Mulan (3 page)

Mulan was about to head home in disgrace. But from the top of a cliff she saw Shan-Yu and five of his soldiers heading toward the Imperial City. They were still alive!

Mulan galloped off to the city. There she found Shang and told him that the Huns were on their way.

“Y
ou lied once,” Shang said. “Why should I believe you now?”

But later during the victory ceremony, Shan-Yu captured the Emperor. Mulan saw Shang frantically trying to break into the palace.

“I
have an idea how we can get in,” she called out to Shang.

Mulan dressed her three soldier friends, Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po, in women’s clothes so that they could fool the Hun guards. Shang followed them, and they quickly overpowered the guards.

O
n a palace balcony, Shan-Yu waved his sword at the Emperor, “Bow to me!” he demanded.

At Mulan’s signal, the rescuers stormed into the room.

T
he Emperor was taken to safety. Shan-Yu was furious. He charged at Mulan.

She ran in search of Mushu. “Quick,” she told him. “I have a plan.” She sent him and Cri-Kee off to the fireworks tower.

Mulan ran through the palace, making sure that Shan-Yu was following her. Then she led him onto the roof.

M
ushu landed on the roof. He had a rocket tied to his back. Cri-Kee lit the fuse. The rocket crashed right into Shan-Yu. Mushu jumped off, but the rocket carried Shan-Yu away toward the fireworks tower.

KABOOM! A Spectacular fireworks explosion dazzled the city.

S
han-Yu was no more?

The Emperor bowed to Mulan, He gave her Shan-Yu’s sword and placed his pendant around her neck. “You are a hero,” he said. “You have brought great honor to your country and family.” Then the Emperor asked Mulan to join his council. But Mulan chose to return to her parents, instead.