It could be. Mulan is a very well - known and beloved character. Some fans might be intrigued by the idea of exploring a relationship between her and Shan Yu in fanfiction. However, it also might be a bit controversial as Shan Yu is the villain in the original story. So it may not be as mainstream as some other fanfiction themes, but it surely has its own niche audience.
I think it has the potential to be a popular genre within the fanfiction community. Mulan is a strong and iconic female character, and Shan Yu is a powerful antagonist. The contrast between them can be very interesting for writers to explore. Some might write it as a story of redemption for Shan Yu through his relationship with Mulan, while others could create a more complex power - struggle - based relationship. There are many directions it could go in.
One possible scenario in this fanfiction could be that Mulan, after defeating Shan Yu in battle, has to deal with his unexpected return in a more complex situation. Maybe there's a magical element that brings him back, and their relationship takes a turn towards an uneasy alliance. This could be filled with tension and character development as they learn to understand each other beyond their initial enmity.
Once upon a time, Shan Yu was leading his Hun army when he spotted Mulan in the distance. Instead of attacking immediately, he was intrigued by her courage. Mulan, seeing Shan Yu, readied her sword. But Shan Yu said, 'You are a brave one, girl.' Mulan replied, 'I will not let you harm my people.' Shan Yu laughed and said, 'We shall see.' And so began an unexpected encounter between them.
Common themes in Mulan Shan Yu fanfiction include the theme of forgiveness. Mulan may have to forgive Shan Yu for his past actions, or vice versa. Another is the theme of adventure. They might go on adventures together, exploring new lands. And the theme of acceptance is also there. Shan Yu has to accept Mulan as a worthy adversary or more, and Mulan has to accept Shan Yu as a complex being rather than just a villain.
There are likely non - adult - themed fanfiction interpretations of Mulan and Shan Yu. Some fanfiction might focus on their relationship in a more platonic or action - adventure - based way, exploring their interactions during the war or how they might have come to respect each other without delving into inappropriate themes.
One positive interpretation could be a story where Mulan and Shan Yu, through their encounters, come to understand the value of peace. Shan Yu might see Mulan's courage not as a threat but as a sign of the strength of her people, and they could potentially work towards a truce.
The plot could involve Shan Yu being resurrected by a dark magic and Mulan being the only one who can stop him again. But as she tries to defeat him, she discovers that he has some new motives that are not entirely evil. This could lead to a series of encounters where their relationship evolves from pure hatred to something more complex, with the 'lemon' aspect being a hint of a more passionate connection that starts to develop between them.
The fanfic might be about Mulan trying to redeem Shan Yu. She believes that there is good in everyone, even a fearsome villain like him. So she decides to visit Shan Yu in prison. Shan Yu is initially very resistant to her attempts at conversation and reformation. However, Mulan keeps coming back and sharing stories about her own life, her family, and her village. Slowly, Shan Yu starts to listen and is intrigued by her tales. This could be the start of a transformation in Shan Yu's character as he is exposed to Mulan's values.
Perhaps they could become begrudging allies. If there was a greater threat to both their peoples, they might have to work together. Shan Yu would be hesitant at first, but Mulan's strong sense of justice could sway him over time. For example, if a third, more powerful enemy emerged, they could join forces to defeat it, with Mulan teaching Shan Yu about honor and Shan Yu teaching Mulan about the ways of the Huns in a strategic sense.
Some good Mulan Shan Yu fanfictions include 'A Different Ending for Shan Yu'. In this one, Shan Yu survives his fall and has a complex relationship with Mulan as they try to understand each other. 'Shan Yu in Mulan's World' is another interesting one where Shan Yu gets to experience Mulan's village life and the two learn from each other. Also, 'The Meeting of Mulan and Shan Yu: A New Chapter' which starts a whole new story from their first encounter with a different twist.
One idea could be that after Shan Yu's defeat, instead of dying, he is captured and Mulan is tasked with guarding him. During this time, they start to have conversations that make them see each other in a different light. Shan Yu might share his past and the reasons for his aggression, and Mulan might start to understand the complexity of war from his perspective.