opening poem “Though both sides of the coin may differ, the coin itself  must always remain whole”

Date 3047/126/28

The kingdom of Panthera was as vast as it was beautiful, its lands covered in lush indigo jungles, gorgeous beach cliffs and bountiful valleys. Animals and creatures of all kinds from the armored vicious Crab Raptors and the graceful but massive Lephrants to the elegant yet ever watchful storm hawks and the small pack scavenging ratantas called the territory their home. Across the entirety of the planet many dangerous and mysterious wonder inspiring places existed, but to those of Panthera, their home was a cut above the rest. 

Through honest and fair diplomatic relations as well as powerful military and economic might, Panthera had grown into the largest kingdom to exist on the planet before the Eripme empire was established, its leader said to be a prophet of godly potential who was destined to unify the world. Naturally a rivalry like none other was assumed to begin, but to the credit of both great uni-nations there had not yet been a call to war or anything seemingly close to it. 

Like Panthera the Eripme too had a reputation for strength and the majority of those who joined its cause on world had done so without any resiliency or bitterness. Ironically enough as old differences were let go and put aside, new rivalries grew between people as they found new reasons and things to be prideful in and to protect, though these were not as troublesome at the moment. Regardless, the people of Panthera had cooperated with the Eripme in hopes that they’re combined power would see the entire planet thrive in a way it never had before as both sides hoped to achieve a level of synergy that could have only been imagined by their recently warring ancestors.

The Pantherians themselves stuck to their principles and continued to progress and build a nation that not only they, but the entire world revered and how could they not? After all, they followed who many believed to be one of the greatest Ephangians of all time. A being who not only led with charisma and energy, but honor and honesty and wisdom. A man who was ever ready for combat who could best any foes he faced, yet who also had the strength of heart to forgive and show mercy. Known as the legendary lion of the black flame, he was King Catterune aka Lord Rion, and the nation he built had every reason to adore him. And adore him they did as they fought and worked hard to accomplish his dream for a better life. Raikosi (Elementalists) or Vasz (Shapeshifters), from the land or the sea, all who would honor the doctrine and principles of the rule were welcome to find and make a new home within it for themselves.

*

The sound of screams could be heard as a ferocious black beast lept and tussled in the fields of a small village just outside Pantheras capitol, Felidaez. The beast cornered its prey, two small children, their backs to the thick of the ogre pine trees. As the beast walked up to the cubs, its fangs protruding from its mouth like a spearhead, it’s mane like a bright ball of purple fire, one suddenly jumped on its back, then another and another! As the beast shook and jumped the cubs held on with vigorous strength, their small claws latching onto the thick fur of the predator until the beast collapsed onto the ground exhausted. One yout stood triumphant on the back of the beast as the rest climbed from its back

‘Haha, I am the great beast slayer! I am the conqueror of monsters! Great Grroowahhh-

As the the confident yout stumbled from the back of the beast, it rose its mighty head and roared a loud roar that sent the birds and small creatures running from the surrounding area. It looked down into the eyes of the child who boasted his victory too quickly, its eyes of fire as intense as the nus (sun) before it stood on its rear legs and transformed into a tall and robust nam. The yout began to cry before the large nam reached down and lifted him to his feet, kneeling down and wiping the dirt from his face. 

The other children watched in awe.

‘There, there my my yout, you did well’, his smile was flawless and sincere. He sat down and motioned for all the children to gather around him which they quickly did. 

‘A strong warrior must always be confident in oneself, but overconfidence will be that same warrior's downfall if they are not careful’, the mighty nam said, making sure to look each and everyone of the cubs in the eyes. 

‘You should’ve been faster instead of bragging, Leek, right Lord Rion?’ A young *itsy asked with surness, her bright green braids bound back with a black and pink bow, her cheeks open and revealing the sharp teeth beneath even when her mouth was closed.

‘Indeed Princess Rami’, The nam replied with a smile, ‘Speed and strength may lend themselves to different strategies and advantages, but the only true differences between the hunter and the hunted, between who lives and survives.. Is discipline and heart. In other words cubs, both in the long and short term the one who often wins is the one who is prepared to win through both training and desire alike.’ His voice powerful and encouraging. The young boy and those around him nodded and cheered in agreement, ‘Can we try again? One more time please?’ They said together, their voices overlapping off time. 

‘I don’t think he’ll be able to do that today. I’m afraid I need to borrow him for something my little friends’

The children all turned and cheered ‘*Ydal Lechaye!’

Catterune turned as the princess ran and hugged the nampia who had just shown up, a large grin still on his face. 

‘Break times over alreadyyyy? Heavy is the head huh?’ His voice playful in nature in imitation of the children causing Lechaye to giggle.

‘I’m afraid so, my lord.’ Lechaye replied, her voice pleasant and calm. 

‘Well, you heard her cubs. It's time to head home.’

‘Can we hear you roar one more time at least, pleassseee’, again the kids asking in unison. 

‘Ok, ok, you little monsters. One more for the road, yea? And maybe.. if Mrs Lechaye will allow it’, he drug his words out like lyrics to a children’s song, ‘we can all stop by the crème shop for icy treats!’ The children yelled with delight, their laughter a roar of its own. As Lechaye shook her head, her lips closed in a soft grin, Catterune transformed back into the large magnificent black phoenixy feline-like creature he had just been and let out a mighty roar which shook the leaves and startled the nearby herd animals much to the amusement of the children. The villagers un-alarmed and used to the Kings voice continuing regular business as if it was any other day. 

In a nearby tree a reptilian rat-like creature rested, it’s body warm and comfortable in the rays of the nus. It snatched up a winged insect in its clutches with small paw hands tipped with feral claws and ate it as it observed the events of humor unfold with a keen eye.