Zatch Bell: Kolulu Story
By:CleruSonofShintetsu
[Chapter 12: Battle of the Dark Castle (Part 3)]
"I'll make you regret the day you chose to challenge me you weak little girls! BALTROOOOOO!" Steng yelled, Baltro quickly grabbing and placing Steng on the throne that overlooked the ground level of the room.
Lori opened the spell book and her heart pounded with determination. "Let's knock them off their throne of tyranny, Kolulu!"
Evil Kolulu cackled wildly. "THIS IS THE FIGHT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!"
Lori would start the battle by casting, "ZERUSEN!"
Evil Kolulu's fists enlarged and fired off like a pair of rockets, straight into the chest of Baltro's mech...only to return and deal no damage in spite of the powerful impact. Baltro, in response, would lift a foot and stomp down at Lori and Kolulu, forcing them both to scatter in opposite directions to dodge.
Evil Kolulu sped around the room, jumping and lunging around trying to annoy the ever-loving soul out of Baltro.
Lori, meanwhile, kept to the columns and tried to stay within cover at all times.
Baltro continued to try and stomp, punch, and chop down at Kolulu, but to no avail.
Steng, gritting his teeth, cast a spell. "ZEBERUSEN!"
Upon hearing this, Lori peeked out from behind a pillar and saw the barrel on it's chest rotating faster and faster, as it fired out several stones at Evil Kolulu.
"Kolulu you have to-!" Lori tried to say, but Evil Kolulu had already started to jump on each stone to reach the top of the mech, where she sliced and diced and kicked and spat at the neck and shoulders of the mech.
"Come ON, stupid dog bot! Why won't you break already? I WILL NOT BE DENIED VICTORY!" she complained petulantly.
Baltro would direct the arm of the mech to reach around and grab Evil Kolulu, just barely catching her and throwing her into the ground, causing her to yelp out in pain as the ground cracked beneath her.
Lori winced in concern, and as Baltro was about to crush Kolulu, she cast, "ZERUK!"
This causes Kolulu to perk up and dodge the incoming foot, and dash to Lori's side with a grin.
"Hey Lori...I think I'm starting to enjoy myself more...it's better than the last weaklings we had to face off against, wouldn't you agree~?" she asked wickedly.
[Meanwhile...elsewhere in the castle]
Progress had been made with Kory and Kanchome, who had both managed to, at last, snag the keys to the dungeon itself from a guard.
"Alright kiddo, you did swell that time!" Kory said with a smile on his face as he ran ahead.
Kanchome laughed nervously as he ran after him, glancing back at the bruised bandit with a black eye. "R-right! Now lets go down there and free Folgore!"
The two boys made it to the door as another crash of lightning can be heart outside. Fiddling with the keys, Kory grumbled and said, "Tch, if only I had my lockpicks with me...dang it, man."
Eventually, after a solid minute of tension-filled key-fumbling, he got the door open and slowly opened the door.
"Alright!" Kanchome started excitedly, "Let's go let's go let's go!" he said, running down the steps as Kory shushed him from behind.
"C-careful mate, you're gonna get us caught!" Kory said, running after Kanchome.
As they turned the corner, they saw an entire hall of cells, every one cramped to heck and back, with the lucky ones (most often children or elderly) getting to lay in the bed.
Kory grit his teeth, furious at the tyranny on display. "How...how could someone DO this? How many people did those monsters kidnap!?"
He got to work on opening the cell doors one by one, having little time to respond to people as they thanked him or tried to speak to him. He looked around frantically to see if his parents were among the groups, but to no avail. Then, as he was losing heart, Kanchome whistled to him from the far end of the dungeon hall.
"Hey Kory, over here!" said Kanchome with a wave.
Kory and Kanchome arrive at the cell containing not only Folgore, but Kory's parents too.
"Oh mama-mia! I-a knew you would be here to-a save us! Everybody cheer for Kanchome!" Folgore said with a flourish, to which the people in the cells clapped.
Kanchome laughed, and folded his arms. "Don't forget Kory here! He was the brave one!"
Kory blushed lightly, not necessarily needing all the attention, certainly not from the richer folks in the room. His parents exited their cell and hugged him, only further adding to his discomfort.
"We're so proud of you!" his father said.
"We're so happy you're okay...!" his mother said.
Kory shoved himself away quickly and stammered out, "N-no! P-please...just...I have to go. I need to help still..." he said, against his better judgment.
"But honey..." his mother started, "you already helped! There are grown thugs and ghost knights all OVER the castle! Your part has already been played, just come home with us." she urged.
His father nodded in agreement, taking his hand gently, only for Kory to yank it away.
"I'm sorry...b-but I'm not gonna run from this goon. He's everything I hate in this world! Privileged duncecaps, big bullies, I'm sorry..." he said, clutching his fists, "...It's defiance, but I swear it'll be the last time I do it. I have to do this!" he said, before bolting out of the dungeon.
