Author's Note: I do apologize for updating late again. Family came first this past week, especially since I won't see them again until the summer time. My Spring Break has finally reached its end… T.T

Thanks to: Rose Aarac, My-Friend-KITT, potterfan2006, BuckleWinner, Kitarensen, Spidey2, LisaRosa, Ayame1313, blue-eyed-wondergirl, and Tamersa for reviewing!!

Here's another chapter! (Please don't hurt me... *edges nervously behind KITT*)

Chapter 12

KITT knew he was in trouble. As a matter of fact, the word trouble hardly did any justice for the wrath Sarah was sure to have in store for him the nanosecond they got back.

It would be far more accurate to surmise that he was scrap, the moment he rolled back into the KITT cave.

How was he going to explain his missing driver's side door to Sarah?

Then there was also the greatest problem of all, why her daughter was currently with him while he was missing his driver's side door.

He ran multiple explanations through his processor but they all came up short. There was no lying, his way out of this one. The first two were relatively easy to discard.

A semi truck ran me off of the road.

Sarah would probably say, "You expect me to believe that a semi truck drove you off of the road and then magically managed to cause this damage?"

There was a malfunction in the door circuits.

She would most likely respond with "KITT what kind of malfunction would rip your virtually indestructible door off the hinges?"

Of course that was the question wasn't it? The question where the only possible answer was four letters long.

KARR

It was always that blasted-sorry-excuse-for-an-AI's, fault.

Of course, KITT knew that he should have been paying more attention to the missile that was sent flying into his door but his concern had mainly been for the two humans who were nearly caught in the crossfire.

The AI sighed when he saw the hanger rapidly approaching. He slowed down, biding time. His speed change did not go unnoticed by his ever faithful, three-foot tall, passenger.

"KITT, what's wrong?"

Your mommy is going to be very mad at me.

Mikah shook her head and pouted.

"No, because you saved me from the mean robot and daddy's alive!"

He tried to suppress a sigh but failed.

I'm afraid it isn't that simple, Mikah. KARR could have seriously hurt you. I'm in a LOT of trouble right now.

The little girl leaned forward in the passenger seat and softly patted the dashboard in reassurance and offered his glowing, blue vocalizer module a small, brave smile.

"I'll protect you KITT."

The AI did not respond to this, knowing full well that when Sarah was angry…NO ONE could save him from her wrath. The child's feeble attempt to offer him her protection was still very welcomed and in some small way, he did feel slightly comforted that he had a friend with him, on his side.

The hanger door opened and he gladly stopped through decontamination stations one and two, before proceeding cautiously into the KITT cave where the team anxiously awaited them. Billy found them gone during his early morning rounds through the base. Believing that something was seriously wrong, the technician had of course, sounded the alarm which brought the other two women and male physician running to the consoles in a near panic.

Billy attempted to contact them but KITT was blocking him for some reason.

Now as they saw him docking back into his port, KITT nearly melted under all of the heated glares, with the exception of Doctor Clarke and Billy. The females for some reason were the only ones who really seemed to have anything against him.

His missing door was the first thing they noticed.

"KITT…what the hell happened to your door?!"

I can explain…

"Where is Mikah?"

She is here…with me.

Sarah's eyes narrowed even further into dangerous slits and she growled, approaching him with clenched fists.

"KITT, you will explain everything."

Of course Sarah, I would do no less.

Her angry expression melted away the moment she retrieved her daughter and she turned a suspicious gaze on the mustang.

Mikah squirmed out of Sarah's grasp and seemed to leach on to KITT, refusing to budge.

"Don't be mad at KITT, mommy!!"

"Sweetheart, this is not the place, nor the time to argue with me. You need to let go of KITT now and take a walk with Zoe and Dr. Clarke."

"NO!"

Sarah struggled to remove her daughter but it was like Mikah's hands had fused into his paint. If Michael used to have trouble getting her off of KITT, there was no way in hell, that she would fare any better with this daunting task.

