A/N: I am quite proud of this one. I had the idea down, but having a lot of trouble actually writing it. So I had to start all over...But I had a lot of fun writing this- so I hope you enjoy reading it!
P/S: I like using the Japanese names just 'cause they sound cooler- so I hope no one gets confused...
Disclaimer: Come on, guys, it's Summer- don't make me say it! -Sigh- Alright, then, if you insist. Konjiki no Gash Bell/Zatch Bell! does not belong to me.
- - - The Definition Of - - -
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-Cour ·age (n.)
1. The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.
From: Middle English: corage. Vulgar Latin: corticum. Latin: cor, or heart. See kerd- in Indo-European Roots.
See also: audacity, bravery, determination, endurance, fortitude, grit, heart, heroism, lion-heartedness, spirit, spunk, tenacity, valor.
Antonyms: cowardice, fear, doubt, insecurity, mistrust, spinelessness, uncertainty.
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Kiyomaro sighed and gently closed the dictionary with a soft thud- the dusty pages worn with age and time. Resting head on hands, he ponders.
Courage- it's a simple concept, correct?
One must face great obstacles with courage- with valor- in order accomplish great things.
At least, that was the way it was in every fairy tale he'd ever heard of. A hero- usually one of great fortitude and strength- would set out to battle evil and along the way inevitably win the heart of some pretty girl.
Well, not in this story. I mean, come on! The main characters are a little demon-boy from another world who spouts lightning bolts from his mouth and a cowardly human who's only redeeming quality is his gargantuan brain.
...Who'd wanna read that story? No body can even compare with the heroes of old.
In this day and age, it is truly difficult to find real courage. Take Kiyomaro for example- as spineless and cowardly as they come.
At least, until a certain blonde-haired demon entered his life.
Since then- and the twenty or so battles afterward- he no longer sees himself as that same cowardly boy. It was like that little demon-from-another-world-Gash took his cowardly heart and planted a seed of hope- of courage? - into it. That seed that had been planted so long ago now thrived wildly inside his heart.
Gash had given to Kiyomaro his courage- and the gods know Gash hasgot multitudes to spare- and had given him maybe a little more than that.
Gash had given him the start of something beautiful. And he was truly glad that out of the billions of people in the world, Gash had came crashing through his window (quite literally).
Kiyomaro arrives at the conclusion that courage is not so simple.
It is not so clearly defined.
x-------x
"Kiyoma-aaaaa-ro! Me an' Umagon are goin' out to play in the park!" Came a loud, excitement-ridden voice from downstairs- one that tore Kiyomaro away from his thoughts.
He grinned broadly. "Okay!" He yells back down, getting up from his chair, leaving the worn dictionary on the desk. "Mind if I come?"
"Really?" Comes the reply, laced with enthusiasm. "Yay! Yay! Kiyomaro's gonna come play with us, Umagon! Maybe he can protect me from Naomi-chan!"
Exclamations of "Meru Meru Mee!" and "Come on, Kiyomaro!" could be heard from Kiyomaro's room.
He laughed softly to himself while putting on his coat. He headed for the doorway, but stopped as he was about to close it.
"Maybe courage can't be defined...Not in a dictionary, anyway," He smiles again- this time a softer one.
With a click, the room is empty- all except for a dictionary sitting innocently atop the desk.
- - - Owari - - -
Yay! This is finally done...
Hoped you like it-
And reveiw!
...Please?