Don't you just love March Break? I know I do! It gives me time to write and sleep (among other things). Well let's get another chapter up and running. Let's see how TK deals with what he found out.
Disclaimer: I know it's hard for you all to believe, but I do not own Digimon. Isn't that a scary thought?
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The group dropped into Izzy's bedroom from his laptop with a great thud (as usual). The older chosen children were all there, and had worried expressions on their faces. After straightening themselves out and putting their digimon aside on the bed to rest, the younger kids gave a debriefing on the events that just transpired. The senior Digidestined listened on in horror as they learned of Devimon's return. Throughout the whole discussion, Kari and Davis sat close to one another, and talked amongst themselves. This only weakened TK's resolve, as he watched them with such pain, that even Devimon himself would wince. TK remained quiet throughout the conversation in one of the corners of the room. In fact, it was only Ken, Yolei, and Cody discussing the events. The older kids were far too absorbed in the story to notice the other three.
"Well I think I should contact Gennai about this present problem." Izzy stated. "It would be best to discover the reason why and how Devimon has appeared. Perhaps he'll be able to give us some insight on stopping him. Although, I'm sure Angemon will be able to take him down once again." The group nodded at this, and Matt smiled proudly at his little brother. TK flinched at this. He did not want to lose his friend again. Matt noticed TK's reaction, and thought about the original battle against Devimon.
"Well I still think we should all be prepared for a fight." Matt said, changing the subject. "After all, we just can't rely on TK and Patamon alone, it puts too much pressure on them." TK silently thanked his older brother and went back to staring at Kari. He noticed that Davis was trying to say something.
"Kari, I know this might be a bad time, but would you like have dinner with me tomorrow?" Davis whispered.
"Well...sure, Davis, I really could use some time to take my mind off the Digital World. I would be delighted." Kari responded.
"Oh, ok, maybe some other...what?!" Davis said, flabbergasted. Kari chuckled at this.
"I said I accepted." She assured him. She didn't know why, but she looked in TK's direction. The boy was so quiet and so melancholy. Kari thought about why he would be this way. She concluded that he was worried about Patamon and the possibility of having Angemon go up against the demon fiend. Her heart went out to her best friend. Meanwhile, TK (who had heard everything) had just about enough. He stood up and picked up his partner. He could not believe that she would agree to dinner with Davis knowing full well they had plans to go out on the same night to go bowling.
"I'm leaving, everyone, I'm rather tired. Plus I have to tend to Patamon. I'm sure you all would want him to be at full strength." TK said indifferently. His voice had a hint of coldness in it. He took his leave very quickly. The rest of the chosen looked at each other with a mutual bemused expression. Was it something they said? Or was it something else? They weren't quite sure, but they were worried about him. As TK was walking home, he let out a great sigh. He looked down at his arms to look at Patamon. "I think I was kind of rude to everyone back there." He said to Patamon. TK knew that his friend could not hear him, but he continued. "I don't know why I should be bitter towards Kari and Davis, it's not like me and Kari were more than friends and it's not like bowling is a big deal, but still...why did this have to happen to me? I was going to tell her how I felt about her soon, and now look at what's happened. Oh, I only have myself to blame. If only I had more courage, I wouldn't be in this mess...wouldn't I have?" He thought about his last remark very carefully. If Kari truly did care for him, she wouldn't have done what he saw her do. The blonde silently bowed his head in defeat. "I guess she only thinks of me as a friend then. The idea of Davis with Kari is going to be hell to live with, but I've got to be strong, if not for myself, then for everyone else who is counting on you and me, Patamon." TK looked up at the sky and stared into space. The stars were shining brightly this evening. He smiled at this. Stars always reminded him about Kari. Like the stars, Kari had this glow about her that would glow brilliantly - even her crest symbol was in the shape of a star, which suited her perfectly. She was the Keeper of Light, and the keeper of his heart, even if it was in pieces. He then decided that he would let fate decide what would happen in the future. He didn't fall in love with Kari, because she would love him back. He loved Kari for being herself. "Love is like life." He whispered to Patamon. "It's not always easy, and can lead to unhappiness. We keep on living, so why should we stop loving?" He wanted Kari to be happy, even if it was not with him. What surprised him is that he wanted Davis to be happy, too. TK briefly chuckled at this. When he got back to his apartment, he set his friend down on the bed very gently, got changed, and got into bed. He looked at his window briefly and saw a shooting star - the symbol of hope. TK silently laughed at the coincidence and closed his eyes to make a wish. "I hope that Kari will always be happy. I wish that she will always be full of love and life." TK yawned as he drifted off to sleep.