"Oh-, KORY!" his mother yelled.
Folgore gently grabbed her shoulder and spoke softly, "It's-a okay...I'll watch him and return him to you. He's got a heart-a like a lion, though he has a lot to learn." he said, smiling at her with his signature charm.
This very charm calmed her down, she even smiled in response, feeling reassured that Folgore would keep his word.
Folgore whistled back to the people in the room. "Stay-a safe everyone!" he said, taking the spell book from Kanchome, "We have a tyrant to dethrone! Arrivederci, now!" he said, running off with Kanchome in tow.
[Back at the throne room...]
The battle raged on, and Lori was getting desperate to do damage. Steng decided to taunt her over this desperation.
"What's the matter, sissy girl!? None of your hits landin'? Don't worry, it's not like any old amateur with zero muscle can take on a man like myself or, God forbid, Bike Fyson!" he said with a cackle.
"ZEBERUSEN!" he casted, the boulders firing out at Lori in rapid succession. She rolled out of the way and was blown back by the force of the rocks demolishing the area she was hiding in.
She groaned, slowly getting up and wincing in pain. "N-no...! There HAS to be a weakness...everybody has one!" she said, glaring up at Baltro defiantly.
"...And I think I know what it is! Kolulu, to me!" she yelled, Evil Kolulu speeding to her side and staring up at her.
Lori knelt down and whispered briefly, "Go for the joints and see if you can dig out a flower and/or it's roots, go go go!"
Evil Kolulu nodded, speeding off once Lori casted Zeruk.
Baltro decided to try something a bit deadly, and hopped with his mech suit, causing the whole castle to shake and rumble, certainly doing some harm to it's structural integrity.
Steng, unnerved by this, barked at Baltro, "WATCH IT YA FOOL! YOU COULD HAVE KILLED ME WITH DEBRIS OR SOMETHING, COME ON!"
Meanwhile, Lori felt her body shake in a brief, painful instance, her skeleton being rattled by the force. "Aargh!" she said, falling back and holding her head.
Evil Kolulu would stay focused, avoiding most of the damage and leaping onto the left arm of the mech.
Baltro tried to swing the heavy arm around in a desperate bid to get her off, but she managed to raise a claw and pierce through the joint, systematically tearing out a long root that dismantled the entire arm and shoulder she stood on. Cackling with pride, she jumped away and ran for Steng and the spell book.
"W-what the!?" Steng exclaimed, both at the loss of the arm and the approaching Kolulu. He raised a fist and decked her square in the face, though his knuckles cracked on impact as she went flying back a little.
"Oww! What are these things made of, rock!?" he asked, nearly dropping his book and feeling his injured hand throb in pain.
Evil Kolulu quickly hopped to her feet, rubbing her forehead as she noticed Steng complaining about his hand. "HA HA! You cracked your hand on my freakin' face, loser!"
Steng growled, casting "ZEBERUK!"
However, Baltro was unable to cast the spell. "Steng, I'm out of ammo, but you wanna know what I am loaded with?" he asked, stomping and turning around.
"UNYIELDING RAGE!" he said, flailing desperately to squish Kolulu no matter what, causing more shaking in the room.
Lori knew that they had to end this battle now, without delay, so she took a deep breath, got up, and yelled out once more. "ZERUK! Dismantle him, Kolulu!" she yelled and pointed, to which Evil Kolulu darted around the room with a mad laugh, making a mockery out of Baltro and dismantling him until the mech could stand no more, falling to the ground with a final roar.
"BALTRO, NO!" Steng yelled, reaching out in shock and awe. "N-no...no this...this ain't right! How could anyone defeat Baltro...!?"
He fell to his knees and gulped, realizing that his reign was in complete and utter jeopardy at this point. As the dust settled, he was slowly approached by Lori and Evil Kolulu from two sides. Lori glared daggers down at him, her clothes scuffed and some of the lower part of her shirt ripped off. Evil Kolulu sharpened her claws menacingly as she approached, eager to end this fight in a brutal fashion.
Steng reeled in fear, staggering back and holding a hand out. "N-no...no no no, BALTRO, HELP ME!"
Fortunately for Steng, Baltro answered the call, speeding over and kicking Lori in the back of the knee, and punching Kolulu in the mouth, stunning both and carrying Steng over his shoulder like a weightlifting bar and running off.
Evil Kolulu snarled, "GET BACK HERE! COWARD! You're just a stupid weakling without that body suit!" she said, only for Lori to yank her back and hug her tightly.
"None of that...go back to normal now..." Lori said softly, yet fiercely. "Give back Kolulu...the TRUE Kolulu...it's her turn on the outside now."
