#ucul

As heels land in the grassy land the leopard god pulled himself out of the portal, he was thousands of lands away from the collapsing shrine. Appearing across the sea from the Franx sea port. Parda took a few breaths, how long it’s been since he fought and battled. Looking around, He realized he had made it to the tip of the Leopardus lands. Leaving the destroyed pantheon and the old gods in the dust where they belonged. The human port city lit with merriment, unaware of the thunderclap that shook the hierarchal heavens. 

He heard inside subjects and followers spoke through their hearts, the Umbral followers worried and scared, the Pantheon that unified the Tribalic and even humans powers had split. Parda, Haida, Shaza were among those gods that survived the battle, turned on the gods who were weaker than them, but were pressured through abuse and fear for their followers. All this land was freed, the world smiled at the victors. 

It was time to build his own kingdom, the Leopardus had existed enough hiding away in the shrouds of the rain forest with the other tribalic species, watching quietly as the other beings held their pantheon, feasting and ravaging the lands, using the mortal evils they said they were above to create the illusion of their power. He looked to the sky, passing the maker’s test, now it was time to take the reigns for his people. Taking a deep breath, defiantly cutting the bracing winds apart as the umbral plane opened itself and pulling into creation his kingdom. 

The aura and energy swirled and sculpted into the sigils of summoning, eagerly moving to their master’s commands as he let his will flow into the gate, returning to the infinite realm he resided in. 

Out of the realm towers rose and spires climbed from their pool to the heavens. Cogs spun, the rurugel inbued itself into the structures. 

Windows and walls, clocks and blades ascended. 

With the final pushes and stretches the black fortress completed it’s journey, powered by the Umbral realm itself as the water flowed inside, the candles and bulbs came to life. This would be the flagship of the Leopardus Umbral Order. He felt the strain from staying too long in this world, 

Walking into the marbled halls of his new home for his followers, he felt tired, waltzing through these new yet familiar halls he entered the keep, entering the Umbral plane to rest. His followers and others already on their way. 

“As many of you are aware, I called the Tribunal Council to speak on the recent matter enveloping Union City as a whole” 

“I cannot stress enough these “Vampiric” attacks are seriously beginning to put stresses on all of our people.” 

“As well as many of our citzens are species of each of us. So let us keep this brief and secure. This information does not leave here until further notice as we all agreed” The human leader spoke. 

As the members stood up and spoke amongst each other, the leader herself almost dazed out from the lack of sleep over the matter. 

“I think we should pool our connections, clearly this may be a concern for all of us, it took us this long to form a working council.”  Franz spoke with his usual flair. The room was in agreement, save for some. 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Albalene smugly said. “It’s clearly you fur licking freaks finally evolving, or rather de-volving, into a blood sucking band of vampires.” 

“Albalene do you ever think before you speak?” Novero retorted. “I have stated with evidence over and over again such things are impossible, we can drain emotional aura, not blood.” 

Albalene stood up in frustration. “And I’m sure that’s what a spymaster would say, your disgusting kind lurk in the shadows instead of the heat of battle! Your fangs are so minute that it makes sense you all would resort to drinking through those straws.” 

“Oy, watch it, we Cineetas are very war based”  General Allostad joined in.

“Yes, yes,” Daiyon scoffed. “with human weapons and colorfully flamboyant frabrics, you’re dressed more like a clown than a general.” 

“Why do you say such things?” Sinai added. “You are a band of traders and pirates” 

“And you slither in the mud and sand you disgusting beast.”  He laughed. “I speak from royalty and heritage, not this felonious joke of an order trying to take the kingdoms for themselves!” 

“I agree, it wasn’t us whose gods DESTROYED the pantheon, putting us on level with peasants.” She sat back down. “Speaking of which, I see you haven’t cured that big cat stink you all seem to drag everywhere like a grotesque musk”

“Are you sure you aren’t smelling your own bad breath? You guys don’t seem to have any sense of cleanliness yourself.” 

“We had our lives to fight for, must have been nice sucking up to the Pantheon elite!” 

“Both of you, calm down.” The Union City General spoke. “We have an issue to settle. not a war to start.” 

“If anyone stinks, I’d say that it would be dog breath over there.” 

