Crowns of Highcastle

14

EXT. GAUNTLET FIELD – NIGHT

Mulan stands before Coach Yao and his assistants. Her teammates stand behind them.

MULAN

I can explain.

COACH YAO

You deceived us.

MULAN

It was the only way for you to see me.

LI

She's one of the best fighters we have on the team. What does it matter if she's a girl?

MULAN

I will train just as hard. Harder if I have to. I will do whatever it takes. I need this.

COACH YAO

I told you. It's out of my hands. Turn in your uniform and equipment. You're off the team.

Li steps forward.

LI

If Mulan doesn't play, neither do I.

The boys gasps.

KRONK

That went south quick.

COACH

Then I guess you're both off the team.

MULAN

You can't do that. Li, earned his spot.

LI

We both earned our spots. But I can't play for a team who doesn't believe in that. Let's go.

He walks off Mulan sadly turns away and follows him.

Coach Yao gets a phone call.

COACH YAO

Good evening, headmaster...Yes, but sir...Of course.

He hangs up.

COACH YAO (CONT'D)

Looks like we're getting a new rule book.

The team cheers. They run over and gather around Li and Mulan.

KRONK

Team hug. Come on, bring it in.

He wraps his arms around as many teammates as he can. He looks over at Kuzko who's still off to the side, disgusted. Kronk drags him into the hug.

KUZKO

I'm not doing it willingly.

INT. MULAN/RAPUNZEL/MERIDA'S CHAMBER – NEXT DAY

Merida's lying on her bed talking to her mom.

ELINOR

It's hardly been a week, and you've already been in detention. Really, Merida. I sent you to that school so you could make a better life for yourself.

MERIDA

I like my life just fine, mum. It's you who doesn't like it.

ELINOR

I just want you to be happy.

MERIDA

Then let me do what I love instead of taking it away from me.

ELINOR

I didn't know that's how I was making you feel. I'm sorry. I'll make arrangements for you to come back home.

MERIDA

No need for the cavalry just yet. This place is growing on me. I think I've finally found my place.

EXT. GAUNTLET FIELD – DAY

The team is practicing in pairs. Mulan is teamed up with Li. She's gotten better.

LI

By the way, my dad's still waiting for his rematch.

MULAN

Maybe he'll settle for the daughter.

Coach Yao blows his whistle. Mulan looks over, lowers her sword.

Merida leads her new army of female fighters onto the field.

MERIDA

We thought you could use a few more members?

KUZKO

There's more?!