TK opened his eyes to a wonderful scene. He was in a lively meadow in the Digital World. He could not help but smile. TK started wandering around aimlessly until he saw a figure in the distance. He proceeded to run up to the figure. When he got close enough, he recognized the figure...it was Kari. It appeared that she had a picnic spread out on the field. Kari looked up at him and grinned. He returned the expression and sat down right next to her. He looked at the goodies in the basket and his mouth started to water. Kari laughed out loud at the sight of TK drooling. The teen blushed. He then looked into Kari's eyes and caressed her cheek.
"Kari, have I ever told you how I truly feel about you?" TK asked. "You're so kind, smart, and beautiful, Kari, you are the most wonderful person to be with." Kari started blushing and lowered her head in embarrassment. When she raised her head to look at TK again, her content face quickly changed into a petrified one. TK furrowed his eyebrows and quickly asked what was wrong. Kari did not move from her spot, nor did she speak. Then TK saw something in the reflection of her eye. He quickly turned around. As he did, the sky went pitch black, and the grass went blood red. As soon as he saw the figure his eyes went wide. It was a digimon, and not a pleasant looking one at that. It had a near-perfect human form and was dressed completely in black leather, a red bandana was tied to his shoulder, and he sported a helmet with spiky tips that covered the top half of his face (which had three - count 'em - three eyes). Something that caught TK's eye was what he wore over the helmet. It was odd, but he swore that they were...goggles. The evil being grinned, showing his sharp fangs while moving about his lithe tail. Immediately (yet instinctively), TK put himself in front of Kari to act as a human shield. The devilish creature reached behind itself and withdrew two jet black, double-barrelled magnums with his claws. He aimed them straight for the two helpless children. Kari started whimpering, and clutched TK tightly. "Don't worry, Kari, I'll protect you...I promised I would, and I'm going to stand by my word. An uproarious, maniacal laughter boomed from the digimon, he cocked his weapon...and fired.
TK sprung up from his bed in a cold sweat. His breathing was heavy and erratic, and his heart felt like he just ran several laps around the world. After he calmed down a bit, a familiar weight was upon his head.
"TK, are you all right?" The squeaky voice chirped.
"Yeah, Patamon, just a bad dream is all." TK responded. "Besides, I should be asking you that question."
"Don't worry, TK, I'm stronger than I look!" Patamon said while trying - or in reality, failing - to flex. The teen laughed at his partners attempt to look tough.
"I never doubted you, Patamon." TK said while snickering.
"That's right!" Said Patamon, proudly. Then his tone went serious again. "TK, why didn't you allow me to digivolve into Angemon?" TK saw this question coming.
"Well, Patamon, I didn't want a repeat tragedy like the one that happened when we faced Devimon the first time." TK answered. "I couldn't bear to lose you again."
"Are you still blaming yourself for that, TK?" The digimon asked. "You really shouldn't. It is my job to protect you and look out for you. What I did when we fought Devimon was out of my own free will and choice, and I would do it all over again an infinite amount of times if it meant saving your life." TK was taken aback at the words of his partner.
"Patamon...I...I-" TK started.
"Forget it." Patamon interrupted. "I know that you would do the same for me in an instant." TK nodded at this. Patamon continued "We're not just partners and equals, we are each part of a whole - a bigger picture that neither you nor I can comprehend. We complement each other in a way that we function as one. That is the way it has always been, that's the way it will always be." TK's alarm clock then rang, ending the bedtime conversation. TK rose up from his bed.
"I didn't know you could be so deep, Patamon, where did that come from?" TK inquired.
