mushu groans. "Oh man, how am I supposed breakup Shang and Mulan now? With all those kids helping it'll be next to impossible!" Mushu kicks a rock as hard as he can unfortunately it was the rock that was keeping the carriage in place.
The carriage starts rolling down the hill towards everyone.
"Look out!" Melody yells as they all scramble to get out of the way.
The carriage scares away all their horses and Yao, Ling, and Chien Po grab onto the carriage hoping to get the Princesses out.
"Follow that carriage!" Briar yells as they all chased after them on foot.
"Hang on Ladies! We'll save you!" Yao yells as Mulan and Shang chase after them on their horses.
"They're heading for the cliff!" Shang yells as they ran alongside the carriage.
"Ting-Ting over here!" Ling yells.
"After you!" Ting-Ting helps Mei out of one window and onto Mulan's horse. "You're next Su!" But as she was about to escape she falls through a board.
"Ting- Ting's stuck!" Ling yells.
"Raven can you get her out with your magic?!" Holly asks.
"Not when it's moving at this speed!" Raven yells.
"Ashlynn, Alistair the wheels!" Dexter points.
Both summon their keyblades. "Alright we've seen Roxas do it a million times. Strike Raid!" Ashlynn and Alistair yell as they throw their keyblades hitting the wheels causing them to fall off.
Grab a rope!" Shang yells tossing a long one towards them all as tried to stop the carriage, but it was too late.
The Carriage and everyone else fell off the cliff and into the river below, just as Ling pulled Ting-Ting out the carriage got destroyed.
As they all ran to the cliffside to look down worry was on everyone's face.
"Oh, this is so not just right." Blondie said.
"How did this even happen?" Poppy asks.
"I don't know was anyone near the carriage?" Darling asks and all of them shake their heads.
"Are they dead?" Sparrow asks when they all bob their heads out of the water.
"Phew." They all sigh in relief.
"Come on let's find a way down. Kitty you, Cerise, and Ramona go on ahead and help them." Roxas said
"Sure thing." Kitty said disappearing while Cerise and Ramona ran ahead.
As night came all of them had gathered all the supplies from the river and set up the tents.
"Well I've seen happier princesses." Mulan said as Shang walked out with a map.
"That's the least of our problems." Shang said as the map ripped from being wet. "There's a mountain pass between here and Qui Gong. It takes us through Bandit Country, but it's the only way."
"Why not just follow the river?" Mulan suggests.
"Because a river is not on the map." Shang said.
"It's bound to lead to a town and where there's a town there's a road." Mulan said.
"There is no town on the map." Shang said.
"Well here's an idea how about we forget the map and wing it." Mulan suggests.
"We can't wing it. We need a new plan. We have three days. What if we get lost?" Shang asks.
"Then we pull over and ask for directions." Mulan said.
"We don't need to pull over and ask for directions. We have a map." Shang said.
"What is it with Men and asking directions?" Mulan asks.
"What is it with Women and maps?" Shang asks.
"Oh, so women can't read maps?" Mulan said before the two of them start arguing.
"General, I oh…am I interrupting?" Yao asks.
"Yao? Uh what is it?" Shang asks.
"Scout report. I have found a town nearby and pathway to it from the forest." Yao said.
"A forest path?" Mulan said before they both turn to him.
"Excellent work Yao." Shang said as Yao points them towards the town before walking away.
"Shang, I'm sorry you're in charge of the mission." Mulan said.
"No, I'm sorry a good leader is open to new ideas. Forgive me?" Shang asks.
"There's nothing to forgive." Mulan said as they hug. "I better go I have first watch general." Mulan smiles walking away.
At the camp the princesses were sitting by the fire as all the girls walk over.
"Mind if we sit with you?" Holly asks.
"Of course not." Su said as they all sat down.
"We're sorry we couldn't be of much help with the carriage." Lizzie said.
"We'd offer the horses we were given, but they ran off." Maddie said.
"You know you all are pretty young to do be doing something like this." Ting-Ting said.
"Well we all sort of came because Roxas needed us." Namine said.
"The boy with the pointy hair? He's the leader?" Ting-Ting asks surprised.
"You bet he is and he's the best leader we could ask for." Cerise said.
Looking out in front of them they Roxas was helping Ashlynn and Alistair with their keyblade forms.
"See one fluid motion don't just swing it." Roxas explains showing them the motions and helping them.
"Well he certainly is something." Mei said impressed when Ling walks over.
