Zatch Bell: Kolulu Story
By:CleruSonofShintetsu
[Chapter 5: A Dastardly Concert (Part 1)]
The day of the concert arrives, Kolulu and Lori are at the entrance of the concert hall and clutching their tickets tight, this was the time for them to have some fun...right? However, in a wooded area behind the fenced parking lot out back, the dastardly pair of mamodo and book wielders were talking shop with each other about their scheme.
"Okay, here's the plan, you search for that little freak, and we'll secure the area. Heck, you can even have fun taking out that other girl you mentioned, Tifa was it?" Robnos said, sitting cross-legged as he awaited Maruss' answer.
Maruss scoffed, "It's Tia, and yeah, I'll find them both. I can handle a few little girls just fine, especially if they're isolated from their precious book owners." he casually boasted.
Robnos nodded slowly, "Then go, I have a performance to get to. Ruku, if you would?" he ordered, Ruku opening his spell book and causing Maruss and Rembrant to instinctively step back in concern.
Ruku took a deep breath, then called out in a firm voice, "REI BURUK!" he called, Robnos glowing bright white before splitting in two. His clones, weaker than the full being, waved with a simultaneous "Hello losers!"
Maruss was taken aback especially. "Wow, uhh...that's something I guess?" he said, unsure of what else he could say.
One of the clones briefly explained as the three walked away from Maruss and Rembrant, "Oh, it's our special trick, it will come in handy, don't worry about a thing my dear Maruss! Later gators!" he said, and soon they were away.
Maruss grunted and said, "Only cute chicks can call me dear, you metal weirdo!" he said, irritated at what was most likely not even a flirt. He rubbed his forehead and Rembrant said...
"Now now Maruss, you're letting him get to your head a bit too much. Besides, there's no shame in-" but he was cut off.
"I know both of those things, just shut up and get us into position to intercept that little brat, Tia!" Maruss commanded, as Rembrant sighed, shrugged, and the two walked off, getting into position for their dastardly ambush somewhere in the parking lot.
[Meanwhile, in the dressing room...]
Megumi was getting dressed and ready for her performance, and Tia was peeking through the doorway, a dark cloud looming over her head. Noticing this expression, Megumi smiled sweetly at Tia and spun around in her chair to face her. "What's wrong, Tia?"
Tia sighed, "I feel sick...something bad...very bad...is going to happen. Thats how bad I feel..." she admitted, having already sensed two powerful presences in the general area. If she had sensed Kolulu, her presence was by no means powerful or negative in any measure, by her perception.
Megumi gave a reassuring wink to Tia. "Don't worry Tia, everything will be fine! I'm the one going on stage after all, so just relax and enjoy the show, okay?" She said, getting up as one of the employees stepped into the room with a message.
The employee pipes up sternly, "Ms. Megumi, you're on in three minutes, please head over immediately!" he informed, Megumi nodding and leaning down to give Tia headpats.
"Stay safe Tia, I'll be back in a flash!" she said, speedwalking away and heading towards the stage entrance. Tia reached out, stopped, then shook her head in defeat.
"Well...maybe she'll be alright..." she said to herself, leaning against a wall for a bit and crossing her arms.
[Meanwhile, at the auditorium...]
Kolulu and Lori were at the auditorium and making small talk about the show they were watching with Kiyo earlier, Kolulu perched on Lori's shoulders for a better view of the stage. When the lights began to dim, music began to play, celebrating the opening of the concert with a simple voice-over.
"Hello and welcome, one and all! Today, we feature our myriad of performers! From left to right, we have the following..." the man said on the speakers, the curtains opening and spotlights beaming down one by one as the names were called.
"Great Kai, Takeshi Tap-Man Thompson, and...the one, the only, MEGUMIIIIIIIIIII!"
This got the crowd in an excited uproar for the proceedings that day. However, just before Kolulu could enjoy the upcoming events, she suddenly heard a voice calling out to her from deep within her mind.
"Hey pansy! I sense at least one or more strong powers approaching our location, maybe you should get off your butt and scout the building!" it said in that familiar growling punk-like voice. Kolulu jumped, startled by this before responding worriedly in her mind.
"W-what? W-who's there? Who are you?" she asked with fear and anxiety.
"Heh, I'm the beast within, that battle-hungry form that you've come to rely upon in a fight. I say you should get your hide moving and look for those powers, I could teach you to throw a punch, there's a certain technique behind knocking teeth out after all." Kolulu's monster form said maliciously and with a nasty chuckle.
Sighing in frustration, she looked up to Lori who herself looked down with concern for her little friend. Lori then asked, "What's wrong Kolulu...?"
Kolulu quickly came up with an excuse, not completely thinking straight but also wanting to prevent Lori from stressing over yet another battle. "I-I need the bathroom, badly, w-where was the ladies room again?" she said, hoping this excuse bought her a way out.
Lori smiled, "Oh, just head out through the back, take a left turn and head down the hall until it branches, keep going straight instead of taking a right, and you should be there. Stay safe Kolulu." she said, waving her off but making sure she stood farther back so, if she were to be called by Kolulu, she could better hear and respond to her by being able to exit the stage area faster.