“Watch your tongue Genie.” The Lubio Chieftain roared. 

“It only takes a second for me to tear at your muscles with my teeth alone.” 

“All of you silence” The General spoke as Daiyon said aloud. 

“How are we not sure it’s that thing that Parda releases? You know, the one that needed a HUMAN doctor to help him recover from being sick? a HUMAN.” 

“You watch your tongue or I’ll cut it off Daiyon!” 

“Oh? My sources told me he was roaming the streets, the same area as the recent attack” 

“what attack?” Franz said as the large screen on the wall was turned on. 

“Welcome to Union City News with a breaking alert. Another victim has been claimed by the vampiric plague, however this is a new unprecedented attack in malice. 

The victim was Dijo Mane, a Tribal who frequently was known for his time and performance at the Battleship Bay Strip Club. Sources claim this was a gruesome attack and though is different from the others, there is writing on the ground next to his horrifically maimed corpse.

Officers at the scene have said that the text is a warning to any who try to stop this, referring as “I have taken the night and another life” One witness points to a Leopardus as the culprit. 

Remember, though we personally do not make accusations, an eye witness claims to have seen the attack.” 

“As a trader I am greatly disturbed, I did not want to believe it but the poor man was attacked by a Leopard, who sucked out his soul! He wailed as he faced damnation, it was so horrendous, The culprit was a Leopard Spy.” 

“Sir, we don’t for sure know that” 

“Oh, I do, as a matter of fact I know much as a Daiyon, and I know those smelly cats when I see them.” 

“Officer 336 of the Civil Defense was the responding officer.” 

“I did not find any traces of fur, though until the store managers are present and the camera footage is reviewed, we can not deny any activity, however we do not condone vigilantism against persons until proven guilty.” 

“And there you have folks, a bright rising start cut down, and a possible spotted culprit-” 

She said before the channel was cut off. 

“This is a UNION CITY ALERT, CEASE ATTACKS AND RIOTING AT ONCE, RETURN TO YOUR HOMES. REMAIN CALM.” 

The channel cut back in. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are currently experiencing a riot in progress, we at Union City News ask all citizens of all species to remain calm and lock your doors, we are not supporters of violence and the recent burning mobs will not be tolerated, please stay inside.” She said upon the quiet room. The General standing up and running out the door as her beeper screamed. 

The leaders took there seats, a smug face on Daiyon. “I guess we know.” 

As the sun climbed itself into the air, the castle once again resumed action, however, the chapel bells rang, moving back and forth. 

The soldiers returned to their posts, the ministers were having their own ceremonies to commemorate their lost member. Though the chapel was the most quiet of the all the areas. Inside, Parda walked to hear the song Mathias sang in the front, softly and peacefully he walked to Mathias as he stopped, Parda taking a seat in one of the now spacious pews. Mathias walked and took a seat with him, Parda was still much taller than any other person, not that it bugged Mathias. 

“I still remember singing to you, those lyrics. It’s an ancient hymm” 

“I liked that, I felt something was necessary. I guess this is something that just I had to experience to know” Mathias spoke, he turned to the taller one, looking in his eyes. “Is that the fear you talked about?” 

“I, never thought I’d feel it, but back there, running through the streets, it was almost choking me” 

“Yes, unfortunately, even now these people can rile up the smoggy cloud of toxicity. I am glad however you did not do what others before you have.” 

“Which is?” 

“Umbral Leopards, and even those in tuned with our abilities can get violent, or extremely erratic, like putting someone who is terrified of small spaces in a box. They can begin to lash out and attack these people to make it stop. Even fear is a better taste than hatred. and making those people feel that is one way the umbral have had to do so not to be suffocated by the stench.” 

“So it’s like a gas?” 

“In the poisonous sense yes, but even then that is only in those circumstances, we feed and thrive on better emotions and peaceful auras. The fact neither of you caved to such a state is remarkable, and you should be proud of that.” 

“What about the spy?” 

“Ah, his name was Marco of the willow trees.” 

“You knew him?” 

“I have little information, but I am not the keeper of their souls, thus why he now finds peace elsewhere.” Parda saw Mathias sigh with relief. “If I did I would go absolutely mad, I’d be covered in little buttons for each one.” He laughed to see Mathias smile. 