"He's always ready to help those in need and never hesitates to protect others." Namine said.
"He sounds great." Su said.
"Uh your majesty I found your fan." Ling said handing it to Princess Ting-Ting. "It just needed some drying off."
"Oh, thank you Ling." Ting-Ting said surprised.
"Normally, I would say I'm your biggest fan. But, uh I'll just go away now…again." Ling said before bumping into the sticks and almost tripping over. "Ah uh sorry I'll fix that." Ling said as they all held back their laughter.
"He likes you." Mei smirks.
"It would seem so." Ting-Ting agrees.
"And you like him?" Briar hints.
"Well, uh I appreciate that he's a good soldier." Ting-Ting said trying to hide it.
"How can you do that? How can you look at someone, realize that you have a special connection and—"
"I know where my duty lies Mei, do you?" Ting-Ting asks leaving Mei speechless as she runs to their tent.
"Don't you think that was a little harsh?" Raven asks.
"Looks its not that I haven't thought about it, but we're princesses it's our duty to sacrifice ourselves to protect our home." Ting-Ting said as they went to go see how Mei was.
Inside they saw Mei was writing a letter. "I'm sorry father, but I can't go through with the mission I've come to realize my duty is to my heart." Mei wrote.
"Mei, are you running away?" Su asks shocked.
"Is this because Yao gave you his heart?" Ting-Ting asks.
"No this is about my heart." Mei said.
"Mei this is hard, but we are princesses who have to go through with this to protect our home what else can we do?" Ting-Ting asks.
"You can choose your own destiny." Cedar said.
"Huh?" The three of them said looking at them.
"You can be whatever you want to be, do what you choose to do." Raven said.
"You mean we could be like everyone else?" Mei asks.
"Yes, it's your destiny you choose what happens." Namine said.
"I want to be like other girls." Mei said.
"Then what's stopping you?" Cupid smiles.
"I could eat a whole cake." Su smiles.
"I know the perfect place." Maddie claps.
"I could have fun." Mei smiles.
"Does that include no more pinchy shoes?" Ting-Ting asks.
"Absolutely." Briar smiles.
The three princesses burst into cheers. "We're in!"
Meanwhile at the tents Shang was sound asleep as Mushu sneaks into his tent and starts whispering into his ear.
"She defied you, she insulted you, man she laughed at your map. And that's to your face imagine what she says behind your back. She's a loose cannon. She's out of control. I mean who's in control you or Mulan?" Mushu whispers slipping out of the tent just as Shang wakes up.
"Huh?" Shang looks around only to find nothing there.
Resting his head on his pillow Mushu pulls out straw dummies of Mulan and the Princesses and brings them over near Shang's tent.
Mushu clears his throat and until his voice sounds like Mulans. "General Shang more like General Hardhead. The man can't even brush his teeth without a backup plan. I blame myself I fell for those broad shoulders shame I didn't realize there was nothing up there. Well except for that garlic breath. Oh, you can peel paint with that."
Shang covers his mouth at that insult.
Mushu grabs the dummies and runs out of the way just as Shang storms out of his tent.
"That's enough! Where is she?" Shang finds Mulan on watch and walks over. "Mulan!"
"Oh, I am good." Mushu smirks.
"Why, hello, General out on night maneuvers?" Mulan asks.
"General Hardhead? Brushing my teeth?" Shang asks enraged.
"Um…something wrong?" Mulan asks unaware of what was going on.
"I heard you Mulan, every word." Shang said before covering his mouth because of the garlic breath insult.
"Every word…of what?" Mulan asks.
"Don't play coy! I saw you outside my tent." Shang said.
"What? I haven't left my post all night." Mulan said.
And I suppose you weren't gossiping about me with the Princesses." Shang said.
"Shang, did that dip in the river get you waterlogged? And why are you talking with your hand over your mouth?" Mulan asks.
"I wouldn't want to peel your paint!" Shang yells as Roxas and Yao walk over.
"Hey Mulan, it's our turn to keep watch." Yao said.
"And don't leave your post!" Shang yells in anger.
"What's with him?" Roxas asks.
"Ohh!" Mulan groans in anger as she storms off.
"What's with her?" Yao asks.
In her tent Mulan throws her sword to the ground. "What is wrong with him?" Mulan said in anger.
"I don't know girlfriend, but I know this a good relationship is trust and that man don't trust you." Mushu said playing innocent.