[Meanwhile, in the hallway leading to the parking lot...]
Tia was pacing back and forth nervously, making whining noises, albeit justified ones, as she too began to sense both powers approaching the building. "Mmmmghh...what the heck? Why am I so bent out of shape all of a sudden! Not only are there two powers approaching, but theres one- eep!" She turned around in the direction of what, unknown to her, was Kolulu's power, though it seemed...negligible, barely equal to her own it seemed. Was this even a Mamodo?
Then...as the presence got closer, and closer, and closer...and it was just a little girl that she knew. "K-Kolulu...?" Tia said, mouth slightly agape.
Kolulu turned the corner and, recognizing the girl herself, gasped and ran up to Tia. "TIA!" she said, tackle hugging her and spinning around before they both fell to the ground laughing.
Tia sat up and scratched the back of her head. "It's...kinda relieving to see you here Kolulu, I was...worried about you." she said, getting somewhat of a serious expression on her face.
Kolulu knew exactly where Tia was coming from and nodded. "It's awful Tia...to even get me into the battle, his majesty gave me this awful split personality, this...monster that causes so much pain once I'm done winning a battle..." she began, no longer immediately driven to misery, but still exhausted by the reality.
Tia looked both furious and shocked, but she hadn't seen ANYTHING yet. "That's so horrible! If you aren't meant for the battle and are unwilling to fight, that's fine! He had NO right to force you into it with such a nasty power!" she said, clenching her fists at the audacity of the king.
Kolulu was surprised at her reaction, but smiled sweetly at the sentiment. "Thank you...I appreciate the concern. If nothing else, at least this monster form genuinely wants to help, even if its just for practical reasons...heheh." she giggled as she stood up and offered a hand out to her.
As Tia grabbed hold of her hand and stood up, they both heard a voice from outside, the parking lot to be exact...
"Awww, isn't that cute? Rembrant, if you would?" the voice ordered, as a spell was soon cast.
"GARON!", the voice yelled, as a spiked metal pillar smashed through the door and rammed straight into the duo who both yelped in pain as they flew back, falling to the ground and staggering to their feet in pure shock. Through the splintered door, two fairly well dressed individuals came through. Maruss, a blonde Mamodo with curly hair and a fairly nice attire, and Rembrant, a man in an even snazzier white suit and with medium-length brown hair. There was no mistaking it, they were under attack by YET ANOTHER Mamodo and book wielder.
Frightened and dazed, Kolulu got up and stared down the duo. Crap! Neither of them had their books or book wielders! They were completely at the mercy of the spells being cast at them.
Tia was likewise shocked, but also furious to see the face of that traitor, Maruss, once again, and she made her views known. "Oh look who showed up! Little mister back-stabber! Whats wrong? Still scared to face me like an ACTUAL warrior?" she taunted with sheer bitterness and spite.
Maruss cracked a nasty grin, stifling laughter. "Its like I told you, Tia, there's no place for softies and friends in the battle for monarchship, and it's by no means personal. Just all part of the game...we'll be over it in good time." He said, holding out his hand again.
Rembrant yelled out another spell, "GARON!" and another pillar flew toward them, of which they dodged it swiftly, hopping to either side of the pillar of metal.
"Dodgy little brats, you won't like it when we start using our tougher spells. Rembrant! Gimme something bigger to throw at these wimpy little girls!" he instructed, to which Rembrant shrugged and did so with style.
"Ahh, there we are...let's trample them in a metal stampede, my friend! GANZU GARON!" he yelled, to which Maruss laughed maniacally and unleashed a barrage of spiked metal balls that tumbled towards the disarmed duo and, despite their efforts, rolled over them in a wave of both stabbing and crushing pain respectively, causing them both to cry out in agony.
The two were scuffed to heck and back, Kolulu's clothes were ripped up, as were Tia's, both now looking like they climbed out of dumpsters at this rate, and struggling to stand up.
Tia looked at Kolulu with fear and concern. "D-don't just stand there like an idiot Kolulu...! You're the only one unchanged by...by this cruel tournament! You have to go, PLEA-" but before she could finish her sentence, another spell was cast.
"GARON!", yelled Rembrant, to which another pillar was fired out. However, Kolulu jumped in the way and held the pillar with all she had. As her body was not as combat ready as even Tia's for that matter, let alone other Mamodo like Zatch, this caused her body to burn from exhertion as she cried out once again.
"KOLULU!" Tia screamed, stepping back and falling on her behind in fear. This was a travesty...if they don't get their books burned, their bodies will surely shut down...can a Mamodo be sent back from battle damage? Tia did NOT want to find out, and hopefully would not have to.
Kolulu's tears began to flow, as she snarled in pain, fear, sadness, and rage. Her teeth grew slightly fanged, her mind and heart raced...then the voice returned.
"Thats it...funnel the pain into your body, let your heart beat with hatred for this scum! Make this blonde little bastard pay!" the voice commanded with malice and glee.
Kolulu's eyes shot open and her pupils flashed red for a few moments, as she threw herself to the side as the pillar finally returned to Maruss. That wasnt a spell...what was it? Such questions can be answered later, and with the advent of this little burst of strength, the distant Lori felt the book vibrating with power, and saw it glowing with bright flashing lights.
