War and Peace

Prologue

Many Years Ago...

In Ancient China...

There were two gorilla brothers, Uatu Prime and Atum Prime.

They were the two princes of their land, which was ruled by their loving Gorilla Lord father, who wanted nothing but peace for his people.

Uatu became a warrior of peace, studying the mystic arts of kung fu.

However, his brother Atum did not desire peace, for he desired only death and destruction in the name of conquest.

While Uatu left his kingdom to persue a life of peace, his brother Atum claimed the throne once their father passed away.

It was then that Atum began building an nearly unstoppable army, which was destined to conquer all of China, annihilating everything that stood in their way.

Atum's blood thirsty nature made him feared by all, his desire for destruction and conquest unequal to any throughout history.

It was then he became known as Atum, The Fallen One.

All hope seemed lost as Atum and his army marched towards the city ruled by the Royal White Tiger Family.

It was then that all of China's Kung Fu Warriors and Masters stepped in to confront Atum and his army.

Despite their combined might, the Kung Fu Warriors and their Masters were nearly killed by Atum himself, who wielded a massive steel mystical sledgehammer of immeasurable power.

When it appeared that the Kung Fu Warriors and their Masters were about to be defeated by Atum and his army, the sadistic Gorilla Lord's brother, Uatu Prime, apeared on the scene and challenged his brother to combat.

A fierce battle ensued between Uatu and Atum, while the Kung Fu Warriors and Masters battled against the Gorilla Lord's army.

In the end, Uatu finally defeated Atum, driving him and his army back into the lands that used to be their peaceful home.

But The Fallen One declared that he would return, and that all of China, as well as his brother Uatu, would fall!

However, after the great battle, the infant son of Atum was found by Tai Lung.

Tai Lung revealed his discovery to the fellow Kung Fu Warriors and Masters, who would decide the fate of the child.

But it was Uatu who stepped in, taking the infant within his arms.

It was then out of kindness and understanding, the Kung Fu Masters decided that Uatu would take the child as his own to raise.

It was then that Uatu vowed to teach the infant, whom he named Holku, the ways of peace and the mystic arts of Kung Fu.

It was then that Uatu promised to do everything in his power to make sure that Holku did not suffer the same fate of his father.

As the years went by, Uatu and his wife settled in the Imperial City that was ruled by the Royal White Tiger Family, while they raised Holku as if he were their own son.

As Holku grew from a child into an adult, he eventually fell in love with the beautiful Princess of the Royal White Tiger Family.

Unknown to Holku, and even Uatu himself, Atum knew of his son's existence and his love for the Princess.

Enraged and more blood thirsty than ever, Atum The Fallen One began readying his army once again, vowing that nothing would stop him in his conquest.

By the time these warnings reached Uatu, it was already too late.

The Imperial City

The Palace of the Royal Family

The Throne Room

It has been nearly thirty years since Atum's first attempt at total conquest, and it would appear that it wouldn't be his last, for word soon spread of his advancing army that threatened to destroy everything that stood in their way. It was for these reasons alone that Uatu returned to the Palace, for he knew that Atum was coming and that his first target would be the Royal Family. Uatu was determined to keep the Emperor, Empress, and the Princess safe from harm, which meant that he would have to take them somewhere safe.

Uatu knew of just such a place, one which would be safe from Atum and his army, but first he had to convince the Royal Family to leave. Needless to say, that was a task that was easier said than done, because the Emperor was a noble man who thought of his peoples safety before his own. Regardless, Uatu knew that he had to try, for time was short.

Despite being over seventy years old, Uatu still had the physique of a silverback gorilla in his prime, with the exception of the gray hairs that ran through his otherwise raven black fur and the numerous wrinkles and scars that marked his charcoal colored flesh. His massive size and muscular upper body still gave him a very impressive and intimidating presence, despite his natural peaceful nature that made him so endeared by all those who knew him. His silver-blue eyes matched his silk clothing that covered his form, adding to his regal appearance.

"Your Highness, we must leave! Atum and his army are approaching even as we speak! You must get your wife and your daughter to safety!", Uatu exclaimed, concern evident in his voice.

"But what about my people, Uatu? I must make sure that my people will be safe from The Fallen One's hordes!", The Elderly White Tiger Emperor responded.

"I have already given your guards the order to evacuate your people in order to protect them from harm, but now it is time for you and your family to leave! Atum will strike here first, and I assure you, he won't hesitate to kill either of you or your daughter! It is why we must leave... now!", Uatu declared, stepping towards the Emperor & Empress, his massive size dwarfing the two adult white tigers.

"Very well, Uatu. We shall leave immediately.", The Empress interjected.

"Yes. Thank you, Uatu. Your concern and kindness is most appreciated.", The Emperor replied, lightly bowing his head to the wise silverback.