“There we go” I may be hundreds of years old but even I love a good smile” Parda hugged Mathias warmly. “But what is important here is that he completed his goal, doing what he wanted to do and you did more than enough being here to see his spirit off. and besides, you need to finish what you came there to do” 

“But, how? The city is still dangerous?” 

“Not the western isle, that is where a certain someone and their, sport team, thing” Parda said stumbling over the term. “went before all the madness, I believe they could be alone now.” 

“But how can I get there? Even by warping I couldn’t get there before the afternoon.” Mathias said completely overlooking how Parda knew this. 

“Hmmm,” Parda thought outwardly, before snapping his fingers. 

As the General walked into the room she demanded Allostad’s assistance, as he took off the meeting room filled with rapid discussion and souring rage. 

The room was divided in anger as Albalene stood up and was abruptly cut off from approaching Novero by Fanz. 

“Did you know anything about this?” He asked. 

“I don’t know, it seems like from what the magic box said it was you and your grody litter.” She spat as Daiyon had already approached Novero. 

“So Novero, I take it you are leaving for some thing pertaining to this little show?” 

“I don’t know what you and your little spies were hoping for, but if provoking us into combative action was your plan you can consider it a failure.” 

“Oh I would assume not, especially if little cubby gets lynched, wouldn’t that be atrocious? I think it would.” He snarled. “Imagine little Parda’s tears rolling down into the sea. Starting a war against me, how would the public view such a thing? spoiled spy gets hung for murders, angry god and group of similar murderers go out on temper tantrum?” 

“I haven’t the time for this Daiyon, I’d be worried for your little girlfriend over there than what I’m going to do.” She said taking her leave to quickly rally and contact her people. 

As she walked to the door her heels clacked louder as she sternly sped herself up to reach the nearest communication device. She wanted to believe this was his planning, all of this, but she knew better than to take things from a Daiyon at face value. Meanwhile Sinai was worried at the state of the council meeting, the chieftain attempting to reassure him. 

“You know for a man you certainly talk like a tent-hopping girl.” The snarling Albalene had pushed Franz way over the line. 

“WHAT.” He shouted as he unleashed his Umbral form. Horns protruded, his outfit changed as his shoulders widened. thick red eyes stared at the viking witch. 

“Oh, so you’re an it then?” She laughed as Franz roared and grappled her to the wall, the ensuring fight was lightning fast, powerful roars and sounds echoed the chambers. The Chieftain grabbed his Axe attached to his side. 

Statues fell over and dust and smoke came from the battered old walls. 

“Hit her where it hurts! that will teach her!” He cheered on looking at the Daiyon with a toothy grin. A loud gunshot broke the sounds. 

“I want everyone to break it up RIGHT NOW.” The general stormed in, lowering her firearm. “The next person to throw a punch or even a glare is being detained by Civic Defense, This emergency meeting of the Tribunal council is OVER” She yelled with diction and clarity. 

as the clouds dissipated there was a clear winner, as Albalene coughed and hacked she punched the ground in frustration as Franz walked away without a word. The chieftain took his hand and placed it on Sinai’s shoulder, comforting him as they would be the ones to let the lesser tribes not present of this occurrence. Bu as of now, there were more pressing matters. 

In east Union City, the streets were alive with rage, pent up anger and frustration, the Spy moved Mathias along the rooftops, eventually reaching the Civil Defense safety zone they had for the two to leave, the citizens ripped and tore the area, knocking down the old singing stones and pillars to break into the little area. 

The two officers could barely keep the people at bay. “RETURN TO YOUR HOMES!” An officer shouted, holding her gun steady. 

Mathias was truly scared, never had he seen such a group of angry and belligerent people. The helicopter landed, it was a different one than before, the spy attempting to move Mathias onto the helicopter. 

“We must go now.” He yelled. One Tribal wielding a sword as he approached and broke through the crowd. 

“There is the murderer who is that? Another victim? Or his master?” He shouted. The spy took deep those words and without hesitation looked Mathias in the eyes. 

