Disclaimer: Zatch Bell is copyrighted to Makoto Raiku (characters, series, and concepts). The only things I own that are currently revealed in the story are E, Nylon, Shine, Angelica Tsukoro, Curtis Herrakoro, Gretchen, Harumi Kisamaru, Haruko, Izo Uramori, Myriam Schwazden, Mystrael, Metallix, Professor Linda, Orion, Jade, Shine, Zale Schwazden, Thoria, Cassandra, Vini, Amanda, Phoebe, Samantha, Phantom, and Isaac.
Chapter 16: The Next Wave
The same metal mask reflected the peaceful scene of downtown Mochinoki City from the top of a building, and the tattered, large, black cloak that billowed in the wind made the character stand out.
"Inarticulate as ever, aren't you, Phantom?" The human beside him question. He was wearing an outfit like that of a conductor. He was wearing an Alice-blue scarf, an ivory formal button-up, ivory fastened by an Alice-blue sash, and white dress shoes. Additionally, he bore white gloves—the left hand had a conductor's baton while the other cradled a taupe grey spellbook.
"I am focused solely on our objective, Isaac." Phantom replied, flexing a large metal hand—that also was his only visible one—from a single large sleeve. "And what is our objective?" Isaac asked the mysterious Mamodo for confirmation. If Phantom had any eyes on his metal mask, one would see them narrow into bloodthirsty slits, "To retrieve another cursed one for Lord Leo."
Megumi, Tia, Curtis, Gretchen, Haruko, and Harumi were now seen in Mochinoki Park having a sort of picnic together. As she volunteered to do, Megumi purchased all of the food present, but it was Harumi's idea to have the picnic itself.
"Once again, thanks, Megumi!" Haruko said appreciatively to the pop idol as she nibbled on her finger sandwich.
"It's no big deal, really." Megumi replied modestly as she sliced an apple into perfect wedges. "But let's not forget whose idea was it to have a picnic." Harumi piped in proudly. Curtis, who momentarily paused from stuffing his face, replied, "You didn't buy the food, sweetheart. Then again, you are west side."
"Don't talk with your mouth full!" Harumi retorted, glaring at the ecru-haired male. Curtis smirked as he swallowed his food while Megumi giggled nervously. Then, the pop idol realized something from Curtis's dialogue and questioned, "Wait. What do you mean "west side?"
Harumi looked at Megumi and answered, "I'm American-born with an American father. My family and I moved to Japan, my mother's nativity, for financial reasons." She then gave a sideways glance to Curtis, "Hence, why he said I'm "west side," from the Western Hemisphere."
"Oh." Megumi simply said. For a moment, Curtis stopped eating and added in, "It like how my dad is Japanese while my mom is African. Me and Harumi are, as derogative as it may sound, hybrids." Megumi flinched a little as the word "hybrid" was used to describe them. It didn't have a pleasant connotation whatsoever. "Yeah, I know, right?" Harumi said, sensing that Megumi's dislike for the word.
The blonde then decided to change the subject. "Hey, guys, did you hear on the news about this new structure that appeared? Looks pretty cool to me." At this point, Curtis and Megumi froze silently, having received prior news concerning it. Unlike Harumi, they knew it had something to do with the Mamodo World.
Remembering that Harumi was trying to stir up another conversation, Megumi finally replied, "U-Uh, yeah. It was all over the news this morning." Curtis just shook his head, "It ain't nothin' special in my opinion. Just another publicity stunt." Harumi just shrugged her shoulders, "Fair enough."
When Harumi occupied herself by applying condiments to another sandwich, Megumi and Curtis inched to each other to discuss about the news. "I'm sure I don't need to tell ya that that structure gotta be from da Mamodo World." Curtis whispered. "No. Kiyo, Mr. Sunbeam, and I already talked about it," Megumi whispered back, "We're trying to get to the bottom of it now."
Right when Curtis was about to say something else, Harumi spoke again, "Oh, Curtis, did you ever hear from Ang or Izo lately? I haven't at all." Megumi and Curtis pretended they weren't talking about something secret—and were also thankful that Harumi didn't inquire them about such—as the ecru-haired male answered, "Uh, no. I ain't heard from either 'a' them."
Curious, the pop idol asked, "What about them?" Harumi gladly responded, "Ang has been away recently because she's trying to apply to a technical college for her career in psychology. Izo is away participating in a fencing tournament."
"So, basically, it's been just me and Harumi fo' some time." Curtis added nonchalantly. Megumi smiled, "Oh wow! I hope they're doing great!" Harumi grinned proudly, "They probably are. I mean, Ang and Izo are very good at their professions.
"We all are." Curtis said. "Curtis. You don't have an extracurricular activity." Harumi stated matter-of-factly but strictly. "Well, 'scuse me!" The African-Japanese male retorted. "Of course. That could all be bypassed if you would just run track." The blonde crooned.
"You can run track, Curtis?" Megumi interjected curiously, looking at the pale pink-eyed male. "Naw, but people keep askin' me to. It's annoying!" The pop idol then said soothingly, "Then…maybe it's because they something in you that you can't, Curtis. I think you should give it a try before you come to conclusions."