Evil Kolulu squirmed around furiously, but eventually, Kolulu came back, breathing heavily and recuperating after the experience.
"Kolulu...are you okay...?" Lori asked, rubbing her back and keeping her close.
"I'm fine...but I know that awful evil side will have to come out again...it hurts..." Kolulu said with a sniffle, "It hurts...! I hate it...I never wanted this, I never ASKED for this...but that awful cruel king forced me to do this!" she said, barely stifling a full blown crying fit.
In her mind, she flashed back to that day, the day she was summoned to the royal palace.
[Flashback to the Mamodo Royal Palace]
Kolulu looked up at the palace gates, nervous and quaking in her shoes. Why? Why was she being called to the palace...? Surely it wasn't normal for most to be invited directly...was it?
She enters the throne room, where she saw the line of royal guards, the décor, everything she could possibly dream of in that one room of the grand palace. Slowly walking up to the throne, she knelt before the giant of a man, King Dauwan Bell, in reverence and respect.
Staring down at her, the king spoke in his booming voice. "Kolulu...you have been summoned here for a special rite. Your heart is...frail...yet perfect for the battle." he explained vaguely.
Kolulu looked up, already tearing up in nervousness and fear. "W-what do you m-mean...m-m-my lord?"
"When one is chosen, they are chosen for a reason. I predict you will try to deny your destiny, will you not?" he asked coldly.
She whimpered, "I...I'm unfit for the battle...I don't want to...I deeply apologize my lord, please forgive me...!" she said, crying right there and then.
He slammed his fist into the throne, causing an echo. "I'll not have such a pitiful display! This is an act you will thank me for, GUARDS!" he commanded, two grown guards speeding to Kolulu's side in a blink, and holding her down, arms restrained to the side as Dauwan prepared a spell.
Kolulu yelped in pain, having a full blown panic attack and panting like mad. "No, PLEASE, STOP!" she begged, shaking her head rapidly.
"Shin...PERSOGEO!" he yelled, swinging his arm down and pointing at Kolulu, a dark bolt of energy from above jolting her and causing her pain like she never felt before.
Kolulu screamed and screamed, writhing as her mind became a vortex of agony, but before she knew it...it was over. In truth, the procedure only lasted thirty seconds, but to Kolulu? It surely felt like hours.
In her mind, a being would rise from a fetal position, waking up with a grin. "Hello...Kolulu~!"
[Back in the present]
Lori allowed Kolulu to vent her woes, furious at the potential cruelty Kolulu went through. If only she knew the exact procedure she endured.
When Kolulu was done, the two would rise, leaving the room without another word.
[Back with Kiyo's group]
They were busy clearing out a few more criminals, but to little avail. It truly was an entire army of them, and they were getting somewhat exhausted. However, they heard the roar and thumping sound, and collectively knew that, perhaps, Kolulu had won.
Djem sighed, "I hope that was Kolulu winning in there..."
Kiyo chuckled, "I have a feeling it was...now come on, we're almost there! All we have to do is link up with Lori and Kolulu, free the prisoners, and-"
But once more, he was cut off, as Kikuropu lunged from the shadows with his hands clutched together in a sledgehammer motion. He knocked Kiyo away and cackled, "GOTCHA! GOTCHA GOTCHA GOTCHA!"
The British Gentleman appeared once again with a grin, "Play time is over! That fool went and got himself beat by a little girl, so I better do double in order to earn our boss' forgiveness! AMURSEN!"
Kikuropu would fire spikes from his elbows at the group, but Tia and Megumi would jump in front and deflect it with "MA SEI SHIELD!"
Yopopo would jump in front of them with Djem, the latter being furious at the earlier cheap shot. "You...will...PAY! I...I refuse to let you keep slinking around in the dark like the coward you are!" she said, quickly turning to the page she needed and casting a spell.
"DOREMIKERU!"
Yopopo's music note pattern on his chest would glow, and unleash a concentrated storm of music notes at Kikuropu, sending him skidding back with a snarl.
Kikuropu was getting angry, and stomped twice. British Gentleman would whack him on the knee with his cane, hard.
"OI! That's NO way to behave, you big stupid oaf! I'm getting tired of this tomfoolery! If you don't want to be alone and miserable when you grow up, then you better start shaping up, Kikuropu!" he lectured, causing Kikuropu to become distressed.
"STOP, STOP! I'm a good boy, GOOD BOY!" Kikuropu said, gripping his head and squirming around.
"Then PROVE IT! Because as it stands now, you have been an insufferable wretch who takes two steps back for every one thump forward! Now stop your whining, stare them down, and ATTACK!" he ordered.
Djem's heart sank as she heard him rant and rave. In her mind she wondered...had she been similarly cruel to Yopopo? Perhaps not on THAT level, but...what a slippery slope. She gave Yopopo a sad glance, and braced for impact.
