be dying, and we”—she gestured at herself and at ShiShi, still frozen as stone—“would not be here bothering you.
“But we are here now, because Captain Li Shang is a good man. He’s a brave warrior, an outstanding leader, and a loyal friend. China needs him.”
“And China will have him back,” King Yama replied. “I have taken note of Li Shang’s courage and abilities.”
Mulan’s skin prickled. “What do you mean, China will have him back?”
Yama squinted at his book, tracing his finger across the page. “Ah, yes. Captain Li Shang is scheduled to be reincarnated, quite soon after his death, actually. That is why his spirit is already here in Diyu. He is being prepared for his new life. Consider it an honor.”
“China needs him now,” countered Mulan. “The Huns may be defeated, but there will always be threats against the Emperor—he needs a man like Shang to protect him, to protect China.” Her voice quavered. “You already took General Li. Please. Please do not take his son, too.”
“I was not given this role because I have compassion,” King Yama said bluntly. He returned his attention to his work and scribbled something into his book. “Leave now or face the consequences. I remind you, death by burning or by dismemberment.”
Mulan knew this was her dismissal, but she wouldn’t budge. She could hear the demon soldiers stirring restlessly behind her, and she wondered if they were too afraid to come this close to King Yama, for they made no move to force her away.
“I came here to save Shang.” Mulan clenched her teeth. “I won’t leave without him.”
Yama set his quill down. He looked like he was going to yell at her again, but instead, he snorted with disbelief. “You’re willing to risk everything to save the life of your captain?”
“I am.”
King Yama tapped his fingers on his desk. “Your determination intrigues me, Ping. More than that, you’ve amused me.” Yama chuckled, then leaned back in his chair, looking weary. “It’s not every day a mortal succeeds in entering my realm and piquing my curiosity, so I will give you a chance.” He wagged a finger at Mulan. “But that’s all. A chance.”
A tiny flutter of hope bloomed in Mulan’s chest. She straightened, eager to hear what the ruler of Diyu had to say.
“My realm is vast. There are hundreds of chambers and levels in Diyu. Most evoke terror and despair, but others test you to see if you are worthy. After all, most of the souls that pass into my realm are not meant to stay here forever. That is the case with Captain Li Shang. And you, eventually. You’ve risked your life to come see me and beg for Li Shang’s life. So I will give you the opportunity to do so, as a wager.” He paused meaningfully. “If you can find Shang’s spirit, and escape my realm with him before sunrise, then you will be free to go.”
“All of us?” Mulan clarified.
“Yes. You, Captain Li Shang”—Yama flicked his fingers at ShiShi—“and your overconfident cat.”
“But he’s—”
King Yama put his hands together for another thunderous clap, startling Mulan so she nearly lost her balance.
At her side, ShiShi let out a quiet whimper. Color returned to his coat, and his eyes slowly regained clarity.
“That…” he said with a shudder, “was unpleasant.”
“Silence!” Yama shouted. “You are lucky I’ve relented. Annoy me further, Guardian, and you will not leave my realm. The city of Youdu downstairs could use a new statue.”
For once, ShiShi shut his mouth.
“Now,” King Yama said, addressing Mulan again. “Where were we? Ah yes, the price you’ll have to pay if you lose our wager.” He clasped his hands together, looking sly.
“Ping…” ShiShi whispered, “be careful.”
Mulan ignored ShiShi’s warning. “Tell me.”
“My realm is a dangerous place, and those who dwell here are not…accustomed to outsiders. Should you die here, or should you fail to escape Diyu with Captain Li’s spirit…then you—the mysterious Ping with no record in my book—shall stay in Diyu as punishment for trespassing into my realm. You will be my prisoner here. Forever.”
Forever. Mulan quailed, seeing the dismal world around her. The line of ghosts stretching endlessly, the scenes of Diyu she had seen from the Bridge of Helplessness.
A shiver ran down her spine, but she bowed her head respectfully. “Thank you for this offer, Your Majesty.”
King Yama laughed. “I thought you might want to reconsider—”
“I don’t,” said Mulan staunchly. “I accept. We accept.”
Yama blinked, taken aback. “Very well, then.”
Yama pointed at the moon, which appeared closer here