“Forgive me, I must defame you in this way” He said pushing with a thrust, Mathias falling into the copter as the Pilot saw the Spy wave his wand, motioning the pilot to leave. And with the rotors hot, the craft left as he approached the crowd, Mathias scared and worried watching from the vehicle. 

“You have been lied to, I am not the killer, That was but a smaller leopard I had to save from your mob’s most violent.” He said as clutter and garbage was tossed at him. “I did nothing to this individual and you have to understand we are not the culprits, you have been lied to by fear and mongering.” The Tribal continued to wave his sword. The officer attempting to scare them back with their electric staff. 

“You heard it people! You are acting out of control, no better than humans of old and Tribals who stew in the muck, we had to evacuate that poor leopard, and this one is staying to try to talk sense into you.” She shouted, the crowd looking around, somehwat coming to the realization when a voice spat out once more. 

“LIES! That was merely his side bitch, everyone knows how the Order works, you cut up and helped drain those people and they gave you a helicopter and your own slave!” 

“That does not even begin to make sense! I implore you, we have done nothing! Please come to your senses, Lami lied to you all-” 

“HE BROKE THE LINE!” An officer screamed as the Tribal dashed. 

“Enough of your lies Soul drinker!” The tribal screamed with such vindication and self-justification he felt like a damn hero as the blade cut deep into the leopard’s flesh. 

The entire time he didn’t fight back, he did not raise his sword as the tribal kicked and stomped and stabbed him until his body moved no more, several officers and armed vehicles showed up, but the air was cold, chilling in the lack of thought, the tribal tried to rally the crowd. “THE BEAST IS DEAD!” He yelled, but people who were cheering quickly began to run away as the officers arrived. They attempted to rescue the poor Leopard who chose not to give in to their calls for violence, but he bled out into the grass. The MoonClipse medical officers could only make sure he was stable before succumbing to death. 

When the castle doors flew open, Parda has appeared in the foyer as she felt turbulance, though things had settled a while ago in the city, the helicopter had just landed. Bursting through the doors and falling to his knees Mathias broke down in tears. “Mathias!” He yelled running along the foyer to the sobbing leopard. 

He was but a cub again in his arms, the motherly instincts inside took over as he held the crying leopard. “I know, I know, cry it all out my child” Parda assured, tears slipping down his cheeks as he resonated with Mathias, nearly seeing what he experienced through his eyes. 

Though there was many things the Order educated Mathias in, things like these only so much knowledge could help, it was a horrifying experience, the running, the hatred and anger, all those putrid auras choking him. 

Inside the lobby were massive posters displaying the co-species sport Spike ball, a more physical version of hoop ball as the locals called it. Blocking the doors was security, however, human Civic officers were unable to sense the shadow moving past them. Inside, the crowds were shouting, people were cheering. Mathias could barely keep himself calm, it was like the emotional aura was gushing, he could see why Leopards on the Umbral path could pass out from consuming all of these emotions at once, he found his way to the front when stomps past in front of him. 

A human female jumped an amazing height over the red-clad opponents, racing to attempt to stop the charge. In another part, a tribal kick stomped to the face a male tribal attempting to block her progression. 

Another took attempted to tackle another to stop him from trying to protect the striker. 

But it was who the high jumping human striker was trying to stop that took the center stage, He leapt with legs of the animal strength. His hand reaching to land this basket. 

All at one instance Mathias lost his breath in awe at the center stage. 

At once the ball smashed into the metal ring, the buzzer screamed and humans howled and tribals roared in excitement. It was Alvera Oncalade, the Balamus player. The Vipers won, the Bracers lost. They all cheered and screamed. 

Mathias was awe struck, the cold burn turning into a cold inferno in his soul, a jet stream. As the camera girl got the photo of the winning team, the Tribal female roared and had to be held back before taking the game to the parking lot. 

“BITCH, BRING IT, YOU AIN’T GOT THE NADS” She shouted as her human accomplice yanked her back. 

“CHILL TESSA, CHILL.” 

Mathias found himself cheering, and at one point, the two made contact. 

For a moment the sounds stopped, the cool blue flame met with the bright pink stream that flowed in the ethereal plane, a quick zap of familiarity crossed between them.

