Hope Unleashed

I don't own Digimon. It never did belong to me and it never will.

Please Read and Review. Enjoy!

Hope Unleashed: Hidden Darkness

Kari laid in the middle of an open field staring up into the blue sky. The sun shown down with a pleasant warmness on to her producing a nice calming effect. "What a marvelous day," sighed Kari who gazed at a lone cloud as it slowly sailed cross the sky. "I wish TK was here."

"Someone call me?" Kari shifted her gaze and saw TK walking up behind her. His hair was it's normal blond again, but the sun made it shine as if there was a halo around his head. He was like an angel.

"What a beautiful day. Isn't it TK?" Kari said staring into his magical blue eyes. TK bent over and plucked a nearby flower.

"Nothing is as beautiful as you Kari," replied TK in a very romantic voice, handing the flower to Kari. Kari accepted the gift and could feel herself blushing. TK inched closer to Kari wrapping his arms around her waist. "You're the only person that I ever want to spend my whole day with."

Kari felt like she was floating on air. It was almost like a dream come true. "TK you mean to world to me. I never want this moment to end," she then nestled her cheek on TK's shoulder. She could feel him stroke her hair gently. Kari could almost think what TK was going to say next.

"Kari, I l..."

"Get your stupid hands off from my girl!" came a voice. Kari and TK both stood up and turned towards the voice. Kari could see someone was also in the field now. It looked like a boy their age, almost someone she knew. He had rather spiky maroon hair, and he seemed to be shrouded in darkness. "You're going to get it you loser!" Said the stranger pointing straight at TK.

"What do you want?" Kari asked frightened, but angry at the same time. Why would anyone want to ruin this perfect moment?

"I want you to come with me, and leave that worthless sap!" Said the boy as he advanced towards TK.

"I don't know who you are but you can't tell me what to do!" Kari shouted back, "You can just forget about it. I'm staying with TK." She then gripped on to TK, who put a protective arm around her.

"Oh really? We'll just see about that!" said the stranger, who then ran at the couple. TK pushed Kari out of the way as the stranger attacked.

Kari regained her balance and turned to see the boy give a hard punch into TK's stomach then following with a quick uppercut. TK practically flipped over backwards tumbling several feet back, the strength of the attacker was almost demonic. The sight of what just happened made her eyes well up with tears. TK sat up only to receive a swift kick across his face knocking him even farther than before. "No TK!" Kari shouted as she ran up to her fallen friend. She hugged him tightly crying in his chest. "TK are you alright?" Kari looked up at TK. "You can beat this loser, you can't let him hurt you like this."

TK stood up with one hand on his still sore stomach, and the other rubbing his cheek. "I don't know who you are, but I'm not letting anyone with your attitude near Kari!" TK wiped the blood from the side of his mouth with the back of his hand then took a defensive stance. He slightly lowered his head. It looked like he was concentrating. A wind kicked up around his body as yellow sparks seemed to fly from him, at an instance his hair flashed into brilliant gold. Then he planted his feet firmer into the ground, as if bracing himself. A powerful blast of yellow light appeared along with a powerful wind, causing Kari to lose her footing. When the light cleared there was a burning aura that now surrounded TK. TK glared at the boy ready to attack.

"Ha, two can play it that way," said the stranger. Stopping in his tracks the boy crossed his arms in front of his face. His once maroon hair, started to pulse with darkness. In less than a second it erupted in a sea of black. The ground then shook violently, as a wave of dark energy surrounded the boy. Kari gasped in shock at the sight the boy. He was like TK's counterpart.

To two opposite forces dashed towards other meeting half way. They seemed to be matching each other move for move. Their attacks seemed to get faster and more furious by the second. The sound of their attacks contacting each other resembled that of thunder. Kari could only look on and watch this raging storm of attacks.

The stranger threw a quick hard right but TK spun around it delivering a smashing backhand to the opponent's face. Kari expected to see the boy knocked flat on his back, but instead the attack didn't even phase him. He caught TK off guard and struck him square in the chest. TK slid back from the force of the attack and stumbled to one knee. "Had enough?" laughed the boy.