The frustrated mother resorted to tickling but surprisingly the little girl only squirmed with a pained grunt and held on tighter, if that were possible.

"DADDY IS ALIVE, WE FOUND HIM!!"

Everyone in the room visibly froze.

Sarah gently released Mikah and tried to get the child to look at her.

"What did you say?"

The woman hardly dared to breathe as she awaited the response she was so sure she had hallucinated.

KITT decided to intervene then.

It is quite true, Sarah. I have surveillance footage of our encounter with him…and with…KARR.

KITT was reluctant to admit to the last part and spat the other AI's name with clear disdain.

Sarah turned her eyes back on the mustang, an all business expression now in place.

"Show me."

So that is exactly what KITT did. The team huddled in a small group at the front of the mustang's grill and watched with awed fascination as the footage played out on KITT's holo-screen.

At last, the video ended, leaving the cave in relative silence.

No one spoke for a while. It was almost too much to take in.

Now that they had this new, astounding evidence—

"So, what are we waiting for? Let's go save Mike!"

"Are you forgetting about KARR?"

"Why can't we cause a diversion while KITT retrieves him?"

"He seems to have lost his memory. Do you think he would go with us willingly? To him, we are a bunch of strangers."

"That will pose a problem."

While the rest of the team discussed and tossed around ideas for Michael's future rescue, KITT and Mikah were back together.

"KITT…you have an owie." Mikah indicated his missing door, turning her full, concerned attention on it.

To be honest, the child was too lost in confused emotion on the ride back to notice much beyond her troubled thoughts concerning her daddy.

It doesn't hurt me much.

"You sure?"

Pretty sure, thank you for your concern.

"We save daddy soon?"

Yes…at least I hope so.

The AI had his own doubts, especially after witnessing firsthand, Michael Knight's memory loss. The man hardly recognized him tonight and he appeared to suffer greatly under KARR's controlling influence. KITT had no qualms about terminating KARR. The only problem with that avenue was that Michael Knight's very life was tied to the evil AI. His body was now dependent upon the machine to give him life, keeping him a virtual prisoner.

KITT had done some research, pulling up hidden files that Dr. Graiman himself had hidden away within the core of the KR mainframe. He was able to gain the restricted access codes using a password that the good doctor himself had gifted him with before his death. The elderly man had given KITT the instruction, not to use it unless times were severely dire.

If Michael's current situation wasn't considered dire, then he didn't know what was.

The files contained information on KARR and the experiments when Mike was still the first AI's driver.

The results of the first few experiments showed that excessive bonding between the human and the robot resulted in negative side effects. These side effects started with the ordinary symptoms of appetite loss and fatigue all the way up to tell-tale signs of insanity and bio-degradation when the two were separated after prolonged exposure.

The experiment was soon scrapped after KARR's rampage which resulted in the deaths of at least seven people.

KITT was glad that Michael was separated from the evil AI after that incident. The only thing now was…how could they help the man without harming him further? There had to be some way that they could reverse the bonding somehow. Otherwise, Michael Knight was forever lost to them, doomed to remain KARR's prisoner.

If they were to just go in now and kidnap the man from beneath KARR's nose, the evil AI could easily track them since he and Michael were so deeply bonded. Not only that, but from what his initial scans revealed, the human would probably die without the aid of KARR's bio-pod within the first 72 hours of separation.

KITT ran every probability paradigm and yet he continuously came up with the same results. The only way they could keep Michael Knight from dying is if they managed to safely construct the world's first cryostasis machine to keep the man in a temporary hibernation until they could figure out how to reverse KARR's bonding process. It would keep him alive without any of the damaging effects.

This idea was the best that KITT could offer them.

He transmitted a message to Billy's computer monitor, temporarily interrupting their growing argument which earned him their full attention when the tech brought it up in their discussion.

It didn't take long for them to decide. It was a unanimous vote, all agreeing that it was the best and only course of action that was in Michael Knight's best interest. No one else had any better ideas. That settled it then.

Mikah, I will do everything I can to bring him home. You will have to stay here and be a good girl.