"AMU SHIZARUKU!" the British Gentleman casted, Kikuropu's arms turning into scissor-like blades and extending to crush Djem.
Djem ducked, her hair getting clipped slightly by the arm and her heart racing at the near-crippling experience.
Collecting herself, she casted another spell."DOREMIKERU!"
Once More, Kikuropu was hit by the beam of music notes, this time in the armpit, causing severe discomfort and pain.
"GRAH! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! MASK BAD, PAIN BAD, MASTER BAD! BAD BAD BAAAAAAAAD!" Kikuropu roared, tearing the paper mask to shreds and cackling.
He then stared back at the group with his glowing and dilating eye. "Don't I look like a handsome boy to ya? WELL, DON'T I!?" he said with a stomp. "I'LL SQUASH YA, SQUASH YA TO JELLY IS WHAT I'LL DO, GYAHAHAHAHA!" he ran forward blindly swinging now.
Djem sighed, "You sad fool...you don't deserve the abuse your book owner gives you. Return to the mamodo world, and be free from his barbarous grasp." she said, cooly dodging several swings before running past him and bee-lining for the British Gentleman.
Yopopo followed suit, dodging several cane swings from the British Gentleman who desperately tried to keep the kids back.
"No no no no no!" the Gentleman said, meanwhile Kiyo and the rest were scattering in all directions to avoid the giant punching cyclops.
Djem would kick him in the shin, and Yopopo would gut punch him.
"I'll make you bloody PAY! That poor Mamodo isn't evil, he's just been broken by YOU!" she said, delivering another punch to his stomach for good measure.
"He was left in your care, and HOW do you treat him? Like TRASH! For his sake, I'll knock you down and burn his book! DOREMIKERU!" she cast with all her heart.
The spell came out with a ferocious hum, the book not only being burned, but impaled with a music note shaped hole in it. The British Gentleman dropped the book in horror, the book instantly bursting into flame.
Kikuropu stopped swinging, turned around, and started to fade away. Despite everything, he smiled, stomping over and dropping to his knees. "Thank...you..." he said, waving goodbye and vanishing in a flash of light.
Djem snapped her book shut and closed her eyes. "Farewell..."
Kiyo ran up to them and leaned over. "That was great! Good job you two!"
Djem nodded, looking away and up a flight of stairs nearby. "Look at that...I think those are the stairs to the upper floors." she said, pointing at them.
Kiyo nodded as he looked over at the stairs. "Right, alright everybody, gather by the stairs!" he instructed.
As the group rallied by the stairs, they saw a small group of people approaching.
Folgore, Kanchome, Kory, and Seitaro.
"Did-a somebody need-a the cavalry?" Folgore asked, flicking his hair with style.
Kiyo chuckled awkwardly, "Oh right...the book owner...glad you found him Kanchome." he said, still surprised that Folgore had a spell book and mamodo partner.
Then he saw his father, and his expression went blank. "...Dad."
Seitaro smiled, "I'm happy to see that you're alright. Say, where is-"
Kiyo raised his voice, "Eeating yellowtail by a river with his spellbook now hush up!" he said, dodging the topic almost instantly.
Seitaro was surprised, but let it slide due to the tension of the situation. "Alright alright...I suppose I should tell you all that this boy freed us and the other prisoners from the dungeon earlier. I suppose all we have to do now is reach the top and take down the true master of this castle." he explained.
Kory was getting antsy, and wanted nothing more than to be done with this battle already.
Fortunately for the group, they wouldn't be waiting long, as Lori and Kolulu arrived, battle damaged but still capable of fighting.
"Hey guys..." said Lori. "Ready to head up?" she asked straightforwardly.
Before Kiyo and co could answer, a gust of wind blew through the hall as Hyde and Eido came flying in.
"Yo! Don't finish without us! Between the ghost knights and the other crap we had to deal with out there, I wish we could do more, frankly!" Eido explained.
"You DID take a while with the knights, but you also stopped by a tree to take a cat nap, so shut your eating hole!" Hyde said, irritated.
Kolulu giggled, glad to see them, as was Lori.
Hyde looked over at Kolulu again, concern coloring his face. "Hey...are you alright?"
Kolulu nodded, "I'll be fine, Hyde. We're almost done, let's go, we have a battle to finish, don't we?" she said with a sweet smile, doing all she could to stay strong on the outside.
Hyde nodded, turning away with a light blush. "R-right...uhh...let's do that then."
So the group turned and began their trek up the stairs, finally...finally preparing to confront Zeno.
At the top floor of the castle, overlooking the still-heavy rain, Zeno and Dufort awaited their arrival.
Grinning, Zeno slowly turned to face the door. "So they're finally going to arrive, huh? Let's show these weaklings what their future king can do!"