"Maybe he was just confused." Mulan said.
Oh, please first you fussed about the arranged marriage. Then you fussed on the way to Qui Gong. Now it's over nothing." Mushu said.
"You're right. Mushu what should I do?" Mulan asks.
"Simple dump him." Mushu said.
"You know what you're right. If this is the real Li Shang I don't like what I'm seeing." Mulan said.
Outside all the boys were keeping watch over the camp when the girls came out of the tents.
"Hey guys I have an idea." Ling said.
"Please tell me it's not your chopstick trick again." Daring groans.
"No, no it's something better. Who's up for sneaking into town tonight?" Ling suggests.
"I like the sound of that." Alistair said.
"After today I think we could have some fun." Dexter said.
"Oh yeah, I'm in." Sparrow said.
"So how are we going to explain this to Shang and Mulan?" Hunter asks.
"Well if we get back before they notice we should be fine." Roxas said.
"See this guy gets it." Ling said.
"Let's do it." Yao smiles.
"Hey anybody up for going to a festival in town tonight?" Hunter asks walking over to the girls.
"What do you mean?" Ashlynn asks.
"Just that Yao found out that there's a festival with lots of food, acrobats and fun going on in town." Sparrow said.
"And we were wondering if you would like to join us?" Hunter asks.
"But what about the Princesses?" Kitty asks.
"Not that I wouldn't mind going by myself." Ramona said.
"Well we still would be guarding them if say they went with us." Chien Po said and smiles appear on all their faces.
"Oh, please Ting-Ting." Mei and Su beg.
"Well I guess it could be fun." Ting-Ting said as her sisters cheered.
"Shh." Yao shushes them.
"Come on let's see if this place can have fun Ever After style." Melody said as they all walked down the hill towards the town.
Little did they know Mushu saw all this. "Well what do you know about that?"
"I mean I know Shang is by the book, but doesn't the man ever bend the rules?" Mulan said angry.
"Uh speaking about bending rule—" Mushu said but Mulan doesn't hear him.
"You know relationships are easy when everything goes nice and smooth." Mulan said.
"Uh, Mulan nice and smooth just left camp." Mushu said.
"What?!"
"I'm just trying to say the princesses went A.W.O.L., that's all." Mushu said.
"Where are the guards?" Mulan asks.
"Showing them the way." Mushu said.
"They're together?" Mulan said shocked.
"Yep." Mushu nods.
"And the others?" Mulan asks.
"Don't you know young people like to party." Mushu said as Mulan grabbed her stuff and ran out. "Oh, what about old Shang-hi?"
"I think I better handle this one. Shang's on a short fuse as it is. Make sure nothing wakes him." Mulan said leaving.
"You can count on me." Mushu grins devilishly.
In town everyone looked at the festival and were amazed by all the events going on.
"Wow." Mei said in awe.
"Look at all the food!" Su smiles looking at all the foodstands.
"Well let's not just sit here looking, everyone go have some fun." Roxas said as they all walked in.
Chien Po and Su went right to the food stands, Yao and Mei went to look at the events where Yao won Mei a stuffed Panda bear for beating a guy in wrestling and Ling finally managed to get Ting-Ting to laugh.
As Roxas was watching some acrobats do tricks Maddie comes over.
"Wow these people really know how to twist their bodies." Maddie said as one folds his body into a pretzel and walks away on his hands.
"Yeah it's kinda painful just to watch." Roxas said.
"Let's go look at something else." Maddie said as they walk away to see some games.
Roxas looks at them and sees a stuffed blue owl hanging from a booth 'Hmm that thing looks kinda cute.' Roxas thought walking over.
"Hey young man would you like to play?" The vendor asks.
"Uh sure what do I have to do?" Roxas asks.
"Just throw this ball to knock over as many Huns as you can." The vendor points to stack of straw Hun dummies.
"Ok." Roxas gives him some Munny and gets a ball when Maddie walks over.
"Oh oh can I play too?" Maddie asks.
"Of course." He said handing her a ball.
Maddie pulls back her arm and chucks the ball knocking off 3 Huns from the stack. "Now that was fun!"
Roxas looks at his stack and smiles. Throwing the ball, he knocks the one on the bottom corner, once that one fell the whole stack fell.
"And we have a winner!" The Vendor cheers. "Pick your prize."
"I'll take that." Roxas said pointing to the Owl
"Aw that's so cute." Maddie giggles.