"I know."

She didn't bother hiding her sorrow at the prospect of KITT leaving her.

KITT was aware of their growing friendship and felt within his central processor that he too, would be missing her when he was away on the future rescue mission. He made a suggestion in the hopes of cheering her up and taking her mind off of their future parting.

Would you like to watch a movie with me?

A smile immediately brightened up the child's face and with sparkling eyes she nodded her head in the affirmative.

They sat together in silence, watching "Bolt" on his HUD in his windshield without a care in the world.

For this moment, they didn't have any worries or concerns.

They only had each other.

KRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKR

It took six months for them to build the cryo-stasis module. It was a record breaking time for a project of this magnitude. It was ready for Michael Knight's occupancy.

Now for the hard part…the daring rescue.

The rescue went off without a hitch. They captured Michael Knight alone while KARR was patrolling the southern border of the hanger perimeter. As predicted, KARR came after them, honing in on his bond with the man in order to track him down. No contact could be made with the human however, thanks to his current unconscious state.

KITT drove him back to their hidden headquarters and delivered him to the cryo-stasis team that Sarah and Doctor Clarke hired on where they immediately began to prep the man for his hibernation.

Four hours later and he was within the unit, hibernating until they could find a way to help him break free from KARR's control.

Two days later and KARR was shooting his way through their front door.

"KITT HELP ME!"

Mikah was screaming and sobbing as she ran to the other end of the KITT cave away from the bloodthirsty machine who was currently trying to break through. She sought refuge with KITT, where her faithful friend was valiantly trying to keep the enraged AI on the opposite side of the door. KITT used his laser to weld the tunnel doors closed but he knew that the metal would not hold up against KARR's assault forever.

Sarah already evacuated the rest of the team and was finishing the purge of their base's computer systems, dumping all of their data before KARR could get to it. Michael Knight had already been safely moved to their new base of operations one day prior.

"Okay, the data has been destroyed. KITT, Mikah, let's go."

The woman joined her daughter in KITT's immaculate interior and the mustang roared furiously as he prepared to ram through KARR and up the tunnel ramp. It was the only real entrance or exit that the mustang could take. The emergency exit was blocked off to give the team enough time to evacuate from the premises.

Mikah whimpered when one of KARR's giant robotic claws ripped through the welded seam in the door and began to pry it open.

WHERE IS MICHAEL KNIGHT?!

KITT's interior filled with rock and roll music just as KARR appeared directly in front of the now open door. The mustang took off like a shot, flying between the evil AI's legs and up the tunnel. KITT triggered the charges set behind them, blowing up the SSC, hopefully, taking KARR out for good. If not…then their worst enemy was simply buried beneath tons of rubble. He would have fun digging himself out of that for the next five years.

Mission accomplished.

Sarah sighed with relief and rested her head against the seat.

"Good job KITT. Now we have to meet up with the others."

ETA set at ten hours, fifty-three minutes, and four seconds.

After they arrived at their new headquarters, Sarah talked with KITT alone after Mikah was tucked into bed.

"I have come to a decision, KITT. It was hard…still is hard…for me to even agree to this but it is for Mikah's safety."

KITT felt a sudden surge of pain race through his system when he realized what she was talking about.

You are going to send her away.

It was more of a statement than a question.

"I'm sorry KITT but this is the only way."

Surely there is another alternative.

"It's the only way we can ensure Mikah's safety in the event that KARR finds us here. There is the possibility that he is still alive, especially after the government investigated the explosion. KITT, they picked that place apart and found no sign of him anywhere. I have this creepy feeling…that KARR is still out there somewhere."

KITT refused to respond, internally aware that Sarah was right. That didn't mean he had to like it.

Where will she go?

"We have already found a suitable home for her. She will be living with a young couple who have no kids yet. The husband is an army man and will be stationed every three to four years. All that constant moving will make Mikah nearly untraceable if KARR should attempt to target her. I really don't want to do this…I'm…I'm going to lose my baby, KITT."

Sarah choked, unable to continue speaking as tears leaked from her eyes.

