mangullthemangler

One gull finds himself at the center of a great struggle for control of the Greater Universe.

Verbose synopsis:
Roughly 3 million years B.M. (Before Mangull), the Greater Universe consisted of the nothing except four 'pools' of mana existing within what is known as the Null Realm.

Over time, and for reasons not quite understood by modern sages, these pools began to spew their mana outward into this realm, creating long and branching channels of the four mana types: fire, water, air, and earth. 

The leading theory by most modern sages is that these channels then began to intermingle, creating complex natural systems and compounds. It is also theorized that at about 2 million B.M. the first sentient being arose from this primordial soup of mana, and that being aided in the creation of the other realms within the Null Realm. Those realms were then populated by gods, who, in turn, populated the realms with lower beings (mortals and 'demi-gods').

During the time of Mangull the Mangler, the power balance of the beings populating the Greater Universe is going through a major shift. Over the eons the various mana pools have waned in power, with some pools nearing their depletion. Still, other pools run strong, and various groups of beings have been vying for control of realms. 

Enter one simple gull, who, through the interaction of those around him, just may be the variable needed to tip the scales (but in what direction?).

Mangull the Mangler

Scene: Small clearing outside the Tower of Fish. A blinding sphere of light explodes forth as two forms materialize together: The plump white cat, Dandan, is spinning around on his back at high speeds, and the grey striped cat, Shugaru, standing upright looking quite knightly. As Dandan slowly brings his spinning down to a halt, a close up of Shugaru as he prepares some thoughts.


"Dandan, listen to me carefully. I spoke with Lord Duff before we got here... he says he has intel that suggests Teutsui could be working with the Flaming Empire. It is a possibility that this is a trap we are walking into, so we have to be prepared to respond quickly. However, at the same time we must be careful not tip her off that we suspect anything."


Dandan remains on his back, looking around at nothing in particular.


"Will sister Teutsui have fish this time, you think? Like the old days? Hmmm, brother?" 


Dandan nudges himself across the ground to wrap himself around Shugaru's lower half. Shugaru does not break his thousand-yard stare.


"This is serious Dandan. You are most likely in danger right now; there will be no fish waiting for us. 


Teutsui may be plotting something. We are not sure what just yet, but this is why we accepted Teutsui's invitation: to find out."


Shugaru looks down to meet Dandan in the eye, and Dandan meets Shugaru's gaze. They gaze into each other's eyes for a few moments and then Shugaru begins to tell Dandan what he learned from Duff.


~..:: Flashback scene: Shugaru is kneeling before Duff, the Great Ice Dragon.


The Ice Dragon looms before Shugaru, and at 100 times his size the dragon's voice reverberates tremendously through the gargantuan chamber of ice.


"Shugaru, Champion of the Ice Kingdom. Your title is not an empty one, for I have had the pleasure to watch you grow to be a great warrior over these centuries. Indeed, your service as my champion has been admirable and your loyalty is unquestionable."


Shugaru remains bowed, "Thank you, sir, it has been an honor to serve this kingdom."


"Which is why it is hard for me to ask what I am about to ask of you. Shugaru, I have just received some troubling intelligence from Karen, the Water Goddess. She said she spotted a phoenix land near the Tower of Fish last week. This combined with the fact that we detected several temporary portals from the Realm of Flames in that area over the last month, suggests that the Flaming Empire has been probing Fish."


Duff looks to the side in apparent contemplation.


"It is possible they are working with Teutsui; trying to turn her. But these are just theories, Shugaru. We need proof before any action can be taken, so I need you and Dandan to do some investigative work and report back what you find."


Shugaru looks up at Duff, "We will find out what we can, my Lord."


The Ice Dragon closes his eyes and pauses before continuing.


"Unfortunately, there is more to my request..."


"Then Lord Duff gave me something, Dandan, and he ordered me to use it if we end up finding proof supporting his theory."


Shugaru holds up a small grey orb in his paw.


"He said that this will open up a temporary portal to the Spirit Realm. It'll only stay open for a few minutes, but it should be enough time for us to..."


"Fish! Food? Fish food? Is there fish there, brother?"


Shugaru snaps his mighty jowls back and nips at Dandan's poofy booty. They tussle for a time, but then Shugaru regains his composure and eventually gets Dandan back on track. They start moving toward Fish Tower.


"Just stay quiet, Dandan, and follow my orders if things get hairy. Got it?"


Scene ends with Dandan and Shugaru derping off toward the doors of Fish Tower.


Don't Worry Mr. Ice Dragon, Dandan and Shugaru Are on the Case.