"Why are you doing this?" questioned TK as he gripped his hurting chest then forcing himself back to his feet. "All this fighting is pointless"

"Kari's mine, and I'm getting rid of the competition!" Snapped the boy. He seemed to be driven by a powerful dark force. This time TK took an offensive stance; glaring at the boy he intensified his burning aura. The air around TK looked like it was sparking with high voltage electricity. Leaving a blazing trail of yellow light TK dashed to the waiting opponent. TK attacked at full speed letting lose a barrage of blinding attacks. The stranger seemed to be one step ahead of TK blocking every move. Out of frustration TK aura seemed to burn even brighter causing Kari to squint her eyes. TK continued his assault, but the boy seemed to block every attack.

"Please be alright TK," whispered Kari as she continued to watch TK's unrelenting attacks. Finally TK landed a forceful punch knocking the boy back, in that time TK lunged forward following up with a series of powerful blows. Seeing the stranger stumble backwards, and was vulnerable to attacks, TK took one step back. He was about to deliver the finishing blow. TK pulled his right hand back as it burned with a massive energy. TK then charged at the boy full tilt intending to end the pointless battle with his final attack.

"Too bad!" laughed the boy, "but play time is over!" He caught TK fist just inches away from his face drowning the energy of TK's attack with his with his own canceling it out. His dark aura grew at an alarming rate practically smothering TK's out of existence. Grabbing TK by the arm he pulled TK straight into his knee.

"No!" Kari yelled as tears streamed from her eyes, she saw TK fall on his knees grabbing his stomach in agony desperately gasping for air. Before TK could recover the attacker brought his elbow with deadly force down on TK's back. TK's aura instantly died away and his hair reverted to the normal blond color as his body crumpled to the ground. "TK!" cried Kari. The dark boy was much stronger than she imagined it was like he was driven by a powerful hatred. Kari ran in front of the stranger with her arms stretched out. "I won't let you hurt TK anymore!"

"What's with you and TK?" growled the dark stranger, "He's such a pathetic weakling!" He pushed Kari out of the way. TK was on his back grasping for air and coughing up blood. The stranger smirked at the state TK was in. Without any pity he stomped his foot down on TK's neck.

"No! Stop it!" cried Kari, "You're going to kill him!" She ran up and grabbed the stranger for behind and tried to yank him off.

"That's my plan Kari. I want him to die!" Snarled the boy as he applied more pressure on TK's neck. Kari could see TK trying desperately to pry the foot off his neck, while his life slowly slipped away.

Kari started pounding her fists on the boy's back. "Stop it! Let TK go!"

"Your starting to annoy me!" Reaching around with one hand he grabbed Kari in a powerful grip and pulled her in front of him. "You know, if it weren't for me liking you I would probably kill you too!"

Kari spat in his face with disgust, "You're a monster!" yelled Kari as she kicked with all her might at the boy's stomach.

"I'll just ignore what you just said," grinned the boy wiping his face, "and stop kicking me it tickles. Now wait here while I finish some business." He tossed Kari aside. Then rising his hand an eerie dark energy gathered into it. "Now it will only be you and me!" laughed the boy. Bringing down his hand he released the energy at point blank range upon TK.

Kari was thrown off her feet from the power of the blast. It was so loud that her ears were buzzing. "TK!" she sobbed. All she could hear was hysterical laughter and the buzzing in her ears got louder while see cried, "TK!"

"Now you're all mine Kari."

Kari eyes shot open. She sat up quickly taking deep breaths. She was no longer in a field but in her safe and comforting bed. "It was just a dream," Kari said to herself looking around once more, "but why was it so real?" Kari reached out and pushed the button on her alarm clock, which was making the annoying buzzing. "It was just a dream," repeated Kari. She wiped away the sweat that was on her brow. "I always wanted my dreams with TK to come true, but this..." Kari rubbed her eyes. It appeared that she had been crying in her sleep. The dream was so real it still scared her.