[Meanwhile, in the stage area...]
Lori slowly opened the book, and immediately put two and two together. Her pupils dilated, her mouth slowly opened up, and she stifled a yell as she immediately bolted out of the room and down the halls. "No no no no no no no no no!" she said, frantically looking around for Kolulu.
"KOLULU, KOLULU WHERE ARE YOU!?" she called out, scared for her safety as any protective older sibling would be. She ran and ran...no luck, but soon enough, she ran into the one and only Megumi who was likewise searching for Tia.
Megumi saw Lori, saw her book, and whistled over to her. "Hey! You there, you have one of those spell books right? Please follow me, I have a Mamodo companion too!" she said precisely and firmly.
Lori was taken aback, so much was happening at once, and she now discovered that THE Megumi had a spell book too? Surely they can trust each other, right? Lori nodded and the two bolted down the halls together as they followed the sounds of violence. Lori opened her spell book to look for the new spell, and she saw it plain as day; "Fo Ginisu".
What really surprised her was that this was a spell in a far lighter shade of pink than any other spell she had acquired so far. As they finally closed in on the sight of the chaos, they made their move on the assailants posthaste...
[Back at the scene of conflict...]
Kolulu slowly got to her feet once again, fighting against the pain that wracked her entire being in pure defiance of Maruss and his cruelty. "You...y-you're the kind of Mamodo that...that thrives on this horrid contest. So cruel...cold...just like the metal you cast..." she said, her vision slightly blurring from the injuries.
Maruss scoffed, "You simpleton, I'm doing you weaklings a favor! Scar you now, and you'll be ready for the big kids' world once I return as king! It's pretty simple, though I understand that some people aren't quite ready for it." he taunted, chuckling meanly at their expense.
"Now, its time I finished things...where are your books? Tell me now, and I'll send you home with painless means." he said with a wild grin. Rembrant had remained eerily calm throughout the proceedings. In truth, he found Maruss' cruelty to be shocking, but ultimately acceptable for both of their long term gains. How responsible of him...
Then it happened...two spells that happened consecutively played out before them all.
"FO GINISU!" Lori said with desperation, hope and conviction. Kolulu's eyes widened, she placed her hands in a triangle shape, and her body flashed white, sending a blinding wave of light forward, like the world's greatest camera flash, and stunning the two as they held their eyes in pain at the brief blindness that ensued.
"GAH! What the hell was that!?" Maruss said in protest and pain.
"SAISU!" said Megumi, Tia's hands making that clapping-esque motion from back-to-front, shooting a crescent blade of magic energy at Maruss' throat, gagging him and sending him staggering back somewhat, further disorienting him.
Kolulu and Tia, upon realizing what happened, turned to their book wielders and gasped, relieved at their timely arrival.
Lori knelt down and gave Kolulu the tightest possible hug, only to find her wincing in pain. "A-ah! Sorry! You must be in serious pain..." she said, horrified at the state she and the other girl were in.
Kolulu nodded, and looked back at Maruss and Rembrant. "We...we have to protect Tia...I...I hate to say it but, I need you to cast the spell, you know the one..." she said, not liking the fact that she has to show this side of herself to Tia.
Tia, confused, blinked twice. "W-what do you mean? You developed more spells? Kolulu..." she said, unsure of what else to add as she was checked over by Megumi for damages.
Lori looked at Megumi and Tia, then back to Kolulu, and nodded slowly. "Alright alright...I guess we have no choice anyway. He's just gonna be trouble if we flee now. Just know that you are SO being barred from fighting for the rest of the month after this! I can't stand seeing you constantly hurting yourself with all this...even if it isn't your fault."
Tia piped up, "Kolulu, what are you doing? What are you about to cast!?"
Lori stood tall, took a deep breath, and casted it. "ZERUK!"
Kolulu's body immediately went into high alert, her eyes glowing that awful crimson, her body bulking up slightly and morphing into that monstrous combat form. She growled, snarled, snapped like an animal, her hair grew, she removed her outer clothing like a superhero changing outfits in a phone booth (a trick to prevent more outfits from being torn to shreds from the transformation) and revealed what was effectively her fighting attire at this rate.
The transformation was complete, her body burst with power, and she posed with her arms out and her stance showing nothing but pure, primal confidence. "GUESS WHO'S BACK, BABY~!?"
Tia squeaked in fear at the transformation, now shattered by the existence of this transformation. She had already been told of a split personality, she thought it was just Kolulu changing personalities, not transforming into an entirely different creature! Her rage would be getting hotter and more ferocious, but her injuries prevented the fire from growing much at this point. Her only concern was getting out of this in tact. "Kolulu...what the heck did he DO to you...?"
Lori motioned for Tia and Megumi to stay back, as she told Kolulu; "Go, throw these bullies into the parking lot!"
Kolulu complied, and kangaroo kicked them both out the back door after a brief sprint, sending them flying and tumbling onto the asphalt. Kolulu and Lori followed them, and Tia and Megumi were left speechless by all they witnessed just now.
So began the real battle against Maruss and Rembrant...