The scowl that crossed the soldier’s face was more Shang than Ping - in fact, it was more Mulan than either.  She could remember the day she’d met the matchmaker all too vividly.  All right, so she’d never expected to be the perfect model of a well-bred young woman, but the cricket her năinai had given her had only made things worse - escaping its cage only to wind up in places it didn’t belong.

Cri Kee seemed fond of Mushu, following Mulan’s dragon guardian everywhere, but the young recruit usually ignored the chirpy insect.  It’d gotten her into enough trouble already.  So had Mushu, for that matter.

Mulan folded her arms and tried to scowl, but it was hard to stay mad at Mushu even if she still hated the sight of that little cricket.  ”Crickets aren’t lucky at all,” she declared in a gruff, Ping voice.  ”They’re worse even than guardians.”