After about twenty minutes in the bathroom, Kari walked out all freshened up ready for school. Heading into her room she selected a set of clothes that she decided was appropriate for the day. After she got dressed and gathering her books she headed to the kitchen for breakfast.

Tai was already at the table eating a bowl of cereal. "You sleep well?" he asked. "You probably did since TK tucked you in last night," he added making a kissy face.

Kari couldn't help but blush at the comment, "Stop it Tai!" Seeing her brother raise his hands to action that he backed off, Kari then answered his question "I guess I slept well," lied Kari. She didn't want to bother Tai about her stupid, but frightening dream. It just kept playing over and over in her mind. Kari tried her best but it always had a chance to slip back into her thoughts. "What happen afterwards?" Kari asked wanting to get her mind on to other things.

"TK told us about what had happened, and I'm glad that he was with you," Tai said, while continuing to shovel cereal into his mouth. "Then Izzy contacted Gennai. TK went to visit Gennai. Then everyone left."

"Talk about lack of detail," sighed Kari, "I guess I'll ask TK to fill me in."

"Oh yeah. That reminds me. Can you give this to him," said Tai handing Kari TK's digivice, "He forgot to take it back. Somehow he can pass through both worlds without it. That's some strange powers he's got there. Wonder what other stuff he's hiding?"

Kari took the digivice and placed it in her pocket. "Thanks Tai. I'll give it to him when I see him later today."

***

TK woke up and practically jumped out off bed. He had the best dream ever; his day was starting out great already. He looked at his clock and his eyes nearly shot out. "Yikes, I better get a move on or I can't walk with Kari to school." TK ran to the bathroom to freshen up. Catching a glimpse in the mirror it looked like his hair was back to its normal blond. "Yes! Finally! At least now everyone won't be staring at me," thought TK. As if just by thinking about it his hair burst into its glowing golden state once again. "Crud," sighed TK hanging his head in defeat. It seemed like it wasn't going to be an easy task to unfuse with his new powers. After about ten minutes TK rushed back into his room and got changed. Grabbing his books he dashed out if the house with a breakfast bar in his mouth.

The sun hung low in the sky, it had risen not too long ago. The air was nice and cool, and filled with the welcoming scents of flowers. TK though didn't pay any attention to this. Spiriting down the steps of his apartment, while inhaling his breakfast he zoomed towards Kari's running by other students on their way to school. They all gave TK weird glances but TK was moving too fast to notice. He skidded to a halt as he reached Kari's apartment. "She should be here by now," thought TK. Glancing at his watch he could see the reason why. He was ten minutes earlier than usual. Not wanting to be in the open so people can gawk at his hair, he proceeded to walk up to Kari's apartment.

***

Kari had finished her breakfast and was ready to leave for school. "I'm going to school now Tai. Have a nice day."

"Thanks. You have a good one too!" replied Tai waving from the kitchen.

Kari grabbed her bag and walked to the door. It looked kind of strange, as if it was put back on but in a wrong way. She opened it a walked out closing it behind her. She turned around and looked at the door again. She then let out a laugh. The door was on upside down.

"I see you're laughing at Tai's handy work?" Kari turned around and saw TK walking up to her.

"Hi TK. Why is the door upside down?" Asked Kari.

"It was my fault. My arms were full since I was carrying you, and you were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you up, so I used my foot to knock on the door, but I guess I kicked a little too hard," TK laughed placing a hand behind his head.

Kari blushed a little remembering that TK had to carry her all the way home. "Oh yeah TK, you forgot your digivice."

"I don't need it anymore," replied TK who handed it back to her, "I had a meeting with Gennai last night, and he explained some things to me. One of them was that I no longer need a digivice, and that you can be able to use it from now on."

"What?" Kari asked surprised, but was happy that the digivice problem was solved. She didn't know what would happen if she couldn't get another one.

"I'll try to explain everything to you on the way to school," said TK as he motioned Kari to the elevator. TK then proceeded to tell Kari all that Gennai had told him with the best of his ability.