You are going to send Mikah to live with another family…permanently?

That innocent and confused question on KITT's part was too much for the woman to bear, breaking down her resolve not to cry. She sobbed openly, uncaring if anyone was watching her through his windshield as pain stabbed at her heart.

"She will be safe…that's all I want for her KITT…t-to grow up in peace...without fear."

I understand, Sarah.

Sarah nodded in silent thanks and then left the AI to brood alone. She went to pack Mikah's meager belongings while the child slept.

The next day, Sarah and Mikah were on another road trip. They drove to meet the family out in Washington State, where they would then take Mikah with them to Oregon. The little girl did not yet know of her future fate.

Sarah preferred to keep it that way.

In order to make this traumatic change as painless as possible Dr. Clarke and KITT formulated a specific drug to be administered when it was time for them to say good-bye. This drug was similar to the one that Michael Knight was given after KARR was shut down. It would take her memory of them away. At this point, they were unsure of how long it would take Mikah to regain her memory…or if she ever would. She would forget all of them, along with the bad memories that led to this moment. No more nightmares...no more fears. It would all be gone, erased.

It was for the best.

That was what everyone had to keep telling themselves. It was for Mikah's own good. To protect her and to give her a better life and a future she would not have if she stayed with them. KARR would return and the farther Michael Knight's daughter was from him, the better.

When they arrived, they went to visit the parents of the military man who stayed in a nice little home. The living room balcony faced a beautiful sunset as dinner was set on the table. They laughed and chatted and got to know the little girl a little better although Mikah was unsure why they were visiting these strange people. She was polite and on her best behavior even though she wanted to leave and never come back.

A growing feeling of dread was settling in the pit of her stomach every time her mother looked at her from across the table. She could tell that something was wrong.

Soon the military man and his wife showed up with groceries, apologizing about the delay in their arrival. The man's parents (Mikah's soon-to-be grandparents) hugged and kissed him unabashedly in front of their guests before seating him.

At long last, dinner was finished and Sarah explained in hushed tones what was going to happen before taking her daughter aside in a small bedroom right across from the dining room. The door was left open, spilling a soft yellow light into the dark room. The distraught mother did not bother turning the bedroom light on, preferring a little more privacy. The first few stars were beginning to appear in the sky, Mikah noticed through the open window.

"Mikah, baby…there is something important I need to tell you."

"Yes mommy?"

"I have to go away for a while and you have to stay here."

"No, mommy… don't leave me," Mikah cried suddenly, clinging to her mother for all she was worth.

"I have to sweetheart. These people will take good care of you. They will be your…your mommy and daddy now."

Mikah cried harder.

"I don't want them, I want you!"

This was not easy for Sarah in the slightest and she choked back her own sobs, trying to be strong for her daughter.

"You will be safer here with them. I love you so…so much, baby." Sarah stroked Mikah's hair as they clung to each other.

The family outside respectfully gave them a wide berth, going about their own business and refused to interfere with their heart-wrenching good-byes.

"Will I ever see you again?"

Mikah looked up at Sarah with a quivering lower lip and wide, tear filled eyes.

Sarah thought about it a moment and in a sob filled whisper as she wiped the tears off of Mikah's cheeks with her hands, she spoke from her heart.

"Yes, I'm sure we will…I know so. Someone told me a long time ago…that good-byes…are never forever."

"Good…you promise?" Mikah sniffled noisily, calming down a little bit at this hopeful prospect.

"Even though we won't see each other for a really, long time…we will meet again. I promise."

"I'm glad."

"I need you to promise me something in return."

"What," Mikah's head tilted curiously to the side.

"Promise me, that no matter how hard life gets…you will never give up."

The child's eyes widened and she nodded her head before leaning back down into her mother's embrace.

"I promise, mommy."

"Good…now how about we go say good-bye to KITT?"

Mikah tiredly nodded and took Sarah's hand, the devastated mother leading her out to the living room. After explaining briefly that they had to say good-bye to one other person, they stepped outside and down the stairs to where KITT was sitting silently in the driveway.

