China was a great empire with strong forces and walls to prevent invasions. This was why it was a surprise to the guard, when a grappling hook grabbed onto the outer side of the Great Wall. He leaned over to see what it was, and was startled by hundreds more latching on.

"It's an invasion!" he realized and rushed to light the signal.

Out came the Akumas and they grabbed at him, but he managed to get on to the roof of the tower.

There, in the corner, was the leader, Hawkmoth, grinning deviously at him. Around Hawkmoth, the air seemed to chill threateningly.

Quick as a flash, the guard thurt out the flames on the torch into the large pot, and smoke started rising. All around them the signal spread, as more towers noticed it and carried it on.

"All of China knows you're here, now," he informed Hawkmoth.

Hawkmoth's grin seemed to widen, and he grabbed the Han flag nearby and burned it in the flames. "Perfect." Then he drew his sword and pointed the tip towards the guard's neck.

Marinette Dupain was not an ordinary girl. She was intelligent, yes, but also very clumsy, and she always spoke her mind. Not a good combination, for a young lady trying to get a husband.

"A woman must be...delicate...poised…" she muttered to herself as she continued adding notes to her arm. "...and punctual!"

The rooster crowed and she was off. Marinette was meeting the matchmaker today, and she had to be on time.

"Duusu! Duusu, where are you?" she called for her dog. "There you are," she cooed at the sleeping form of her beloved companion.

Marinette attached the chicken feed to the dog's back and added a line with a bone attached to it to prompt Duusu. The dog almost tripped over himself in order to get the bone and took off toward the door. Crash! He missed the doorway, but was up and running in no time.

Marinette chuckled at his antics, then went off to prepare tea for her papa.

Tom Dupain was in the family temple, praying to the ancestors. "Please dear ancestors. Help Marinette impress the matchmaker today."

Duusu dashed in, followed by a flock of chickens, still trying to get the bone.

"Please," He said again, almost exasperatedly. Then he headed out and bumped into Marinette, who held a cup of tea for him.

"Good morning, Papa," she greeted. She poured out a cup of the freshly brewed tea and offered it to her father.

"Marinette! You should be at the matchmaker's by now! The bakery will be run by us today. Don't worry about it. Worry about getting to town in time.

"Marinette's eyes grew big and she ran like the wind.

Bang!

The doors to the Emperor's palace slammed open, and in walked General Agreste.

"Your majesty, Hawkmoth has infiltrated China. Just last night, they climbed over the northern border. We will send troops to protect the palace."

"No," Emperor Bourgeois commanded. "Set up troops to go to war. Sabrina! Send out letters enlisting more men. Someone find a Captain to train them."

"Yes, Sir." The General left and Sabrina rushed off to do as she was told.

"Daddy! If you don't have troops protecting the castle, then we may die! I'm too pretty to die, Daddy!" Princess Chloe screeched.

The Emperor put a hand to his temple. "Yes, Chloe, my dear," he sighed.

"Sabrina!" Chloe hollered for her assistant to, no doubt, get more unnecessary items.

Why did the Emperor of China have to put up with this?

The meeting with the matchmaker did not go well. First she was late. That was bad enough, punctuality and all. That wasn't it though.

Her best friend, Alya, had brought her a ladybug, for luck. She attached its cage to Marinette's kimono. The ladybug had then escaped, and startled the matchmaker, and caused Marinette to accidentally pour boiling tea all over her. It wasn't a surprise to say that she was kicked out.

She sighed. What was her family going to think. She settled herself on a bench under a big Cherry Blossom tree. She prepared to sulk.

Her father walked up and sat down next to her. He prepared to talk, and Marinette looked up.

"The cherry blossoms look wonderful don't they? And just on time." He paused, wondering how to go on. Then he spotted one that was still a bud. "Look! That one hasn't bloomed yet, but that doesn't mean it won't be beautiful."

"Thanks Papa."

Just then, they heard the beatings of drums, signaling a message from the Emperor.

Marinette made her way to the gate. Outside were two white imperial horses, flanked by guards upholding the royal crest. One horse pulled a carriage. Upon one of the horses was a young man by the name of Felix Agreste. In the carriage was the ever so faithful Lady Sabrina. Both were wearing expressions of grim.

Marinette started to wander closer, but her mother stopped her.

"Stay inside," she warned.

Nearby, Alya gestured to the roof. They both climbed up and sat to listen.

Felix spoke, "The Emperor is enlisting all men in the war. Everyone who bears armor must join. They will meet at the Shénqí field by noon tomorrow. All men who do not partake, will be warned. There is a penalty." With that, he and all the other visitors left.

"Wow," Alya commented. "Let's hope that the Huns aren't as bad as they seem. Otherwise we would be in real trouble." She slid down the roof. "See you later, Marinette!"

Marinette continued sitting on the roof. 'All men, he said. That means Papa has to go too. He is too old to be partaking in activities like this. Not to mention his knee problem. How are we going to get out of this.' She slid off the roof and went to finish her chores.