"Honestly, TK...I...don't...know." Patamon answered. "The words just came to me at that instant, I can't describe it."
"Well perhaps another time you'll have an epiphany." TK joked. "In the meantime I have to get ready for school." Patamon chuckled. Then TK stuck his head back in his room quickly after he left. "Seriously though, Patamon, thank you. I really needed some encouragement and moral support at this time. At least now I will have the strength to go through this day." Patamon gave a confused stare and was about to ask what TK meant, but the boy went back to getting ready.
Usually on the walk to school, TK would see Kari on the way, and they would talk. However, today he did not see her. He guessed that she might be walking with Davis. He also knew that Kari would not be able to come bowling in the evening like they had planned, because of the plans she had with Davis about dinner, so he would expect a call later saying that she could not make it. TK frowned at this. Surely she would not forget about him, wouldn't she? Kari was never a forgetful person, so there would be no reason for her to start now, even though Davis was a bad influence. The thought of Davis rubbing off on her made TK shudder.
The day at school went normal enough. Today, TK had a few tests, so he would not have been able to talk to Kari anyway. When lunch came, the kids sat at their usual table. As Kari came with Davis to the table, she noticed that TK seemed a little distant.
"TK, what's wrong?" Kari asked. "You seem rather quiet today." TK looked at her, and quickly searched his mind for a plausible excuse.
"Well, Kari...you see...it...err...I...am...concerned about Devimon being back, that's all." TK stated, satisfied with his response.
"I'm sure you're very worried about losing Patamon again." Kari responded. "Personally, I don't know what I would do if I lost Gatomon."
"It's a very hard and hurtful thing to deal with when you lose the ones you love." Said TK. "Especially if you lose them because of another." He let out a great sigh, thankful that he could say what was on his mind in a hidden way, and hoping that Kari would not realize the double-meaning of his words. Kari felt a great amount of respect for her best friend. She knew that losing a friend would be a very traumatic experience, especially at the innocent age of eight. TK was the strongest person she knew. Even though he might have felt miserable on the inside, he would try to be strong for everyone so that they would never give up hope. If she only knew...
When school ended TK left for home, hoping that Kari would catch up to him like she normally did, but she never came. She seemed to be spending a lot of time with Davis now, but she never said anything about it officially. He thought that was rather odd, considering they talked about everything. What's happening to us, Kari. He thought. He became afraid of the idea that they might be growing apart.
Later on in the evening in a quaint little cafe, Davis and Kari were enjoying a night out together. Davis was doing back-flips in his mind the whole time. Kari had a content look on her face.
"It's nice to finally get away from the troubles of the Digital World." Kari said. "Even if it's for a little while." Davis nodded.
"I agree, Devimon seems like he's going to take a lot of strength to beat, so we've got to rest up so we can put him away!" Davis said with determination. Kari giggled at his naivety, but she liked how Davis was very optimistic about the situation, and how hopeful he was. It reminded her of someone else she knew.
"Thank you for being so considerate and Kind, Davis." She stated. Davis winked back at her, which made her smile.
At the Kamiya residence, Tai was watching TV. He should have been studying or doing homework (since he is in university), but Tai was never the one to take school seriously. Normally Izzy would be the one to bail him out. Tai was lazily relaxing on the couch with a rice ball in his mouth that he was chewing on, when the phone suddenly rang. Tai nearly choked on his snack as he went to the phone. Once he regained the ability to breathe, he picked up the receiver.
"Hello, Kamiya residence." He answered.
"Hi, Tai." Said TK. "Is Kari home?"
"As a matter of fact, she isn't." The older boy responded. "She went out with Davis. When I was going to ask her why, she was quickly out of the apartment. Say, wasn't she going bowling with you today?" TK frowned, as he realized that she was still on her date.
"Yeah, but she had to cancel, because she already promised Davis to go out with him." TK lied. "He had to get a break sometime. Just tell her that I called."
"Alright, TK...bye." Tai said.
