Zatch Bell: Kolulu Story

By:CleruSonofShintetsu

[Chapter 1: The Torch of Kindness]

During the fierce battle in the park, Kolulu manages to get a lucky shot and slices through Zatch's book, burning it in the process. "HAHA, THERE GOES YOUR BOOK! TORN ASUNDER JUST LIKE THIS MISERABLE PARK!" she said with a cackle following soon afterward. However, she had been drained, and began to rapidly morph back to normal.

As she morphs back to normal post-battle, she realizes exactly what she had done and tearfully approaches Zatch as he begins to fade away.

"Z-Zatch...oh gosh, oh gosh I'm so sorry!" she says, crying out of control now. "I...I'm a monster, I should never have-" but before she could continue, Zatch grips her hands and smiles.

"It's okay Kolulu...for some reason, I feel...calm. Maybe I don't understand this tournament or what's happened to me, but if we return to our home, then maybe I'll get help! I'll have my memory back in no time at least!" He said, beaming with his trademark optimism in spite of his tears.

"Z-Zatch..." Kolulu said, struggling to maintain any composure anymore.

Kiyo would grit his teeth and scream in frustration. "Zatch, no! I failed you...I...how am I supposed to confront mom and dad now!?"

Zatch would turn around and hug Kiyo's leg, having little time left. "Kiyo, it's okay...I can tell you've started to grow, just like your dad always wanted. Kolulu..." He said, turning around and waving. "...promise me you'll stay strong for me. If you win, I bet you'll be a kind queen! Good luck, and goodbye everyone!" he said, finally fading for good, along with his book.

It was there that Kolulu had an inner revelation. Although she was still wracked with grief over what she had done, she had nothing but pure hatred for this insane tournament now. Maybe it WAS necessary, but it could be better, her HOME could be better. Standing up slowly, she looked up at the setting sun, and at the destruction around them. "Lori...Kiyo...Zatch is right. I hate fighting, but if I give up here, who else will be the kind monarch the Mamodo World needs?"

Lori was shocked, knowing full well how much Kolulu despised fighting and that awful form of hers. "But...I don't understand Kolulu...w-w-why the change?"

"Because I HAVE to! I...I can't take it anymore! I need to overcome my stinking fears and sorrow, I...I have to become a reluctant warrior and tame that wild monster I call a combat form!" she said, no longer the scared child she was, but now a reluctant warrior in the making.

Kiyo slowly lowered his hands and deeply sighed. "Hey, I need you two to do me a favor. Since Zatch is gone, I need you guys to help me give mom and eventually dad the news of what just occurred. Can you do me this one solid...please?" he said, no, begged, from deep within as his eyes watered.

Lori nodded slowly, closing the book and approaching Kiyo, along with Kolulu. "Kiyo, just lead the way, alright?"

And lead the way Kiyo did, as they eventually ended up at his house to explain the situation, much to the shock and sorrow of his mother. After explaining everything, Kiyo's mom finally spoke up.

"I...I see...it's all so strange but, our lives have become more and more crazy over time, even the news is reporting more supernatural sightings hasn't it?" she said, still trying to process everything they had told her.

Kolulu sniffled and bowed her head apologetically. "I'm so so so so sorry for what I did...it should have been me, ma'am. I...I must-" but she would be cut off by the gentle patting of her head.

"Now that's enough of that, it's not your fault that you, Zatch and all those other children are being forced to fight like savage animals for kingship. Just promise me like you promised Zatch, to stay safe and protect your big sister Lori. Be strong, okay?" she said, trying to encourage Kolulu.

Kolulu was surprised, but nodded. "Thank you miss...you're just as kind as Zatch. I'll...I'll do right by all of you in the future." she declared, and with that said, Lori and Kiyo traded contact information and went their separate ways.

[Some time later]

Back at their own household, Lori and Kolulu were deeply exhausted from the day's drama and Kolulu broke down crying in her bed again, letting all of the remaining bottled emotion out in a stream. Lori couldn't help but weep with her, embracing her effectively adoptive little sister and crying into the night until they both became weary, then fell asleep in each others arms.

In her mind, Kolulu said only this before dreamland took her. ("I'll be strong Zatch...I hate fighting...and I hate my bad self...but I...I really can't run away from this now. The Mamodo need a kind monarch...and I...I have to be that monarch. No matter what, for everyone back home, I promise to overcome my fear...!")