As the humans mingled and interacted, the Mamodo were doing pretty much the same thing. Tia and Haruko were engaged in girl-talk while Gretchen was sitting against a nearby stump, one of her legs propped, eyes closed, and arms crossed. Haruko noticed Gretchen in her state and chimed, "Oneechan? Aren't you going to eat?"
"I've eaten a little already." Gretchen answered while still maintain her posture. Haruko was about to say something else until Tia piped in, "Um…Haruko, why do you call Gretchen "neechan?" You two aren't sisters." Haruko looked at Tia sheepishly and replied, "Um, well. There's a bit of history behind that…"
"Please tell!" Tia requested eagerly. "Okay!" Haruko replied just as ecstatically.
It was considered a normal day at the Mamodo World Elementary School. All of the Mamodo children were present in their classmates where teachers furthered their education and showed how mystical their powers were.
One class in particular was the physical education class. It was a rudimentary form of training that every Mamodo, should he or she have signed up for it, received in the school.
"Haruko?"
"Here!" And Haruko was apparently one of the students to have taken it. After the teacher wrote down her attendance, Haruko let her hand drop. Today was one of those days where the physical education classes convened all their students for attendance and evaluation reasons. From what she said, Haruko knew some Mamodo actually dropped the class or were unfit to continue being in it. Such was the reason for these days.
Of course, Haruko knew she wouldn't have that problem. Her grades in the physical education class were satisfactory. She had only hoped her classmates were just that fortunate.
Haruko now had to wait patiently until the procedures were done. Thankfully, the class was held outside, and that provided an opportunity for her to improve on her archery skills. She plopped herself on the nearest bench and pulled out a book from her person, starting from where her bookmark indicated she last stopped.
Her moment of peace would soon be interrupted, and in a bad way as well.
Suddenly, she was approached by three older girl Mamodo. Haruko noticed immediately, for the sunlight was blocked by them. "Um. May I help you?" Haruko asked them meekly. "You are in our spot." The leader snapped at her. Haruko flinched at that harsh sound of her voice, "Oh, but…um…"
"Are you deaf or something?" the second added in, just as harshly, "Get out of our spot and crawl somewhere else!" Haruko was beginning to fluster nervously; she was unaccustomed to such verbal barrages, "B-But…why can't we just share?" She asked.
"Share with you?" the third and final girl spoke with outrage in her voice, "HA! You're not even worth hanging out with!"
"And what's this?" The first girl said as she suddenly snatched Haruko's book out of her hands. "Hey! Give that back!" Haruko got up from her seat and tried to get it back, but the girl held her at bay with just her hand, making sure the book was totally out of her reach. "You want it? Fetch." The bully then casually flicked the book away, and it landed in the mud.
The second girl unsuspectingly approached Haruko as she gingerly removed the book from the mud. Then, the bully mercilessly pushed Haruko into the mud, getting her dress and hair covered in it. All three of the girls laughed heartlessly at the sight of Haruko defiled.
"Hey, look, girls, it's Mud Face Haruko." The leader said, smirking evilly. "Ew, and she's all dirty." The second one said overdramatically. "Awww. She looks like she's going to cry." The third one insulted mockingly. As the three laughed and chanting "Mud Face Haruko," the blonde girl could only looked at herself in tears.
In the midst of the leading girl's enjoyment, she felt a tap on her shoulder. "Not now, I'm busy enjoying myself—.…" When turned around and looked, her eyes now showed fear and apprehension at the sight of one thing.
The toughest and most threatening female fighter in the school: Gretchen. And she was frowning.
"…Uh, girls?" The leader squeaked fearfully. "Huh?" The other two looked at her, and she pointed. When the other two turned, their faces blanched considerably. With a glare from her celestial blue eyes, the three girls were sent screaming and running away.
Haruko, with tears in her eyes, stared at the scene in wonderment. Just like that, those girls lost their bravado and attitude. Her wonderment was replaced with fear once again as Gretchen set her eyes on her. "Wh-What do you want with me?"Haruko asked fearfully, cowering as Gretchen reached for her.
"Hush." Gretchen simply said as she helped the younger girl out of the mud, also picking up her book. "Come with me." Haruko couldn't object, for the older Mamodo firmly grasped her hand and was leading her back inside. "Wh-Where are we going?"Haruko asked.
"Hush." Gretchen repeated.
Thankfully, both Gretchen and Haruko already had their attendance taken, so the teachers wouldn't notice them missing for a bit. After a while, Gretchen and Haruko emerged out of the bathroom with the latter cleaned up and everything. "There. That's better." Gretchen said as she handed the younger Mamodo back her archery book.
"Um…Thank you…miss." Haruko said nervously but appreciatively, taking back her book. Gretchen shook her head, "The miss isn't necessary. The name's Gretchen." The blonde Mamodo replied, "O-Oh! I know you…" Haruko said and then introduced herself, "A-And my name is H-Haruko."