"Later" The blonde boy said emotionlessly as he hung up the phone. Tai slowly placed the receiver back on the cradle. He easily saw past TK's charade, and felt sorry for the boy. Tai knew how TK felt about Kari. He had learned about his feelings towards his sister when they were in France five years ago...
"Thank goodness that's over with." Tai said. "Those Mamemon brothers were more troublesome than we thought they would be."
"Yeah, it's a good thing our digimon were able to digivolve again, don't you think so?" TK asked, but there was silence. "Tai?" He looked back at Tai who was getting a thank you kiss from Catherine. He laughed at the blushing Tai.
"Sorry, TK, it looks like she went for my heroism over yours." Tai stated. The younger boy snickered.
"That's quite alright, Tai." Said TK. "There's someone else on my mind right now."
"Oh! You mean Kari!" Tai said, matter-of-factly. TK's face went red.
"What?!" Exclaimed TK. "Well...you see...the thing is...I-"
"You can stop your stuttering, TK" Tai interrupted. "I might not be as smart as Izzy or Joe, but your feelings for my sister are too obvious." TK lowered his head in defeat.
"Am I really that transparent?" TK asked rhetorically. "Why aren't you mad then?"
"The answer to that is very simple." Tai answered. "From what I've seen and heard, you really do care for Kari. Sora even told me about the promise you made to protect my sister when we were facing Piedmon. You are the only guy I would trust her with. Heaven forbid she go for Davis! Promise me you won't let that happen, and that you'll tell her how you feel!"
"I promise, Tai!" TK laughed. "Thank you for being so understanding."
"You're welcome." Tai said back. "Oh and don't worry, I'll keep your feelings a secret, just remember your promise." Tai winked at him and TK smiled back in appreciation.
"How could you break your promise, TK..." Tai whispered to himself. He looked at the clock, and notice that it was a few minutes past twelve. He thought that it was kind of late for Kari to be out at this time. As if on cue, Kari and Davis had arrived at the front door.
"I had a great time tonight, Davis." Kari told him.
"Well I enjoyed it, too, Kari." Davis said. "We should go out another time real soon."
"I'd like that, Davis." She said. Kari leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. They both said their goodbyes and Kari reached for her keys. When she opened the door, she was confronted by a very worried Tai.
"Don't you think you're home a bit late?" Tai questioned. He had a small hint of anger in his voice that Kari caught onto. Kari looked at the clock on the wall and noticed the validity of Tai's statement. Kari smiled nervously at her older brother as she realized her folly.
"Sorry, Tai, I guess I lost track of time." She said sheepishly. Tai was not amused.
"I think it's time you get to bed, you have school in the morning. You're lucky that Mom and Dad are away on that business trip or you'd be in real trouble." Tai said. Kari snickered inwardly at his parental behaviour.
"Tai, I think you're being a tad overprotective, don't you?" Kari asked. Tai took a deep sigh as he mentally gave up.
"Well before I forget, TK called." Said Tai. "Now I'm off to bed, goodnight." With that, Tai retired to his room. Meanwhile, Kari's eyes went wide.
"Oh no! I forgot!" She exclaimed. She made a mad dash for the phone and quickly dialled her friend's number. The phone rang five times before Kari gave up and slowly hung up the phone. She couldn't believe she could have been so careless as to forget about TK. She would never have done this before. Then it hit her - she did not even walk to school with him like she normally did, nor did she walk home with him at the end of the day. She had completely forgotten about him today. At that moment Kari reprimanded herself for being so inconsiderate. She made a mental note to apologize to TK the very next day.
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To be continued...
This is getting harder and harder to write, believe you me! Poor TK!
Well the part where TK says that love is a lot like life, is from my other fic "Love on a Leaf". If you haven't read it, do so soon. (*lowers head at the act of shameless self-promotion*)! I'm sure you can see the hefty foreshadowing in this chapter. Also, I'm sure you can guess who that digimon was in TK's nightmare.
Coming Soon: Kari apologizes to TK, but he quickly forgives her. The whole group of chosen head off to the digital world for reconnaissance purposes and get caught up in a great deal of trouble. Is it Devimon up to no good? If so, who will save the day? Be sure not to miss the next chapter!