The elevator reached the bottom and they walk out to the school. "So didn't Gennai give you any insight on your powers?" Kari asked as she stared at TK's golden hair, along with many other people passing by.

"Not really, he said I have to discover everything on my own," sighed TK, "but I did see an anime show last night that was very interesting."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, Davis rudely pointed out how some things I mentioned related to a show. I finally got the chance to see it and I can tell why he had compared everything to it. The similarities are amazing!"

"You mean you look like an anime character?" giggled Kari, "this I got to see."

"It got me to think what my powers are capable of doing." TK said as he imitated what he had watched. He pretended to punch and kick at an imaginary opponent. "It's so cool! I'll be one awesome fighting machine! Best part is if I could fly!"

Kari smile at TK's little performance. In Kari's dream TK burned with the powers of hope fused with him making TK fight like never before, it matched what TK was currently describing. Then the images appeared in her mind when TK was in great pain and she couldn't help him. She never wanted to see this happen. She unconsciously let a tear run down her cheek.

TK noticed it and stopped his little demonstration. "Kari?" he asked with a concern voice, "Is something wrong?"

Kari quickly wiped the stray tear from he cheek. "No, everything's fine," she said trying her best to smile.

"Are you sure, if anything is bothering you, you can tell me," replied TK.

Kari thought about telling TK about the dream but didn't think that she should bother him about it. After all it was just a dream.

The two of them continued to walk to school content that they were with each other. TK had finally told Kari about the evil digidestined, and that one day he might have to fight him. Kari realized the growing similarities in her dream. Did the dream have a real meaning behind it? She remembered how powerful that person was, and how easily TK got beaten even though how strong he appeared to be. "TK?" Asked Kari. "Can your powers become stronger?"

"Yeah, Gennai said that I can become stronger," Said TK.

"Shouldn't you be training right now?" Asked Kari with a concerned voice.

"What's with the sudden worries?" Asked TK.

"I'm just afraid what evils are out there, I don't want you to get hurt."

TK could see that Kari was really worried. Her eyes were full of concern and it looked like she knew something. "Don't worry Kari. I'll sort everything out," replied TK giving Kari a warm smile. "But first I just have to get my hair under control." TK focused his attention in trying to unfuse with his powers. He closed his eyes and focused getting his hair back to it's blond color. After about a minute he let out a sigh. "I give up! This is getting so annoying!" grumbled TK, as his attempt failed, "I have lots of time to practice this later."

"TK you can do it," reassured Kari taking TK's hand into hers. Giving a gentle squeeze she smiled at him, "TK try it again, for me?"

TK nodded having his confidence restored by Kari's helpful gesture. "All right Kari, for you." Thinking only on that thought he closed his eyes for a brief second. Something must have clicked in because he felt a lot of his energy slip away. TK's knees buckled from the sudden weakness, and tripped forward, but Kari was able to support him. TK looked at Kari and she was smiling.

"TK you did!" Kari said happily and hugged TK, whose hair was a normal blond again. "Now can you fuse with it?" Kari saw TK close his eyes. He focused even harder this time. Kari held on tightly giving him the extra initiative to focus even more when she saw him get frustrated. Kari felt a gentle breeze pass around her and saw that it was flowing around TK. His hair began to alternate from blond to gold, then with a blazing explosion his hair shown brightly once again.

TK knew he had done it. He felt a rush of energy surge through him as well as hair wildly flowing. "Yes! I did it," shouted TK. He hugged Kari and spun her around, while she laughed with surprise. He was so delighted that he was one step closer to mastering his power. Of course people were staring at both if them, but he didn't care one bit.

Kari was thrilled, "at this rate you can beat that loser!" said Kari hugging TK back.

"Huh?" TK asked confused at Kari's last remark. "Who's the loser?"

"I'm staring at him right now!" someone growled from behind. TK and Kari broke their embrace and turned around to greet a fuming Davis.

"Oh, hello Davis," said TK.