But before time skipped back in his teammates lead him down to the locker room. Mathias quickly moved to find where he went. 

Down in the locker room the team conversed and went about cleaning themselves. “Great job Alvera! Guess those Jaguar legs are really something!” Kai said approaching Alvera at his little locker 

“Thanks, I guess, Balamus always have strong legs, it’s how we pounce.” He shrugged off smiling. “Tanak back here was in the zone, I would’ve never made that mid rush.” 

“Don’t be modest dude, you were great, you can take our team to the top! The Union City Finals!” Kai added. 

Walking out the doors to the gym the halls were clear as security kept the people at bay. Alvera was about to take the stairs when a whistle stopped him. 

“Ayo,” The Umbral Leopard behind him spoke. “You were fantastic out there, I felt every bit of that last bit there.” 

“Thanks” Alvera smiled, he was alright with one on one, but he was not a fan of crowds. “I saw you too! I hope to see you at my next game!” Alvera warmly said, turning to take the stairs. 

“Alvera of the Oncalade, Caretaker tribe of the rurus, I’ve seen you run, in the plane.” 

Alvera stopped. How did he know that?! It was unsung Jaguars could walk between the planes and access the calming waters they contained. “You, you are a Leopardus aren’t you?” He asked. 

“Yes,” Mathias changed his stance. 

“Of the Umbral order?” 

“You could say tha-” 

In all of one instance, there was crowd of people running down, and Alvera is grabbed by Kai as the team members run up the stairs to the secure exit. Mathias trying to move as Alvera reached back was forced up by the crowd. Mathias tried to lock on to his aura, but the emotions and excitement clouded everything too much. He began to move back the other way, sliding and moving out of the crowds as the sounds were too much. 

Down the street a club let out and the a man continued down his path, passing cars honking, praises and wolf whistles escaped them as the male kept walking. As he turned the corner. he found the Moonclipse medical center was close for late night lunch. With a roll of his eyes and starting to head back he resigned he would play it a little dirty at the club tonight. normally a show boy like him didn’t need to run and get some but the supply of safe sex and preventative poisons with Vipronis clients was low. As he turned back the corner he met with a fist to his face. 

As he coughed blood and fell back the figure took a sharp blade and began to get to work. 

His screams went unheard as the dark deed was committed. a passing officer managed to hear the final whines of air escape his lungs as she ran. 

“CIVIC PROTECTION! Are you... SHIT” She spat coming upon the freshly ended life, a beaten body laid before her as she got on the radio. 

With the humming of the cooling engine the sprawling urban setting of Union City, with sneakers hitting the grass Mathias took a deep breath, smelling the air of smells and life on the lime light. 

“My lord” A spy crawled from the shadows behind him, taking him a bit by surprise. 

“What-where did you?” Mathias gazed left and right, rolling his eyes and his ears twitching for tracking. “How did you follow me?!” 

“My apologies, the ministry sent me to shadow you and keep you safe, particularly in this region of Union City.” He replied. 

“You couldn’t just follow me?! Why did you hide in my shadow?” Mathias motioned. “I sat on you in the copter” 

“I didn’t find arousal in the act Lord Mathias.” 

“I guess my butt is not enjoyable now?” 

“No, no, it was warm.” “I, uh” 

Mathias smiled to the continued confusion of his protection. “Nevermind, I guess you can follow me this time” He said turning to the staircase leading to the streets. The cars raced and the city pumped blood through wires and people moving and shuffling in the open areas. It was like the castle Mathias grew up in, save for neon tubing, massive wind and solar turbines, plants hanging off gardens and giant billboards selling you everything you could never possibly need. 

Into the riverfront they kept walking, the spy at times having to keep up as Mathias took off with wonder at the shops and details. eventually they found themselves at the riverfront where there were culinary delights and songs, members of both species conversing and living with one another. Granted the front was more brick than the steel towers where they landed. Mathias began drinking and trying numerous venues, burning his mouth at one point as he bit into some curry from the Vipronis dunes. Bringing a warm smile to the woman behind the counter. 

After getting water and a quick taste of sweets in his mouth, he continued enjoying his evening. He consumed and spoke to the citizens who were unaware of his being or status. Tribals with fancy garb and humans with fashion choices mixing with the tribe culture. 

