Yes I have updated! There's been nothing to do lately but SCHOOL, SCHOOL, SCHOOL! Ugh, it's driving me crazy. We've already had to do a bunch of essays. And I HATE essays! (cries)

Oh well... Now, let's get on with this chapter, shall we?

Disclaimer: I don't own ANYTHING related to Zatch Bell, so LEAVE ME ALONE! However, I DO own Kalu! ...And maybe a few random, unimportant mamodos here and there, but they're not that important. XD


Gift from the Dark

Chapter 15

Enter a New World

It took a while for Kalu to get to sleep that night. Sherry had taken her back to her room and put her to bed, wishing her a good night sleep and telling her that she would see her in the morning.

The little girl just rolled over, thinking about what had just happened within the past few hours. Something had happened… but she wasn't quite sure what. Brago mentioned something he called a 'breaking point' and that was all she knew. Then before she knew it, he had commanded her mother to use the black book for him. He had attacked her… he hurt her.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about it. The pain from his attack was great; she never knew that her own father could be so strong… But she still didn't understand why he had done that in the first place. He said he was helping her, but…

…It just didn't seem that way.

Glancing down, Kalu saw Yuki peacefully asleep in the little cat bed on the floor. A small smile crossed her face but it soon vanished. She clutched her teddy tightly in her arms and closed her eyes with a soft sigh.

Then there was the fact that she had heard her parents talking while she was crying; they had mentioned the mamodo world, and how Brago wanted to bring her there and train …Train for what?

The tears in her eyes slowly trickled down her cheek. Whatever it was, she knew that something bad might happen, and she still didn't forgive her father for what he had done. He hurt her… and there was no way, absolutely no way, she would forgive him easily.

No way at all…

-o-o-o-o-o-

Sherry watched as Brago took off his fuzzy black shirt and threw it on the floor. Afterwards, he climbed in the bed next to her and layed down. Every so often he would sleep in the bed with her. He didn't do it too much considering how he "didn't need to sleep," as he put it.

"What are you planning on doing tomorrow, Brago?" Sherry asked her husband as soon as his back rested against the mattress underneath them. "When you train Kalu in your world?"

"Hn… I'm going to just teach her how to stay in control." he responded. "That way she won't unleash any spells without meaning to."

With a sigh, Sherry shook her head. "Poor Kalu… Brago, I don't want you to stress her out any more than she already is. Okay?"

He only smirked and stared at her oddly. "Now why would I do that?"

"I know how you are, Brago."

The mamodo said nothing but just watched as the blonde curled up next to him and closed her eyes. Brago wrapped an arm around her as she slowly began to doze off.

"'Night, Brago." With that, Sherry slowly began to fall asleep. The dark mamodo didn't respond, but he just stared up at the ceiling, imagining how the next day would turn out. He'd find out soon enough…

-o-o-o-o-o-

Soon it was the next day and everybody was wide awake. Brago woke up before anybody else, climbed out of his bed without waking up Sherry, and went out to go hunt. Not too long afterwards, Sherry also woke up and got her breakfast. Then of course, when that was done, she woke up Kalu.

Now that everyone was awake, they were all outside. Sherry was talking to her daughter one last minute before Brago took her to his world.

"Kalu, I want you to do something for me." said Sherry. The hybrid child looked up at her with her clouded purple eyes in curiosity. "If your father does anything to upset you, tell me."

"Does anything?"

"Well… you know." Sherry put her hand on Kalu's shoulders. "Will you do that for me? I'll have a talk with him if he does."

Kalu looked at her with a blank looked and then gave a weak smile. "OK."

Soon Brago appeared and walked up to the two. His daughter shot him an odd look but was went unnoticed. She was still afraid that he might hurt her again… and she still hadn't forgiven him on what he had done.

"Come back soon, alright?" Sherry looked at Brago in the eyes and their gaze met. "I don't want you two gone long."

Brago only gave a slight nod of his head. "We'll be back. Don't worry about it." With that, Brago turned around to face his daughter. "Are you ready, Kalu?"

His daughter slowly nodded her head, but said nothing. She gave a last look at her mother, not wanting to leave her home. "Mamma…"

The woman hugged her daughter. "Don't worry, I'll see you soon." The hug soon ended and Sherry smiled. "Now go on, the sooner you get this over with the sooner you can come back."

Kalu smiled and nodded her head. "Alright,"

Brago watched as Kalu turned around to face him. He knew that she was ready to leave, so he took her hand and told her to not let go. They gave their last goodbyes to Sherry, and soon they both vanished.

-o-o-o-o-o-

A light appeared in the mamodo world, and when it was gone it revealed Brago and Kalu. Kalu, whose eyes were closed, opened up her eyelids and gave a gasp. Quickly she wrapped her arms around her father in a tight grip as she stared up at the tall trees before her and the mighty sky up above. Different birds she had never seen before flew through the blue space and twittered all the way.

She turned her head to the right and saw different plants and flowers she had never seen before. So many new things surrounded her, and she held onto her father tightly.

"Welcome to the mamodo world, Kalu." The little girl gazed upwards at her father as soon as he said that.