"Whatever," snapped Davis. He then turned to Kari with a completely different attitude "So Kari you want to do something later?"

"Um, I don't know Davis," said Kari, "Me and TK were probably going to do something later."

"Like what? Teach you some of those dumb magic tricks of his?" Davis growled at TK. "Don't waste your time with him."

"They're not tricks Davis," replied Kari

"Don't let TK fool you he's probably got hidden mirrors or something," Davis said waving his hand at TK trying to prove his theory correct. "Must be really well placed ones," he said after he could not find one.

"Davis don't be silly. Come on TK, tell him it's real" Kari said turning to TK.

"Davis can think what he wants," replied TK, "lets get to class before we're late." closing his eyes and letting out a breath TK focused once more. Kari saw TK's flicker between gold and blond then finally reverting to it's normal state. TK tumbled forward, but this time was ready of the suddenly lack of energy and caught his balance. "I really have to find a way around this," yawned TK. Kari couldn't help but giggle, as she followed TK into the school.

"What the heck is going on?" thought Davis, "can you really impress a girl with those lame tricks? If so, I better learn some of my own."

***

Classes proceeded as usual, and before long it was time for lunch. Kari was at her locker putting her books away and was ready to head to the cafeteria. "Hey Kari!" Kari turned to see Yolei and Ken walk up to her. "Mind if we eat with you at the cafe?"

"No problem at all, you can eat with me and TK," replied Kari.

"Thanks!" replied Yolei then she leaned towards Kari, "So, did he give you a good night kiss last night?" then nudging Kari.

"Stop it Yolei," blushed Kari, "TK is a good friend that's all."

"Yeah," winked Yolei who heard how phony the answer was, "whatever explanation makes you happy."

***

TK sat in the cafeteria with his head resting on the table. He was thinking about his hidden power and how in the first place was it awakened. "Kari was in danger so I had to save her, because it's my duty to protect her" TK explained to himself. The answer didn't satisfy him. He gave more thought. "I love Kari that's why. Maybe my love for her was the key to unleash my power. That must be why. I love her, I even said so myself," this time the answer sounded more appropriate, "but of course she didn't hear me. I had so many chances to tell her but why do things always go wrong?" Letting out a little sigh he grabbed his lunch and started eating. Looking up he could see Kari walk in with Ken and Yolei.

Kari sat across from TK and put her tray down. She gave him a warm smile as he greeted her with one of his own. Ken took a seat beside TK with his lunch and started a conversation. Yolei sat across from Ken and pulled out her lunch from her bag. "Nothing beats good old fashion convenience store bought food," she said then biting into her sandwich. Kari took a bite for her apple and stared at TK. She didn't want to but couldn't help it. She remembered yesterday how a she could almost feel TK was going to tell her how he felt. "Why do things never work out the way you want them too?" asked Kari to herself then taking a sip from her drink. Again she looked at TK. He looked so happy and very calm, but very little people seen him when he was fused with his powers, he proved to be a very dangerous force.

"Earth to Kari?" someone said while waving a hand in her face. Kari snapped out of her trance and saw that everyone was staring at her.

"Must have drifted off," said Kari breaking her stare from TK.

"I can tell why," whispered Yolei nudging Kari causing her to blush again.

"Hey guys!" Davis ran up to the table where everyone was sitting. "Hi Kari!" he said while planting himself beside her. Davis had a big smile on his face. "You know what? Not only TV knows magic. I know some too. Just watch!" Davis stood up and waved his hands then seemingly pulled at flower out of thin air. Then handing to Kari who could help but laugh.

"I don't think what TK possess would be termed as magic," explained Ken.

"Oh it's magic alright, the optical illusion type," said Davis.

"Maybe you're right Davis," laughed TK. He knew that Davis would never believe him if Davis didn't see him in action. "I guess you're the 'seeing is believing' type of people"

"You're darn right I am," replied Davis, "Now for my next trick pick a card, any card." Davis handed Kari a fanned out pile of cards to select from. She selected a card, took a look and gave it back to Davis who shuffled the deck. "Was your card the ace of spades?" asked Davis who pulled out the card.

