Helping An Underdog Stand Tall

A/N Here's more of the fic and today I thought up a twist that involves Kari's parents but let's wait and see, okay?

Thanks go to Australian Chaos, Boltfan21 and other Bolt fans who've read and reviewed so far.

I hope you guys enjoy this.

Later that night after dinner, Kari was in her room but she was worried about something as her aunt had told her she would be starting school in a few day's time and it made her nervous as she loved school and learning but didn't like trying to fit in with other kids or having to impress them but that was what she liked about her animal friends because they didn't care if she was cool or not and liked her for herself as Bolt had overheard Penny's Aunt telling Kari this and didn'y understand as he knew she was worried.

He then entered along with Mittens as Rhino was engrossed in watching something on the magic box but both animals could tell she was nervous as she was quiet and to Bolt, it meant something was wrong as she was hugging Bolt Jr her stuffed dog.

"Why're you nervous?

What's a school?

Is it a prison?" Bolt asked her as Kari smiled.

"No Bolt it's not a prison.

It's a place where human kids go to learn things so they can have a good future someday but I'm nervous because I know I'll be the outsider like always because other kids don't understand me so I try not to make friends unless they're animals." she told them.

Bolt understood as he nuzzled her which made her feel better but he was curious about the stuffed animal she was attached to as she smiled.

"My parents got me him a year ago because I love animals and my parents wouldn't let me have a dog but he looks like Bolt since I always watch the TV show after school, let's say it helped me feel better about not being invited places with other kids.

But I'm....... worried about them.

I wonder what I did wrong to make my Mom leave me here.

I wonder if it's because of my gift." she said as her eyes watered.

Bolt saw sympathy in Mitten's eyes as the cat could relate to Kari's situation as she remembered when her owner had declawed and abandoned her but she knew that Kari needed comforting words to help her feel better.

"It's not because of your gift to talk to and understand animals.

Sometimes humans abandon each other like the pets they leave behind but you're not alone.

At least you have me, Rhino and Bolt.

I know what it's like to feel unwanted, wondering what you did wrong to be here but maybe your Mom couldn't let you be hurt and knew that this place was safe for you to stay here but you have a home here.

We could be friends." Mittens told her as Bolt nodded in agreement.

Kari smiled shyly hearing what Mittens had told her.

"I-I guess I can try

What if it doesn't work out?" she said.

"I was like that too but a certain superdof showed me I could trust in others and found a home.

You need to do the same.

It's late and you need your rest." the cat told her as she left.

"I hope you'll feel better in the morning Kari." Bolt said leaving.

Kari then yawned as she settled into sleep but hoped they were right.

That early morning as the sun rose, Bolt's eyes opened.

He had been sleeping peacefully since a few nights ago but was worried about Kari hearing how she was shy and didn't have many friends as it reminded him of when Penny was little and other kids were being mean to her because she was a child star and because Bolt's show was a huge success but he knew Kari needed his help but knew Penny needed him too but Kari needed him more as he left Penny to sleep and went to Kari's room finding her beginning to stir as her eyes opened as she'd had a worry dream about starting school in a few day's time but smiled seeing him there but hoped Penny wasn't mad at him.

"Don't worry Kari, she's still asleep.

I was worried about you." he answered.

That surprised Kari and made her smile a little as she frowned knowing that she wasn't his person.

"I can have two people to care about." he answered as she smiled.

"Thanks Bolt." she told him.

"Aww you're welcome." he answered.

She giggled as she went downstairs in her cheetah pyjamas and watched TV as an episode of Bolt's show.

She liked the new episodes.

Mittens was still asleep as Rhino wanted to blast it up.

"I know you like the theme song but everybody else is still asleep." she told him.

"Aw man." the hamster replied as Kari smiled.

She was still nervous about going to school but more so about making friends because of her talent, other kids found her weird but she decided not to talk about it right now.

Later she saw Bolt join them.

He smiled knowing she'd been watching his show.

"Honey I want you to get dressed, okay?

We're going shopping." Penny's mother told Kari.

The girl understood as she went to her room as Bolt saw worry in Kari's eyes as he knew she felt uncomfortable around Penny and her Mom.

She hoped that things would be okay.

Dalia was nervous as she entered the building that belonged to the people she worked for but her boss was demanding things from her and it was a good thing Kari wasn't there because if they knew about her special talent with animals, they would use her for bad things but had no idea her boss was working for Dr Calico.

She hoped Kari was safe as she was with her aunt and her cousin Penny as she went to work........