Chapter 5: Hua-Lan's Plan

"So what's the plan again?" asked Mai.

"Get to the spirit world, help our parents rescue your siblings, get out." Hua-Lan looked where the demon had been standing not a minute before this conversation. Both of the girls knew there was one problem. It was difficult to enter the spirit world while alive. Of the few who did manage, the real challenge lay in returning to the physical world in one piece.

"The demon did a flying kick and broke through the barrier." pointed Mai. "Maybe we have to do the same."

"But how?" asked Hua-Lan. "I can break a board with a flying kick, but not a barrier between realms."

"That's just it." said Mai. "Mama has a saying: believe you can, then you will. We have to realize that willpower can break any barrier. Then it's just a matter of following through." Hua-Lan paused. Mulan usually knew what she was talking about - especially when it came to overcoming the odds.

"OK, so on the count of three, we do a flying kick and break the barrier." Hua-Lan mustered up her courage. "Mai... if this doesn't work, I love you."

"I love you too, Hua-Lan." Mai then added, "And this will work."

The two closed their eyes and breathed deeply. They focused on their respective energies. White-and-black auras flecked with gold and silver began to surround their bodies, flowing between them and unifying. When they sensed the energy was strong enough, they prepared for the kick. In this state, they could share their thoughts as well.

One… two… three!

"HYAH!"

On the yell, Mai and Hua Lan kicked a hole in the scenery and broke the barrier. They landed on the other side - in the spirit world! Now, they stood in front of the rough iron gate they had seen before the demon disappeared. Gradually, their auras swirled back into their bodies. They hugged - step one of the plan was complete! "OK," said Hua-Lan, "now we just have to…"

"Open the gate?" mocked a rich alto voice. "You'll have to get past me first."

Mai looked up and saw an eight-foot tall guard spirit. The spirit's skin was paler than the moon, with blue-white eyes that shone like stars. It was clad in silver armor studded with milky jade, with long white hair pinned into a practical twist. As if that wasn't intimidating enough, it gripped an elaborate silver sword that was bigger than Mai.

"We're warriors in training." Hua-Lan told a half truth. "See, we were meditating really hard. I guess we meditated a little too hard!" She giggled, hoping to hide her nervousness. Hopefully the spirit wouldn't see through this backstory.

"Ah, that does happen." mused the guard spirit. "Well, I suppose I'll let you girls in. Children come in here all the time..." It touched its sword to the gate, which dissolved. Mai and Hua-Lan ran through the opening. The gate re-constructed itself behind them.

They didn't hear the guard spirit chuckle darkly: "...but they don't come out."

Time seemed to race and drag at the same time. The young couple had wandered the Shaded Hills with no sign of anyone. "We're going to need a miracle to meet up with our parents…" groaned Hua-Lan. As if on cue, a large shadow appeared on a rocky wall. Jets of fire shot from either side of the shadow and rose up, framing the shape of a rising dragon.

"Did I hear someone ask for a miracle?!" A familiar voice echoed throughout the cavernous passage. "Get ready, girls, your salvation is at hand, for I have been sent by your ancestors to guide you through your quest!" Mai had heard the story of how she and Mushu first met. More than a decade later, it seemed history was repeating itself.

"Mushu! What are you doing here?" Mushu strutted out at the sound of Mai's voice.

"What does it look like?" Mushu crossed his skinny arms. "I'm doing my job!" He then took a dramatic bow. "Mushu, Great Guardian Dragon of the Li-Fa Family, at your service!"

"Typical Mushu…" whispered Hua-Lan to Mai, giving Mushu a critical side-eye. Both girls had a giggle. Mushu was not amused. He jumped up and down, waving his arms. "Hello! Earth to lovebirds! Your family is in danger, remember?"

"So stop acting like someone stepped on your tail and move!" Mai grabbed a struggling Mushu with one hand and gestured to Hua-Lan with the other. "Move out!"