"Uh yeah…that's why I thought you might like it." Roxas said holding it out to her.
"Huh?" Maddie said surprised.
"I won this, so I could give it to you." Roxas said nervously
Maddie blushes as she takes the stuffed owl and hugs it tightly. "I love it Roxas, thank you."
"You're welcome Maddie." Roxas smiles.
Maddie pulls Roxas in a big hug not wanting to let go. "Come on let's keep looking around." Maddie said grabbing his arm.
As the moon was high in the air everyone had an awesome time at the festival. As Yao, Chien Po, and Ling were with the Princesses on the bridge looking up at the moon. Everyone else had decided to lay down on the grass to rest after hours of fun.
"That was so much fun." Darling said.
"We definitely needed this." Rosabella said.
"Yeah we might have to come back here for more festivals like that." Bunny said.
"Maybe someday." Alistair said.
"It's so beautiful." Mei smiles.
"It's the same moon we see from the palace." Ting-Ting said.
"No, this one is completely different." Su smiles.
"Yeah you're right." Ting-Ting sighs.
"I know I've never seen anything like it." All of them jump in surprise as they all turn to see Mulan looking at all of them.
"Mulan!" Namine said surprised.
"Uh we can explain." Apple said.
"I'm listening." Mulan said waiting for an explanation.
"Um well you see we were." Darling stutters.
"All of us just kind of—" Poppy stutters.
"It's love Fa Mulan it's love. Yao and myself, Chien Po and Su…" Mei starts.
"And myself and Lingy bear, I mean Ling." Ting-Ting confesses.
"We may have sort of helped sneak them out of camp so they could get together." Lizzie said nervously.
Instead of being angry Mulan squeals with joy causing everyone to cheer. "I'm so happy for you all!" Mulan said.
"Group hug!" Chein Po said hugging them all.
At that moment they thought nothing could ruin this for them…until they heard a horse coming towards them. All of them look to see Shang rushing towards them.
"Oh boy." Ramona said.
"Here comes trouble." Darling said.
"Shang." Lizzie sighs as they made their way down to meet him.
"I'll handle this." Mulan said to the princesses.
"Sorry to break up your little party." Shang said angrily.
"Shang before you jump to conclusions I can explain." Mulan said.
"Oh, really well maybe you can explain this." Shang said taking out Mei's letter.
"That's mine." Mei admits.
"All yours, or did you have help? And so my dear father I cannot complete the mission. I've come to realize my duty is to my heart." Shang read aloud. "Who does that sound like?" He looks at Mulan.
"But sir she never meant to send it." Raven said.
"You stay out of this!" Shang said turning to the princesses. "Your majesties you swore a vow to be married in Qui Gong. If your father were to see you know, breaking that vow, what would he say?" Shang asks silencing the princesses before walking over to the guards. "You three are to escort their highnesses back to their tents immediately. You are to guard them, you are not to enter their tents, you are not to speak to them. Not a word ever. Am I understood?" Shang orders.
"Yes sir." They said before walking the Princesses away.
Shang turns to Roxas and storms over. "As for you your team is to guard the princesses from all dangers. You may wield the Keyblade, but you are no soldier." Shang said.
"Hey, you can't talk to Roxas like that!" Maddie said stepping forward.
"You'd be lucky to have a soldier like him." Poppy said.
Roxas stares Shang in the eyes. "My friends and I said we'd help escort them to Qui Gong, but once that's done we're out of here." Roxas said walking away.
As they all leave Mulan looks to Shang. "Shang, the problem isn't as bad as it seems."
"The problem Mulan is you!" Shang said.
"What?" Mulan said in shock.
"You place your own feelings above everything. Duty, obligation, tradition it all means nothing to you." Shang said.
"It means everything to me! My heart tells me my duty and I follow it! Shang you're a great warrior, but you don't trust your heart. Part of me wonders if Sora actually fought the right Heartless." Mulan said causing Shang to gasp.
"This assignment has made it very clear, we are very different people." Shang said.
"Maybe too different." Mulan said as the two of them walk away ending their relationship.
The next day they were heading through the mountain passage and everyone was in silence.
Mulan looks to Shang and sighs before walking ahead.
"Be careful this is Bandit Country." Shang warns all of them.
"Mulan I am so sorry. You told us to follow our hearts, but we ended up running your relationship." Mei said.
"No, you just helped me see how broken it was. I'm indebted to you Mei." Mulan said.