So this is her father's world, she thought to herself. It didn't look that abnormal…

Brago took a deep breath and looked around. He could feel his powers beginning to work like they should, and the feeling of control swept over him. This was one of the things he enjoyed about his world; he actually had control over his powers here and could use them properly the way they were supposed to be used. His black book was useless and unneeded here.

The mamodo gave a quick glance down at his daughter. She was looking up at him, and a strange emotion was in her eyes.

Fear…

"Don't be afraid, Kalu." started the dark mamodo. "There's nothing to be scared of, alright?" She slightly nodded her head and he smirked. "Good, now let's begin."

So the training began. Brago began instructing his daughter in a clear section of the woods how to stay in control over her abilities. Since he was able to use his own powers there without the help of Sherry and the black book, it proved easier for him to tutor his daughter.

He began teaching Kalu how to understand more about what the Reis spell was and what it could really do, along with a few other spells. Kalu could barely comprehend what it really was… she was mostly staring around her, unsure if the place they were in was safe. She kept sensing different beings around the area and it made her feel uncomfortable.

Brago told her to ignore this feeling. When in the mamodo world, she would always have the feeling that somebody strong was around her. In fact, this was very true, but that should have been known.

The two never encountered another mamodo during the training. Either there were none around or there really was, just that they didn't show themselves. Kalu was better off this way… She didn't like the new world very much and couldn't wait to get back home to her mother.

Since this was her first lesson, Brago went very easy on her. There were times when he taught her that he had to perform a spell to show an example of something. This always made Kalu uneasy. She did not like the powers that she possessed, and it scared her to see just how powerful her father's abilities were, even if it was nothing to him.

It was certainly something to her, and that's that.

During the lesson, Brago talked about with Kalu how one should always be aware of the energy level they were at. Otherwise it could wipe them out if they used too much of their power, along with other important factors.

"Kalu, you need to remember this," began the dark mamodo. "You must always be aware of what your energy level is. You don't want to overdo your power and be left completely exhausted. That would not be good."

The little girl looked down at her hands. They were shaking. This whole lesson was nerve-wrecking… Why did she have to go through with this? She merely just looked up at her father and nodded her head and tried to pay attention.

Throughout the session, Kalu had been trying her best to remember all of what her father said. It was hard, for she didn't like to pay attention to certain things very well. All that she wanted was to go home and stay with her mother.

Her father just… didn't seem like the father that she knew. During this whole ordeal, he was a different person. He still cared about her greatly; he just wasn't as soft to her like he always was.

A tear fell down her cheek as she continued going on with her father's lesson. When would all of this end? She wanted the kind, caring father that she knew. Not the trainer.

And during the entire lesson, Kalu's emotions began to build up more and more as she continued to be taught by Brago. It was all upsetting her, and her mood was being affected as well.

After a while, the lesson was over. A few hours had passed, and Brago decided that that was enough for the day. Kalu sat down on the grass, hugging her knees. He sat down next to her and watched her.

"Kalu..?"

She didn't respond. All she did was bury her face into her lap and remain silent as she closed her eyes.

The dark mamodo sighed and shook his head. "Kalu, you really need to pay attention if you're going to get this right. Look at me." Brago frowned when his daughter still did nothing. "Kalu…"

Suddenly her head jerked upwards and Kalu gave a scowl. "Daddy, why do I have to put up with this? I don't like it!"

Brago stared at his daughter. So this is what she was all fussed up about?

"Because you need control," started the mamodo. "It is something that all mamodos need to have."

This comment angered the girl. "But I'm not a mamodo!" she yelled and stood up. Brago looked calmly at her and told her to sit down. Kalu shook her head. "No!"

With a sigh, Brago spoke. "Alright, you're not a mamodo but you still have my blood. Mamodo blood; so calm down, Kalu, and sit down."

She did not listen to his command. "Daddy, you don't care about me!" Kalu said. "If you did then you wouldn't be putting me through all of this!"

"Kalu!" Brago's voice raised and he stood up. "The reason I am putting you through this is because I do care! I want you to be safe."

"No!" Shaking her head frantically, Kalu turned around. "You don't care! And I don't care, either! I don't care about you, or these stupid powers! Just leave me alone!"

Before Brago could do anything, Kalu bolted off into the mamodo world. The mamodo stared as he watched his daughter run off. Then he ran after her. "Kalu!"

He chased her through the forest, but soon lost track of her. With a glare at his surroundings he cursed under his breath. Now why did Kalu have to start acting irrational now of all times?

Brago glanced around but couldn't tell where his daughter was. Suddenly, he felt a powerful force beginning to wander around nearby. As a matter of fact… there were two beings nearby. This was not good. And one of them, unfortunately, was more powerful than him.

The mamodo called out his daughter's name one last time before he ran off to go find the little girl. Hopefully, he'd find her before somebody else did…

Kalu wandered around the wooded area and sniffed to herself. Tears had fallen down her cheeks as she ran from Brago. The hybrid child wiped a few away.

She knew that he didn't care… Why would Brago care? He was just putting her through this for some strange reason… maybe even just for the heck of it! Her shoulders shook as she continued to think about it.