As he walked around the waterfront, he felt the thump in his heart yet again, now louder and stronger. His face took a serious tone as he felt the cool fire inside beginning to take hold. exhaling a frost like mist as he tried to focus the source of the signal. 

“Sir, are you alright?” His protection asked. 

“Yes, yes I’m fine, I just, feel something.” “They’re near, I can feel it.” 

“Who my lord? An enemy? A spy?” 

Mathias sighed. “No, no something more, something I’ve felt for years, this rush has never been so strong. I must find the source” His phone pinged, “I can’t go home yet.” With a few moments of silence, his company spoke. 

“Yes, I understand,” The protection looked over a few blocks, “...I must inform the others of this staying, If you will excuse me, I must take care of something.” He said turning away. Mathias smirking at the permission granted to him. A few feet back, they were being watched by a mysterious figure. 

The figure was a tribal spy of a different breed, of the clan of the Daiyon. His interest peaked at the two Leopardus before him. 

His gaze was unnoticed and the ducked behind as the spy ran and jumped up the walls. Though he knew a spy when he saw one, the Daiyon was curious at the Leopard dressed out of uniform he spoke to, eventually concluding the spy was worth his attention. He slinked away to the crowded streets. Opening a small old cellular with only a few buttons. “Al sek,” He said. “This is Lami, I spotted one of the spies our scouts spotted earlier, he was with another Leopard, I would assume more but he is in simple street clothes, I assume he is but entertainment. I will continue to track the spy my king.” He reported, looking around suspiciously before running foolishly through the crowd, though the Daiyon were merchants and pirates, they never move their arms when they run, looking odd before the crowds. 

Walking around the waterfront he tried to use the Umbral realm to pinpoint it, eventually hearing a particular loud buzzer from inside a large building. It was a Spikeball Arena. Cheering and loud noises came within. Mathias’ heart and curiosity sang in sync to compel him. 

Night had settled itself in as the tower sounded off to let the guards change hands. Deep within the castle halls and sprawling stairs. The soldiers stretch and walk, some along the walls as they change shifts.

 Inside the central spire was the Resting room, out from the marble flooring the violet ethereal swirls of energy flowed as a pale leopard with rubber-shine-like wings and sharp claws laid before the opening to a massive opening of the gate of the Umbral Realm. 

The silence was broken by a calming and reassuring voice. “My sweet little Leopard” A roar escaped the room. “I trust you are feeling well?”  

In the glowing miasma, a pair of eyes gently looked out to his appeared kin. 

“Yes Parda, I cannot wait to walk the city streets again, I feel it inside, the person who’s been contact with me.” He said with a smile. His voice low but soft in tone. 

“I know Mathias, Forgive me for your restrictions, but it is the will of both the ministry and I myself who fear you may befall the recent dissent that the humans and others have for us at this time. I worry for you as I did Lucien, I know you are different, yet you are my own. But these times leave me worrisome for you, Alas I understand, your heart longs to find your answers.” Parda replied.  

Mathias gave a warm smile, feeling the warm aromas that the god was emitting. Raised by Parda and the growing Order, Mathias learned of the humans, the flow of emotions and energy that flowed through their cities. However, he himself had been moved, interacted with through the plane by a heartbeat that resonated with him, called to him, he could not pin point it, but he spoke to it. From sounds and auras to words and spiritual memories he was bound. Now the beat was stronger than ever, and whatever it was, he was going to find it. 

With a flash and cloud he dispersed the flames, a standard form of a typical leopard of the order, his wings dissolved and his nails retracted. 

“Please do not get into trouble Mathias, not for my sake, but for the ministry’s as they meet with the council in the sunrise.” 

“I’ll try my best!” He said giving a toothy smile. Running up the halls and out the doors with excitement, his shadow followed by the trailing blurs of spies. 

The castle returned to her silent state, the castle hands coming in to clean Parda’s chamber. “That’s all I want” Parda warmly sighed. Though he could, Parda refused to follow his embodiment, he could feel their emotions, but willingly allowed them to live their lives. Sometimes to the disdain of the Order.