Sarah opened the passenger side door and placed Mikah inside before closing it again.

I will miss you Mikah.

"I'll miss you more, KITT. I hate good-byes…" the child began to sob brokenly again.

This was tearing the AI up inside as he watched her.

Mikah, I promise that I'll always watch over you. You will never be alone as long as I'm around.

"Will we see each other again?" Mikah asked the question filled with both hope and dread.

KITT contemplated this for a minute and replied honestly.

I believe we will.

"That's what mommy told me."

I think she was right.

"KITT…don't ever forget me."

You are unforgettable.

"I love you KITT."

Mikah leaned forward and kissed his voice modulator softly.

"I'll never forget you," she added quietly.

But she would forget him. The AI knew this for a fact. Was this what it felt like to slowly die inside?

Before the AI could offer her a response, Sarah opened the door at that moment and sighed sadly.

"It's time KITT."

KITT's glove compartment opened and a syringe slid out on the tray, already prepped and full of the medicine they had to give the girl.

Mikah's eyes widened and she squirmed away, about to crawl over into the driver's seat when KITT activated his restraint system, keeping Mikah where she was.

Sarah briefly explained what it was for before she attempted to go anywhere near her daughter with the accursed thing. She picked it up and knew they had to just get it over with before she lost her nerve. This was the hardest thing Sarah ever had to do in her life. The woman would be asking herself the question in years to come…did the ends justify the means?

Mikah continued to sob and scream, shaking her head furiously when Sarah lowered the needle to her arm.

"KITT! MOMMY! Please don't…I don't want to forget!! I DON'T WANT TO FORGET!!"

Tears streamed silently down Sarah's face as she administered the shot into Mikah's arm, feeling as if her already broken heart was now shattering into even smaller pieces as her daughter screamed.

At last, it began to take effect and as the drug began to make her sleepy Mikah whimpered.

"I don't want to forget…" Her eyes slid shut and her chest moved in a steady rhythm with every breath as she succumbed to sleep.

Sarah wiped her eyes with her sleeve and with a long-suffering sigh, picked Mikah up and carried her back inside. The couple tucked the child in bed and promised Sarah they would call if any emergencies arose. They agreed that Mikah would have to have a new identity, a more common name in order to keep her completely under the radar. The military man's father, Mr. Johnson, once worked in witness protection so he knew all the strings to pull in order to get it done. Mikah Knight would have to be declared dead before she was assigned a new social security number, birth certificate, and a new name. It would be impossible for KARR to find her. It was as if she was disappearing off the face of the earth.

To add insult to injury, the FLAG team decided that they too would lose all contact with the child. KITT accepted their terms on one condition...that he and only he alone would know Mikah's location at any given time. The less the others knew about Mikah's new life the better.

Sarah kissed Mikah upon the cheek lovingly, one last time.

The second she sat back down inside of KITT, she broke down, feeling as if she had just destroyed part of her very soul…unable to forgive herself for what she was doing as they drove away...for what she had done.

When Mikah Knight woke up tomorrow morning…she would not be the daughter Sarah knew and loved. Her memory would be gone—her true parentage and only friend erased from existence.

The little four year old girl would wake up tomorrow morning with a new life, a new family, and a new name.

Even though Mikah Knight's life had just ended...Brittany Johnson's life had only just begun.

TO BE CONTINUED!

A/N: *Whitedino stops, drops, and rolls as a hail of bullets, flaming arrows, rocks, and odd assortments of hurtful materials shoot overhead* Okay I know what some of you are probably thinking...how could it end like this?? There is only ONE chapter left (I think) and that will be this story's epilogue before I begin the sequel. This whole memory loss thing and being placed with a new family seemed more realistic to me given the circumstances with everything KARR related. The way I see it...if KARR can't have Michael back...he might just want the next best thing--his kid. So that is why I did this with Mikah. I want her as safe as the rest of you, lol. So please bear with me!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO REVIEW!! No pun intended...