"Thank you, my lord, but it is me who should be thanking you for listening to an old ape and tolerating his presence.", Uatu responded, bowing to the Emperor and Empress.

"Nonsense, Uatu. Your wisdom, like your presence, will always be welcome here.", The Emperor assured, resting a gentle paw on the old ape's shoulder.

The Palace

Princess Mei's Chambers

Princess Mei found herself seated in front of the mirror in her room, staring at her own reflection as she looked at the beautiful amulet that was given to her at birth by Uatu, which was held around her neck by a silver necklace. She had come to think of the old ape as a second father, whom she could go to for advice whenever something would trouble her. It was well known that Princess Mei was one of the most beautiful women in all of China, which meant that many had tried to claim her heart.

However, she knew that her heart belonged only to one being, one whom she loved more than anyone or anything else in the entire kingdom. She had been in love with him for many years, that much was certain, because every moment she would spend with him made her heart flutter and her spirit soar. Princess Mei, the beautiful white tiger daughter of the Emperor & Empress of the Imperial City, was in love with the being named Holku Prime, nephew of Uatu Prime and son of the blood thirsty Atum Prime, The Fallen One. Some would question her for falling in love with the son of the Fallen One, but she did not care what others thought, for she knew that Holku wasn't a monster like Atum.

She knew Holku better than anyone else, just like he knew her better than her own parents, their bond as unbreakable as diamond. His kindness was much like his Uncle Uatu's own, and his humor was as warm and comforting as the sun, his very presence capable of bringing a smile to her face even when she was down with sorrow. She considered him to be her greatest friend, cherishing every single moment that she spent with Holku, who brought her so much happiness and joy. It didn't matter what others said or thought, nor did she care who his father was, because she loved Holku with all of her heart.

"Mei?", A voice called out from behind her, causing the beautiful female white tiger to rise to her feet and turn towards the direction of the voice.

Her emerald green eyes settled upon the figure that stood less than ten feet away, a smile immediately coming across her delicate features. Standing in her room was a large male gorilla, whose massive figure towered over her own, his gentle silver-blue eyes as warm and comforting as his presence, as a gentle smile graced his features. His gigantic muscular body was covered in silver, blue, and black silk clothing, which fit his overall appearance perfectly. While most would have been intimidated by the silverback's imposing appearance, Mei didn't show the slightiest hint of fear, for she knew that it was he who had captured her heart.

"Holku!", Mei exclaimed in happiness as she ran to her beloved, who embraced her within his massive arms.

"What's wrong?", Mei asked, noticing the look of fear and concern within her beloved's eyes.

"You're not safe here, Mei.", Holku replied, gently grasping her shoulders as he stared into her emerald irises.

"What do you mean?", Mei asked in confusion.

"He's coming for me... He's coming to kill you and your parents... But I won't let that happen!", Holku answered, his voice filled with fierce determination.

"We have to leave, Mei. My Uncle is escorting your parents and you to somewhere safe... Where he can't harm you.", Holku continued, adverting his gaze away from her own.

Before Mei could ask anything else, several gorilla warriors bursted into her room, each one carrying a massive battle ax. Acting quickly, Holku went on the defensive, violently striking down each gorilla warrior that threatened to harm Princess Mei. As quickly as they attacked, the gorilla warriors were subdued, Holku smashing the face of the last warrior through the marbel flooring, effectively knocking out the brute.

"Let's move!", Holku ordered, grasping Mei's paw within his hand as he quickly leads her out of the room, planning to meet up with his Uncle Uatu and Mei's parents.

Running as fast as their legs would allow them, Holku and Mei sprinted through the palace, avoiding numerous gorilla warriors as they attempted to join Uatu and Mei's parents. Eventually, Holku found his uncle and Mei's parents, who moved caustiously through the halls and rooms of the palace. Without saying a word, Uatu began leading them through the palace, determined to get everyone to safety before the arrival of Atum. However, fate was against them on this occasion, for no sooner did they get close to escaping the palace, a several dozen gorilla warriors appeared on the scene.

They did not attack, as if waiting for an order, their eyes focused on Uatu, Holku, Mei, and the Emperor and Empress. It was then that the gorilla warriors suddenly parted, allowing someone to approach the five individuals that were so close to their escape. Out of group of warriors stepped forth a giant gorilla, whose size was comparable to Uatu and Holku's own. His eyes were a fiery orange in color, which seemed to complement his fearsome appearance, as did the right side of his face that was marked by three large crescent scars. Black as death armor covered his form, his fur seemingly as dark as his own armor, while his flesh was that of a charcoal gray color.

Uatu was all too familiar with the monstrous ape, who still carried the massive mystical sledgehammer in his right hand, which acted as his primary weapon. It was this weapon that claimed so many lives and brought untold amount of destruction upon the land, much like the ruthless army of gorilla warriors who obeyed their Lord's commands. The fiery eyes of the monstrous ape fell upon those who stood less than one hundred meters away.