Then, she looked around at the surroundings around her. They were all so unfamiliar to her… Where was she to go next? A piercing thought struck her mind and her eyes widened.

She was lost.

She looked around wide eyed. Now where was she? Maybe running away from her father hadn't been such a good idea…

"Hey, who are you? I've never seen you before."

Kalu turned around when she heard the new voice. She about jumped out of her shoes when she saw another mamodo staring at her with his curious golden eyes. The little girl said nothing, but just took a step back as the other took a step forward.

"Do you live anywhere around here?" asked the golden-eyed mamodo. He watched as Kalu took another step backwards but tripped on a small rock that was sticking up. "Oh, let me help you!"

Quickly he stepped forward to help Kalu and took her hand. She stared up at him silently in wonder as he stared back. Quietly, she began to speak. "Who – who are you?"

The other mamodo just smiled and let out a laugh as he closed his eyes. "You don't know me? Ha-ha, that's funny!"

Kalu looked at him in wonder as the boy snickered. What was so funny? The golden eyed mamodo then reopened his eyes and spoke.

"My name's Zatch! Zatch Bell!"


OK... so now that I've gotten a chapter done with some training in it i'm gonna go ahead and start writing the next chappy soon n' put some neat-o stuff in it! Who can guess what might happen next?

Well...ON TO MY REVIEWS!

ShadowVixen: Um... She doesn't exactly like the world. But that's just Kalu. -.- XD Here's the next chappy!

anonimize: S'a lot of smilies:-) Here's dthe next chapter all typed up!

Rae: Actually, I don't really know if i'm going to give Kalu any of her own... Well, if i do then that won't be for a while. She's pretty much inherited all of Brago's abilities...

greenway: Well, glad you like it:)

Crying White Wolf: I might have other mamodos see Kalu eventually... But as for now it's just Zatch n' the one other... oops, i let that slip. XD

Computerfreak101: Nope! I don't mind if its long! Actually, i think it's rather hilarious if you ask me. (laughs) Brago's still in the dress! Not to mention the fact that you extended the spell the other day to make it last LONGER! Ooh... i have an idea! You should have him wear it all throughout October so that way it'll be his Halloween costume! DO THAT:D I'm sure he'd have fun... Well, i'm not suprised that you survived the Ion Gravi Rei. Those two in episode 12 survived... somehow... I bet Brago's gonna freak when he sees your "ghost". (snickers) You get to read about Kalu and Zatch talkin' next chappy...

Luminara Windu: Hm... depending how long this Kalu-in-the-mamodo-world scene takes me, I'll probably have Kalu go to school sometime after that. Haven't decided quite yet what i'm going to do when that comes around... The other students won't know she's half human. I really doubt that Brago and Sherry would tell her school that she's barely human...

angel61991: Here's the next chapter.

PsychicLunar: Ya said to make Zatch appear, so here he is! But of course, there's going to be a lot more of him next chapter because he'll be talking to Kalu some. Yep, trouble starts somewhere around the next chappy...

Yamia Ishtar: Yay! Sushi! (takes sushi) Do you like sushi? I love it! But.. I'm sure you could probably already knew that. XD Glitter is alright.. i guess... But it's a great tool to use to hide from Brago, so i guess it's good for something!

Kari Mezmaru: Glad you like it! Here's the next chapter!

Sara: I'm sorry, but i'm not putting anybody from this website in this story. It's just not how I have everything planned. Mm... Brago didn't hurt her purposely... Heh, actually, my father thinks it odd that I don't find Brago creepy, because he's seen me draw pics of him n' watch Brago on the TV n' stuff.. He's not creepy! Brago: Why can't anybody besides my daughter be afraid? Me: Um... I don't know. Brago: Hn. Me: Well, here's the next chapter!

rahkshi500:It's alright! Don't feel upset, 'kay? I forgive you. And I'm not going to stop reading your story because it has a good potential, like i had said in my first review, and i love just about anything that has to do with Brago and Sherry... (sigh) Tis a shame that they don't reappear until like... 20 episodes from now. (cries) Well, i am glad you like it n' i forgive you!

Blood of the Wolf: Well here's Kalu's training! And... aw.. (takes a picture of Brago kissing Sherry) I got it! Muwahahahaha! Another pic to add to my colection! Brago: YOU HAVE A COLLECTION? Me: Yep! It has all the adorable moments between you and Sherry... i took them when you thought i wasn't looking. Brago: (cracks knuckels and glares) You... are so going to pay for that... Me: Ah, uh... Blood, a lil' help here? Now he has two reasons to hate me... Well, i'll try to update soon!

There's the next chapter, folks! Hope you all enjoyed this! And i'm sure that a lot of you are wondering what's going to happen next chapter with Zatch! Well, you'll just have to find out. (laughs)

Still sucks that Brago and Sherry aren't going to appear in the TV show any time soon... (cries) BUT i have trailers of the anime and a game to watch with him in it, and believe it or not i still have episode 12 recorded on my TV so i can watch that. MUWAHAHAHAHA!

Ahem... Yes, well, there's the next chapter! I'll try to update soon! I'm signing off. BYE!

(signing off)