Disclaimer: it's a well-known fact. I don't own Digimon, but I wish I could…luv ya Taichi!!! *squeezes Tai* squeeeee!!!

Thank you to everyone who's reviewed!!! If I wasn't so broke, I'd buy you all pressies!!! Wait…RockeandRoll's got a job… ehehehe…=)

Thank you Shadow-of-Hearts and LilJL for emailing me!!! =)

Shadow-of-Hearts, UR STORY ROX!!! =)

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"Kari! Oh no… Kari!"

The call echoes softly in my head. The sound of waves crashing onto a shore enters my mind. The sound comforts me, yet fear creeps into my heart.

"Kari! Answer me!"

Another call. Who do I answer? The waves crash again. The sound comforts me. Darkness envelops my soul.

"No…hang on Kari! Please!"

I'm sorry…

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I open my eyes, and stare out into the familiar horizon. The calm water gently laps the shore. The dark ocean… The water gently washes over my feet- each drop an icy touch to my skin. I reach down and catch some of the water in my hands. I straighten up and stare at the still, shadowy water in my cupped hands. Ripples appear on the surface, and a figure slowly rises from the water. His face downcast, a miniature Tai stands on the small puddle of water. Tears well in my eyes.

"Kari," a voice calls, startling me. The minute Tai disappears as I turn around. Ken's concerned face comes into view- his ocean-blue eyes staring deep into mine.

"Ken…" I breathe quietly, wishing my tears would stop. The water falls from my hands onto the sand. Ken steps towards me, and wipes the tears from my eyes. The warm touch of his hand comforts my uneasy heart.

"What's wrong Kari?" Ken asks gently. "What brings you here?" The water softly washes around my ankles. I shudder.

"I…I can't…it…it's all my fault…" I reply, my voice cracking with emotion. Water circles around my ankles- the cold feeling sending shivers throughout my body. My vision contorts. I see Tai shivering…he's cold…he's frightened…I killed him…

"I…killed him…" I mutter blankly, staring at the dark trees behind Ken. I focus back on Ken- his face filled with confusion.

"I killed him Ken," I repeat, my voice rising. "I killed him! I killed my own brother! I killed Taichi!" My breathing quickens as I cover my face with my hands. Guilt surges through me- stabbing at my tortured heart. I feel Ken wrap his arms around me. I clutch his shirt as I bathe in his warmth. I cry into his shoulder. Another wave of icy water washes over our feet. Ken pulls away and grasps my shoulders gently.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" he asks comfortingly, staring deep into my eyes. I close my eyes and shake my head.

"No…please don't make me," I moan, trying to suppress the surfacing memories.

"I won't make you," Ken replies, obviously sensing my unease. "If you don't want to. But why are you here then? What is your fault?" I open my eyes, guilt washing over me. Panic arises in my chest.

"I killed Tai," I answer, my voice breathy. "I killed my own brother! It's all my fault! I knew T.K was sick! I didn't tell anybody! I killed Taichi Kamiya!" I sink to my knees, terrified of what I did. Ken kneels in front of me.

"It's all my fault…" I mumble, "…It's all my fault…I knew T.K was sick, why didn't I tell anyone? I stopped Tai from helping Matt when I collapsed. Tai's spirit's gone…It's all my fault…I killed him…" I bury my face in my hands. Ken strokes my shoulder calmingly.

"Kari, nothing's your fault. You can't help what has happened. It's not your fault that T.K was that sick. It's not your fault Matt's on drugs. It's not your fault you got sick. Don't blame yourself like that. It'll get you nowhere. Believe me." I look to him. His eyes mirror feelings of pain, suffering and loss. He's been through so much more than me…He lost his brother to death…He lost Wormon…All those things he did as the Kaiser must haunt him terribly. I know nothing compared to him… A deep rush of sorrow for Ken runs through me.

"I'm so sorry Ken," I mumble, tears streaking down my cheeks. A small reassuring smile appears on Ken's face.

"That's ok Kari," he replies, brushing my fringe out of my eyes. I can't believe I've been so selfish. Here I am falling apart on Ken when I should be the one helping him. I sigh wearily. But I'm so tired… All the events of the past twenty-four hours hang heavy on my shattered soul. My head begins to spin, and I fall exhausted into Ken's arms.

"I want to go home," I mumble quietly, my words slurring slightly.

"Ok, let's go home."

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Next chapter should be up! =)