Hi guys! Here's that story I mentioned a while ago! It's basically a Ninjago parody of Mulan. Before we start, there are a few things you need to know.

1. These chapters will not be as long as the chapters on my other stories. This will make it so that I can finish and post chapters more quickly.

2. For the first few chapters, it may seem like a novelization. It will! But once I really get into the story, you'll notice some pretttty significant changes, and the story will start to take on a mind of its own. So bear with me! It'll be a blast! =D

So read on and enjoy!

Prologue: Invasion

Indistinct murmuring filled the night as the two guards chatted softly. The smell of smoke lingered in the air, a result from the smoldering embers in the stone bowls located at shelters across the wall.

As the sun disappeared behind the violet mountains, each returned to their posts. The guard opened the door and stepped inside the small roof constructed to protect people like him from the elements and shivered slightly. The night was cool, but not unpleasantly so.

He watched the final rays of sunlight disappeared, plunging the city of Ninjago into darkness until the very same rays woke it back up around twelve hours from now. The stars came out one by one, and he stepped out onto the wall to see them better. The view from here was amazing-he had wished on more occasions than one that he could bring his wife and children up here. Maybe someday…

A piercing shriek pierced the silence, startling him out of his wits. An instant later, something warm and feathery hit the back of his head, making him stumble forward. A hunting falcon.

It was immediately followed by the unmistakable sound of metal against stone. Bewildered, the guard stepped backwards as hundreds of iron hooks flew up and latched, in rapid succession, onto the granite barrier of the wall he stood on.

Finally coming to his senses, the guard started sprinting back towards the shelter, hollering, "We're under attack! Light the signal!"

Just before he reached the shelter, the door opened, and two Skulkin stepped out. He stopped in his tracks. "Garmadon," he muttered under his breath, and slipped past them to scale the ladder.

Lifting himself the last few rungs with strength fueled by pure adrenaline, the guard hastily grabbed a high-set torch and lit the signal lamp as a new, hulking figure hoisted himself up the wall and landed in a crouch. The falcon circled and landed on his shoulder.

"Garmadon himself," the guard realized, as his fellow guards noticed the signal and lit their own. Soon, fires could be seen lighting all across the borders of Ninjago. Though terrified, he stood, shadows from the fire playing strangely across his face, and proclaimed, "Now all of Ninjago knows you're here."

Much to his surprise, Garmadon only smiled. He picked up the large rendering of Ninjago's flag and held it over the flames, uttering one word.

"Perfect."

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The doors flew open, startling Wu. Besides his aloof but ever-present scribe, Misako, he had asked to be left in solitude for the afternoon. As the three men standing in the archway comprehended who stood in front of them, they hastily bowed. "My apologies, Emperor Wu," the first man said breathlessly. Wu recognized him as General Brok-ston, and his two companions as imperial guards.

"Your majesty, the Skulkin have crossed our northern border," the general informed him, trying to appear calm and collected. Behind Wu, Misako frowned. "Impossible! No one can get through the Great Wall!" The emperor silenced her with an upraised hand, inclining his head slightly to signal his general to continue. "Garmadon is leading them. We'll set up defenses around your palace immediately," he reassured.

Emperor Wu shot to his feet. "No! Send your troops to protect my people! Misako!" "Yes, your highness?" the scribe responded compliantly. The emperor stroked his long, white beard as he considered his options. "Deliver conscription notices throughout all the villages. Call up reserves, and as many new recruits as possible." The general stepped forward. "Forgive me, your Majesty, but I believe my troops can stop him."

Emperor Wu shook his head. "I will not take any chances, General. A drop of tea can tip the scale; one man may be the difference between victory and defeat."

Sooo what'd'ya think? I can't wait to develop this story more! Hope you love it! =D