"Maybe coming to the world was a mistake." Briar said.
"I don't even think I could fix a love problem like this." Cupid sighs.
As they walk through a small gap Ling looks to see the princesses were right across from them and gets an idea.
"I sure wish we could talk to the princesses Yao." Ling said aloud so everyone could hear him.
"What? You know we can't." Yao said when Ling winks at him. "Oh, yes Ling I also wish we could talk to them. But as you know orders are orders.
"Yes, but if I could talk to them do you know what I would say?" Ling said.
"No Ling, what would you say if only you could?" Yao asks.
"I'd tell Ting-Ting that she's the prettiest, funniest, most amazing girl I've ever met." Ling said bringing a smile to Ting-Ting's face.
"I would tell Princess Su that she is like fresh ginger on the rice bowl of my life." Chien Po said causing Su to giggle.
"And I would tell Mei that she's one right babe." Yao said as Mei giggles.
Looking at them the students from Ever After smile.
"Well look at that royalty falling in love with commoners, sound familiar?" Hunter smiles.
"They do look nice together." Ashlynn said.
"It's weird just by saying a few words they all seem happy now." Roxas said.
"It's because they love each other Roxas." Apple said.
"Love huh? Looks nice." Roxas smiles.
Up at the front Mulan heard their words and sighs in depression.
"Hey Mulan, how about a little pick-me-up?" Mushu asks.
"My father said, "differences can make you stronger." He didn't realize Shang and I are just too different." Mulan sighs.
"Well uh you always got me. The old team." Mushu said.
"Aw. You're always looking out for me Mushu." Mulan smiles.
"Just doing the best I can." Mushu laughs nervously.
"Really, I just don't know what I'd do without you. You're the best friend I could ever have." Mulan said.
At that point it was too much and Mushu breaks into sobs. "NO! I can't take it anymore! The only thing wrong with you and Shang is me! I'm the one who got between you." Mushu admits.
"What are you talking about? It's not like you made the carriage go into the river." Mulan said.
"Now that was an accident. Followed by many things I did on purpose." Mushu said.
"And it wasn't you outside Shang's tent." Mulan said suspicious.
"You know how I gab." Mushu said.
"And you woke him up after I left?" Mulan asks.
"It wasn't easy that man can sleep." Mushu said.
"Mushu what did you do?" Mulan asks furious.
"Well I used pots and pans to—" Mulan interrupts.
"What did you do?" She repeats.
"You were getting married! Everything was changing! I was gonna lose you and my time as a guardian!" Mushu admits.
"You did all that just, so you could keep your job?!" Mulan said furious.
"I'm sorry." Mushu said.
"What you did was unforgivable." Mulan said.
"But you and Shang are so different." Mushu said.
"Wait a second. Not a different as we thought. All those problems they weren't us they were you!" Mulan glares. "I need to talk to Shang. Tell him I love him!" Mulan said excited as she ran to catch up with the others. "Shang!" Mulan calls out when from above Bandits drop down and surround them.
"It's an ambush!" Shang yells.
"Protect the princesses!" Namine yells as they ran ahead with the Princesses while Mulan and Shang held them off.
"Briar, Apple watch me and do what I do! Aeroga!" Roxas summons a ball of air that knocks the bandits into the cliffs.
Both girls nod holding up their staffs. "Aerora!" Two large gusts of wind knock more bandits away.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Apple smiles.
"HELP!" They all turn to see two bandits grabbing Mei.
"Hey! Drop the damsel!" Daring yells as they take her and run.
"We're coming!" Poppy yells but Shang stops them.
"You all hold them off we got this!" Shang yells as he and Mulan run after Mei.
Running to the bridge Mulan and Shang pull Mei out of their grip and she runs back to the others. But as Mulan and Shang were about to get off the Bandits cut the ropes for the bridge causing them both to dangle from a rope.
"Mulan the rope won't hold both of us." Shang said seeing that the rope was about to snap.
"Yes, it will just hold on." Mulan begged.
Shang looks at Mulan. "I'm sorry." Shang said letting go of her hand and falls into the river far below.
"Shang! SHANG!" Mulan cries.
Everyone watches in horror at what just happened especially Mushu.
Giving Mulan time to morn Shang they all make their way to her.
"Fa Mulan we're ready to go through with the wedding." Ting-Ting said.
"No, your orders are to take care of each other." Mulan said.
"But what about the mission?" Blondie asks.