"Yes it was," replied Kari, "you're quite the magician aren't you?"

"Of course. Better than TC's second hand tricks," smirked Davis. The whole group groaned. "What?"

"Never mind Davis," sighed Yolei, then whispering to Ken, "how stubborn can this guy be?" Ken shrugged. He stood up and took Yolei's hand.

"Class is almost starting, we'll see you guys later at the computer lab," he then walk out with Yolei, who had a dreamy look on her face.

"I wonder when those two actually got together?" thought Kari. She stood up and turned to TK. "We better get going too, or we'll be late." TK nodded and followed Kari.

"Hey wait for me!" Davis shouted following quickly behind.

***

The other half of school went by as fast as the first. Finally school was over and it was time to meet at the computer lab. Kari placed her books inside her locker and walked down the hall. She then saw TK in his basketball uniform and he was heading to the gym. "TK?" asked Kari as she approached from behind.

"Oh, hi Kari," said TK as he turned around, "I have an emergency b-ball practice and I won't be able to join up with you guys until later."

"Are you sure it's safe to go back to the digital world?" asked Kari. "We might need your help."

"Maybe you can tell the guys to wait for me until I'm done," replied TK, "but I'm sure Davis won't wait. Anyway everyone will be there to watch out for each other."

"Ok," sighed Kari, "just don't take too long alright?"

"I promise." Said TK as he jogged onto the gym. Kari must have been staring at him for too long, because the laughter of students were heard behind her. Kari's cheeks redden as she hurried off the to computer room.

***

"What's taking Kari and TS so long?" grumbled Davis. Again he was pacing back and forth.

"They can be a little late," said Yolei, "let those two have some fun." Davis spun around and was about to explode but then caught sight of Kari with TK nowhere to be found.

Kari walked into the computer room where all the others were waiting. "So where's TK?" asked Cody.

"He had to stay for b-ball practice," replied Kari. She could see Davis' face brighten up. "I think we should wait for him though." After that remark Kari could see Davis grow frustrated.

"Forget about TB! He can catch up with us later. Now let's get going we can't wait for him," said Davis in a rather hasty fashion. He pulled out his digivice.

"Wait. I think we should wait for him, it will be more safer that way," said Kari trying to convince Davis.

"Don't worry Kari, what can TK do that I can't?" Smirked Davis. Kari sighed. Davis was too set on trying to out do TK at everything.

"Fine Davis you win, just don't blame me when I told you so," Kari pulled out TK's digivice and placed it to the computer's screen.

"What?" Davis blurted, "when did you start using TF's digivice?" He was dripping with jealousy

"Mine was destroyed so TK let me use his, since he doesn't need one anymore," replied Kari

"How cute of him," said Yolei, "Would you do that for me Ken?"

"Um, sure why not?" replied Ken not really sure of what to say.

Davis snatched TK's digivice from Kari, "I don't see anything different from mine," as he took his and compared the two. "Here Kari you can use mine instead of TR's"

"But it doesn't work like that Davis," sighed Kari. Knowing that Davis wouldn't believe it until he saw it Kari took his digivice and held it to the screen. Nothing. "See Davis," said Kari handing Davis his digivice in exchange for TK's. All Davis could do was grumble. Again TK had bested him at something.

Kari held up TK's digivice along with the other digidestined. "Alright, digiport open!" A brilliant white light surrounded the group and they were whisked away to the digital world.

***

"Excellent!" laughed an evil voice. A swirling dark energy slipped out from the dark recesses of the digital world. "It seems that my plans will be going faster than scheduled. I want you to distract the digidestined until I can acquire my new body" it commanded to an army of digimon.

"Yes master," said the digimon as they all bowed.

"Now it's time to reveal myself and unleash my revenge!" the swirling darkness then became undetectable to the visible light spectrum and proceeded to its unknowing target, followed by its minions.

To Be Continued...

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