Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon or the charaters, though I do own this plot and instances portrayed therein, any instances that derive from real life are purely coindidental. Sorry folks, that's the way it has to be! ^_^
Warning: This is not a happy fic...in fact its angsty and very sad. You have been warned!
Kari's Crossing: Chapter 2
By: Princess Roly
(One week later)
Tai looked at his sister, or rather the person that he thought was his sister
in shock. An indescribable change had come over her. She no longer sported the
light hazel eyes and light brown hair that he knew and loved, in its place dark,
almost black eyes without emotion gazed back at him. Her hair once light brown
and short had changed to raven black tresses that hung in long strings down
her back.
Gone were the pink shorts and yellow top that she adored, instead she sported
black leggings and top with a black trench coat over all. Her pink fingerless
gloves were replaced with long, black, elbow gloves that sparkled with pointed
studs that ran the length of each finger and covering her hands.
What have you done with my sister? Tai demanded, angrily clenching
his fists.
You don't like the Goth look, Tai? asked Kari harshly, her
eyes glinting dangerously.
It doesn't suit you, Tai stated, still in shock over the state
of his sister's new dress code.
Well, this is who I am. Kari proclaimed. Kari turned and walked
to the bathroom down the hall. She needed to get away from everyone. She needed
to think.
However her thoughts were dark and despairing. She sat in the bathroom contemplating
death, not only T.K's, but also her own. While she sat thinking her fingers
caressed a glinting metal object. She held it to ensure herself of two things;
one, that she could inflict pain on herself if her thoughts and feelings became
too much for her and two; to ensure that she was still alive but could end that
at any time.
Kari hadn't actually used the blade yet, but continued to carry it with
her everywhere. Her thoughts carried her to happier times, times where she stood
with her friends to protect others. These thoughts however did not linger; instead
they floated toward the world of the dark ocean. She felt free there, almost
invincible.
Without realizing what she had done, Kari had cut long gashes into her upper
arms, where they'd be easily hidden by her trench coat.
Much later Kari came back to her senses by a pounding on the door and Tai asking
her if she was alright.
I'm fine, Tai. Kari called out, then moved to wash off the
blood that had run down her arms.
Tai stood outside the bathroom door for ten minutes before he had gathered up
the courage to knock on the door. His sister had seriously changed in the week
since the accident. She had turned from sweet and innocent to hardened Goth.
This change was not good. Tai knew that she needed help and fast.
Tai ventured later that day. Don't you think that
we should get a counselor or something for Kari? She's been acting strange
lately.
She's only acting out her grief. She'll get over it. Tai's
mother said.
I'm not so sure, Tai muttered to himself. He decided right
then and there that he would keep a very close eye on Kari until his parents
realized how deeply she was hurting. He hoped by then it wouldn't be too
late.
(One week later)
Kari, where's my shaver blade? Tai called out to his still
fully Goth sister.
How should I know? Kari called back with venom in her voice. She
would never tell Tai that the blade was safely stored in her pocket for those
indescribable moments where the grief simply overwhelmed her. She hadn't
meant to use the blade the first time, but after that it became routine. Brush
her teeth, take a shower, cut herself, get dressed, eat breakfast. She could
never, ever tell Tai or anyone else that she had turned into a cutter. It somehow
gave her strength to be able to inflict physical pain on herself to relieve
her emotional pain.
Tai walked into Kari's room and tried to smile at his little sister, but
it became harder and harder to do because she seemed to retreat behind her wall
of pain and grief every time someone came near her. If only he could figure
out what was going on with her. She had been skipping school a lot lately, but
when he enquired as to her whereabouts she'd just give him a cold stare
and walk away.
(One week later: three weeks since T.K's death)
Kari walked solemnly toward the far edge of the park. She had to get away;
end it all. The grief was too much, she couldn't handle the pain anymore.
She reached the dense, isolated bushes at the extreme edge of the park, parting
them and climbing into the opening. The branches fell shut behind her.
Kari pulled out the blade.
Tai sensed something was wrong, very wrong. He raised his hand to ask for permission
to leave the classroom.
Kari posed the blade over her wrist.
Tai was granted permission and he bolted out of the room.
Kari began to slowly move the blade in a downward slash.
Tai ran through the crowded street toward the park.
The knife bit into Kari's sensitive skin.
The isolated woods seemed far away to Tai as he ran panting toward them. Somehow
he knew Kari would be there.
She smiled in satisfaction at the crimson river that now flowed from her white
wrist. She knew it would soon be over.
Tai reached the dense forest of bushes at the edge of the park, then leaned
on his knees to catch his breath.
Kari quickly slashed her other wrist, then waited for the blackness to welcome
her in.
I'm coming, T.K, Kari murmured quietly as wave after wave of
pleasant darkness washed over her.
Tai heard a voice.
Tai asked. He received no reply. He quickly parted the bushes
and saw Kari lying there, her blood spilling onto the ground beside her.
Tai screamed. He gathered her up in his arms and ran. He ran
like he'd never run before. He had to save her, he just had to!
Tai finally reached the hospital and Kari was taken from his exhausted arms.
The doctors laboured tirelessly to try to save the girl.
Tai was taken to another room and forced to lie down. However every time a nurse
or doctor walked by and he asked how his sister was doing, he always seemed
to get the same reply:
She's hanging on, but just barely. She doesn't seem to have
the will to live.
Tai lay in his bed trying to think of ways to make Kari want to live. Finally
he did the only thing he could do. He focused all his energy to his crest of
courage, he focused on sending some or all of that courage to Kari.
TBC
1. Kari's Crossing chapter 1 2. Kari's Crossing chapter 2