"Losing Shang will not be meaningless. No matter what it takes I'm finishing this mission." Mulan said serious.
"What's the plan?" Roxas asks.
"Take everyone back home I'll handle this by myself." Mulan said going to Qui Gong alone.
They all look at each other in confusion before leaving the mountain path and finding the road to Qui Gong which was on top of a mountain.
"Mulan said she was going to finish the mission no matter what." Dexter said.
"Yeah, but how is she going to finish it without the princesses?" Cedar asks.
"She plans to take their place." They all gasp to see Shang on his horse and barely staying on it.
"Shang!" They all smiled as they ran over to him.
"Mulan was right. No one should ever have to marry someone they don't love. I'm going to Qui Gong." Shang said.
"We're going with you." Ting-Ting said.
"No, you're not. Stay here." Shang said riding off.
"Hmm…would you say that was an order?" Ling asks.
Roxas looks at all of them and smiles. "Well he's not my general. Hang on Shang!" Roxas said running ahead.
"Roxas what are you doing he told us no?!" Namine asks.
"Well it's a good thing I'm not listening!" Roxas said.
"You know I think what Shang said was more of a friendly suggestion." Chien Po said.
Looking at each other everyone liked that point of view.
"Race you all to the top!" Sparrow said.
"Wait for us Roxas!" Apple said as they ran after him.
At the palace of Qui Gong in front of a giant staute of the Golden Dragon of Unity Mulan stepped forward to marry the King of Qui Gong's oldest son.
"My people, the Golden Dragon of Unity who guides us in all we do, today sanctifies a union that will be a blessing to all of Qui Gong." The King said handing both Mulan and his son a glass to which they will drink from to symbolize their union. "With this sash we will unite not just two lives, but two kingdoms." The King said when a beam of light blasts right through the sash.
Everyone looks in shock to see Roxas holding the Hand of Fate Keyblade out with Shang next to him.
"It's General Li Shang! He's alive!" People said as Shang made his way to Mulan.
"You're alive." Mulan smiles running to him.
"I couldn't let you get married without me." Shang teased.
"General! What is the meaning of this? Leave this sacred ceremony at once!" The King demands.
"I'm not going anywhere." Shang declares.
"What are you doing?" Mulan whispers.
"I don't know I'm winging it." Shang said.
"How dare you!" The King yells.
"My Lord I love Mulan and I don't care what the rules say. If she'll have me I intend to marry here right here. Right now." Shang smiles at Mulan.
"Insolent Dog! Seize him!" The King yells when a large portal of darkness appears behind him and from it a Darkside Heartless appears, but this one had armor over its body resembling a Chinese soldier complete with a giant sword.
"Sweet Fairy Tale that thing is enormous!" Dexter said in awe.
Blondie takes out her Mirror Pad and hands it to Cedar ready for her next big scoop.
"And folks we are about to witness the biggest Heartless battle we've ever seen, literally." Blondie said.
Roxas summons Oblivion in his second hand before charging. The Darkside pulls its sword up and attempts to bring it down on Roxas, but he jumps out of the way and runs up the Darkside's arms delivering a powerful slash attack with both his Keyblades before jumping down.
"If you're all done staring I could use some help over here!" Roxas calls out snapping them out of it.
The Darkside punches the ground causing a dark pool to open and from it multiple Shadow Heartless appear.
Running up to them Ashlynn strikes two Shadows down with ease before turning towards the Darkside.
"How do you beat this thing?" Ashlynn asks.
"Attack the arms that way it can't summon anymore Shadows!" Namine said jumping up striking the Darkside repeatedly.
Swinging its sword, the Darkside creates giant craters in the ground as it tried to hit everyone.
"Oh man that was close!" Sparrow said jumping out of the way just in the nick of time.
"Fira!" Apple launches a fire ball at Darkiside.
"Bizzara!" Briar launches a blast of ice hitting the Darkside right in the head denting its helmet.
As it shakes off the damage it looks to see Kitty on its arm. "Hey there! Catch me if you can!" Kitty yells.
The Darkside reaches to try and grab her, but Kitty disappears and reappears on his shoulder.
"Now I'm over here!" Kitty said as she disappeared to multiple places distracting the Darkside.
Seeing this Roxas couldn't help but smile. "Kitty you're a genius. Everyone don't hold back let's hit it with everything!"