"Haruko, huh?" Gretchen said contemplatively and nodded, "I see." She started walking again and Haruko hurried to match her strides. "Listen, Haruko," the older girl said sternly, "Don't ever let people like them push you around."
"I…uh…um…" Haruko stammered, unsure of what to say. Gretchen waited patiently for her response. Finally, the younger female managed to say, "B-But you're th-the toughest girl in school! I mean you're not even supposed to be in the girl's class anymore!…Everyone isn't as great as you…It's hard for people like me to stand up against—"
Haruko was silenced when Gretchen gave her a light chop on the back of her hand, "Okay. Talking down about yourself is something I won't tolerate," she stated firmly, "Anyone can be tough, doesn't matter who you are. And I come to girl's class only on these days; I rough it with the boys every other day."
Haruko only stared in reverence at Gretchen. This was inspirational. It was no wonder she was so strong, in terms of physicality and will. Above all, Gretchen had a good head on her shoulders. She was definitely someone to be emulated.
"Gretchen?" Haruko said in a hushed tone. "Yes?" Gretchen replied. "May I start calling you 'Gretchen-oneechan?'" The younger girl requested cutely with a smile.
From then one, Gretchen and Haruko became surrogate sisters. Gretchen would look after and protect Haruko until she gained self-confidence in herself to one day also be tough. But, as interesting fate was, this would be put to the test.
"I can't believe I was referred into the battle." Haruko said, hugging her book as she plopped onto the edge of a cliff. Gretchen was behind her, her book and scythe on her person, as she replied, "I can't either. In fact, I can't believe a lot of Mamodo accepted are in."
"That just makes me wonder…" Haruko mumbled pensively, "Will I be able to make it to the top?" Gretchen walked up to her side and stated, "Provided that you overcome all trials and tribulations to come."Haruko nodded as she meditated on those words. Her mood then sombered as she realized something, and Gretchen took note of her change in mood.
"Something wrong?" Gretchen asked. "Neechan?" Haruko started, "What if…by chance, you and I were the final ones in the battle?" Gretchen was struck with realization herself. If fate was as cruel as it was claimed to be, the two surrogate sisters would have to do battle.
Gretchen could only sigh. "…Only if you're tough enough."
"Wow." Tia commented and looked at Gretchen, "I didn't know you were like that, Gretchen." Gretchen, unperturbed, replied, "I'm no one special; just doing what I can."
"Sounds like you did a lot to me." Tia said, raising an eyebrow, "Those girls had it coming, anyway. They had no business tormenting Haruko like that!"
Haruko then slyly stated, "Tia. If I recall correctly, weren't you called Tia the Tomboy at school?" The redheaded Mamodo blushed in embarrassment, "That's an entirely different story!" Everyone shared a hearty chuckle as they continued with their day.
"Come on, Kiyo! Why won't you play with me and Vulcan?" Zatch whined, hanging from the monkey bars with his trusty Vulcan in his arms. Kiyo, meanwhile, was typing away on his laptop at a bench. He replied to his Mamodo partner, "Zatch. I'm busy doing homework." The blonde Mamodo pouted as he continued to play, "Kiyo, then why do you come here?"
"To be in a serene environment." The astute student responded, continuing to type his paper. "What does serene mean?" The Lightning Blonde asked innocently. Kiyo mustered all of his strength to not throw his laptop at the boy. Instead, he opted to stay quiet and continue working. If only Zatch wasn't around, then he would have had the perfect place to work at. The only noises would be the occasional breezes and…the call of a falcon?
Kiyo curiously looked up to see a large bird circling around in the air. "Oh. It's just a hawk…or falcon or something." He said before going back to his work. Birds of all kinds were common around these parts, he had almost forgotten.
Within the bushes, however, Kiyo and Zatch were in someone's sight. Well, the sight of someone's binoculars that is. "Target sighted." Subsequently, an antique white illuminated that section of the bush, "Airzuruk!"
Suddenly, the bird circling above them dive-bombed, leaving behind a light blue trail of sharp wind. The entity rammed into the monkey bars Zatch was playing on with great force. "AHH!" Zatch screamed as he was blown away and rolled across the ground.
"Zatch!" Kiyo exclaimed in shock, putting away his laptop and such in exchange for the red spellbook. As he ran to his partner's side, he said aloud, "Was that an enemy?"
"Exacta. You're right."
Zatch and Kiyo looked to see their new enemies. The Mamodo was indeed a falcon but was colored a dim white, and its feathers—specifically on his wings and torso—are colored brown. Its entire tail feathers were also brown in color. Its beak and legs were dark orange with the talons being black, and its eyes were a deep sky blue. The avian creature perched itself on a dark brown falconry glove on the right arm of its female partner.
She was exactly six feet tall with posterior-length, grayish-green hair that is mainly straight with a slight spread in diameter towards the end of it. Her outfit consisted of a fern green business suit with three buttons on the lapel that are kept fastened and an upturned collar that shows a white undershirt and a dark blue tie. The business suit has a left breast pocket with a number of small medallions attached to it. She also wears fern green shorts that barely reach knee-length and dark brown boots.
"So. You're this…Bao, right?"