"Atum!", Uatu snarled, his eyes locking onto the fiery eyes of his sinister brother.

"Uatu!", Atum roared, clutching his weapon tightly in his massive hands.

"It's been a long time, brother... twenty-eight years to be exact.", Atum continued with a menacing growl, an evil grin appearing on his face, which exposed his fearsome upper and lower canine teeth.

"Not long enough, Atum! You are my brother no longer! You gave that up the very moment you spilled the blood of countless innocents in your sick desire for conquest!", Uatu retorted, a low growl escaping his throat.

"Ah, still weak and pathetic as ever.", Atum replied in a bored tone, his fiery eyes focusing on his son, Holku.

"There you are, my son. Holku... I believe is what you've been named, eh, boy?", Atum remarked, receiving a animalistic snarl in response from Holku.

"That's hate in your eyes, isn't it? Good! I need a worthy heir to my throne once my conquest is complete. I am here to make you an offer, my son. Join me and rule by my side... as Father and Son! All of China... the entire world could be ours! What do you say, boy?", Atum offered, a sinister smile gracing his features.

"You are no father of mine, monster! You left me to die, while you murdered those who've done nothing and wanted nothing but peace! I would rather die than fight by your side!", Holku roared, clenching his hands into fists.

"You dare stand against me?", Atum snarled, narrowing his fiery eyes at Holku.

"Yes!", Holku proclaimed, getting into a fighting stance.

"Then so be it! Get them!", Atum shouted, his gorilla warriors taking immediate action as they rushed forward.

"Uncle, get the Royal Family to safety! I'll hold them off!", Holku ordered, rushing in to battle Atum's warriors.

"Holku!", Mei shouted, feeling tears coming to her emerald eyes.

"Go! Now!", Holku ordered, striking down one gorilla warrior with a spinning kick before taking another down by smashing both of his fists against the temples of the second attacker.

"Princess, we must leave now!", Uatu informed, quickly escorting her and her parents to the exit, even as Holku continued to battle against overwhelming numbers.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, Holku did not relent as he continued to fight on valiantly, knowing that every moment that he kept Atum's warriors busy further ensured that Uatu would get Mei and her parents to safety. Combining immense strength with incredible agility for someone of his large size, Holku bashed his fists and feet into the bodies of his opponents, inflicting as much damage as possible upon all those who were foolish enough to confront him. However, he failed to notice as Atum approached, his mighty sledgehammer raised to strike!

By the time Holku turned, it was already too late as Atum striked him full force with the mighty mystical weapon, the immense force sending Holku soaring through the air. Smashing through several walls, Holku finally came to a stop as he smashed painfully into the marbel and concrete flooring of the palace, his impact creating a large crater. Holku still felt pain coursing through his body from the blow he received from Atum's weapon, but he somehow managed to psuh aside the pain to rise back to his feet, his silver-blue eyes glaring defiantly as the sinister Gorilla Lord approached.

"Don't fight against me, Holku! You can't win!", Atum snarled, approaching his son, his mighty sledgehammer glowing with a unique crimson energy.

"Are you sure that it isn't the other way around?", Holku sneered, narrowing his eyes.

"So brave... so bold... are we not, my prodigal son?", Atum remarked, setting down his weapon.

"I am not your son!", Holku growled.

"Oh, come now, Holku. Is one kingdom and one Princess not worth obeying your own father?", Atum demanded, extending his hand to his son.

"You'll never stop at one! And you'll never harm her!", Holku roared, rushing forward to engage his father in hand-to-hand combat.

Holku lashed out at Atum, who quickly went on the defensive, each of the two powerful apes trading and blocking blows that could easily shatter stone! Holku manages to land a powerful hammer-like blow with his fists, toppling Atum as he was sent smashing backward to the hard flooring of the palace. However, before Holku could press the advantage, several poison tipped barbs pierced his thick furry hide, instantly taking Holku down in a matter of moments. Atum slowly got to his feet, retrieving his weapon before standing over the unconscious form of his son, just as several of his warriors approached.

"Such a waste. General Fang, take him away and chain him!", Atum ordered, not even bothering to glance at his second in command.

"Yes, Lord Atum.", General Fang obliged, joining several other gorilla warriors who lifted and carried Holku's unconscious form away.

"You may have saved them from my wrath for now, Uatu, but I assure you, it will not be for long!", Atum snarled as he looked out over the Imperial City.

Author's Notes

I thought that I would give a try at a Kung Fu Panda story, because I've been meaning to do one for quite a while. I definitely have some inspiration left from viewing Kung Fu Panda 2, which was a very excellent sequel if you ask me. Expect great things from this story, both on a emotional and action-packed scale, so don't be afraid to read and review!

Until then, see ya later!