Hunter, Sparrow and Cupid fire arrows, Melody uses her Battle Mix, Apple, Briar, and Raven fire blasts of Magic, Dexter fires Plasma blasts, and Roxas, Namine, Ashlynn, and Alistair fire beams of light from their Keyblades.
Just as the attacks were about to strike Kitty disappears just as they all explode destroying the Darkside.
"Nice moves." Kitty said reappearing next to them.
"Hey thanks for giving us that opening." Alistair smiles.
"Arrest them!" The King yells as guards surround them all.
"Seriously? We saved your lives, and this is how you say thank you?" Daring said offended.
As the King was about to order Mulan and Shang to be separated a stream of fire comes down.
"Yo! What's with all this drama?" Everyone looks up to see it coming from the statue of the Golden Dragon of Unity.
"The Golden Dragon of Unity, he lives!" The King said in shock.
"Mushu?" Mulan smirks.
Everyone looks to see the entire kingdom were bowing their heads in respect.
"Oh, you dang right I live! So, you better get your dumpling eating behind down here and tell me why we aren't hearing any vows?" Mushu said from inside the Dragon.
"But your greatness, General Li Shang is not a son of Qui Gong. And he has tried to stop the wedding with his army of soldiers." The King said.
"SILENCE!" Mushu yells breathing fire again. "I am the Golden Dragon of Unity, and I decide whom to unify. My all-seeing eye has peered into the very heart of this land and I have never seen two people more right for each other than the happy couple right here, Mulan and Shang give it up for them people." Mushu said as they everyone erupts into cheers. "Now I command you to proceed at once!"
"Yes, your greatness!" The King said in fear.
"Mulan do you love Shang? Of course, you do. Shang do you love Mulan? Very much so, moving on. By the power vested in me, by me I pronounce this couple husband and wife. Anyone got anything to say about that?" Mushu asks.
"No, your greatness whatever you say." The King said.
"This just might be the weirdest wedding we've ever been to." Cedar said, and they nod in agreement.
"Still not everyday a Dragon Statue marries a couple." Blondie said.
"And furthermore, I also declare that the princesses of the middle kingdom, wherever they may be are released from their vows and marry whomever they please." Mushu declares as Yao, Ling and Chien Po kiss Mei, Su and Ting-Ting while Shang and Mulan seal the wedding with a kiss starting the fireworks.
"Love really is something amazing. Maybe I should start looking for it." Roxas smiles.
Little did he know a few girls heard what he said and liked the sound of that.
In Roxas' hand a light forms and from it a new Keyblade appears it had a red dragon that resembled Mushu wrapped around the guard, the blade was a Chinese sword with a flame at the top, and on the Keychain was a miniature Golden Dragon of Unity.
"Whoa, that is one cool Keyblade." Dexter said.
"I think you mean hot, there is no ice on that one." Maddie giggles.
"So, what are you going to call this one?" Cerise asks.
Roxas looks out to see the happy couples together and smiles. "How about Flames of Union?"
"Perfect." Holly smiles.
Outside Qui Gong everyone was saying goodbye.
"Thank all so much for all your help." Mulan said.
"It was a pleasure." Raven said.
"And thanks for the interview about your story." Blondie said.
"Anytime." Mulan giggles.
"Roxas I owe you an apology you are a soldier, in fact you're the second most impressive soldier I've ever met." Shang smiles.
"Second?" Roxas asks.
"Sorry my wife is always number one." Shang said.
Roxas chuckles.
"Good luck with everything you three." Cerise said to the Princesses.
"I hope your dad isn't to angry." Rosabella said.
"We have the alliance with Qui Gong, so I don't think he'll be too mad." Mei said.
"Hey, if you all meet Sora say hi for all of us." Yao said.
"Will do." Roxas said as they all wave goodbye as Ginger flew in with the Tempest and picked them up.
"So, how did it go?" Ginger asks.
"This place definitely had some surprises." Ramona said.
"But once again we saved the day." Darling said.
"Kinda stinks aside from the statue we didn't see a single dragon." Daring said.
Roxas looks out the window to see Mushu waving goodbye. "Maybe next time Daring, maybe next time." He smiles.
The Tempest takes off into the sky leaving the Land of Dragons behind.
Next time Roxas, Namine, Ashlynn and Alistair finally learn about the true capabilities of being a Keyblade wielder and with the help a remnant from the past it's going to be a painful lesson.
Roxas' harem: Namine, Cerise, Poppy, Apple, Briar, Maddie, and Melody.
