Unbreakable Bond

Foreword: Honda Ninja: "But seeing that it's been more than a year and a half since it's been updated, it seems like pretty much over. So sad"

I can now happily say, not even close.

Sraye: "Hmm, and when will the DDs make their appearance?"

That'll be a while yet. When that happens, it'll soon be time for them to get reunited with their families. That means no more homeless so I want to make sure I get all of the ideas I have for it out first.

"what about TK starting a small gang and maybe one of his first members is one of the DDs…"

I like it, but it wouldn't work too well here. I considered it, but with how my writing style works, it would take away focus on TK and Kari just trying to survive and be happy. The focus needs to be exclusively on them.

angewomonandme: "Please whatever you do don't make the 'Evil Man' someone who we know from digimon."

I've already made him an original character, so don't worry about that. I don't think there is a digimon character that could possibly be turned into that monster.

Small Rain Fairy Cherry: "why do you always end your chps by putting that you had trouble ending it? how so?"

A lot of the time when I end something, I see it, hate it, try again, hate it, try again, and so on and when I get something the best I can make it, it just doesn't feel quite right still. It may just be because of how it didn't flow out like the rest but on the plus side, it does keep me trying to improve.

"don't put yourself down like Kari does!"

Funny thing about that comment. I once took one of the "Which DigiDestined are you" tests and the result was Kari.

"Can you make it even sicker by making the man her father or close relative or something? (no i'm not twisted) that would definitely be a good plot twist, or something along those lines."

I can neither confirm nor deny whether or not I'll do that his identity.

S?O?M?E?B?O?D?Y: "and what's with the "Those were supposed to be my thought quotes since I didn't know I could save as HTML back then. I always find it best to choose something for the thoughts that will make them look completely different from the speaking quotes, but it didn't really help that both the triangle brackets were changed into the one.

Ankh Ka: "i also noticed that there's alot of "being pulled into dark allies" and tk and kari often say the same things to each other over and over"

I'll try and do something about that. The alleys should be easy enough, but the dialog will be a bit tougher. Still, the Takari pairing plays such a huge part in everything I write, so I really do need to get better with it.

Jen: "I was feeling the tension of the situation, but I could have been drawn into it more."

I'll try to improve on that, but any suggestions?

"watch the spelling errors!"

Yeah, I'll be sure to watch for them. Now that I've finally gained enough patience to wait before posting something that I've finished, it'll be easier to proofread.

Kei Ikar: "I know someone who was raped and she felt the same for ages."

Wow. Didn't realize I was so accurate. All I really knew about the effects of rape was that it was extremely traumatizing and it wasn't really possible to completely get over it.

I've no real reason for this delay other than the fact that it got pushed down as I kept getting other fic ideas. I do, however, have several more concepts for future parts lined up, and I've come up with a planning style that makes writing easier for me in general.

Those people who were thinking that this story ended, thanks for giving me the badly needed motivation to get around to continuing. I'll do my best to ensure this kind of delay won't happen again.

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"Get off her you sick rapist!" TK shouted. No response. Not good. He had to stop this. "You sick animal! Stop it!" Now that monster was beginning to remove Kari's dress. Something came to TK. "Just because you have no chance with the women doesn't mean you should rape little girls!" That got a response. The Evil Man stopped and threw Kari to the ground and stormed towards TK.

"YOU SHUT UP!" he exploded. He shoved TK's chair to the ground and stomped on his chest. TK winced at the pain of his hands being crushed, but felt the chair break. The man got off and TK got up, the ropes falling off.

"Got rejected few times, haven't you?" TK mocked. The Evil Man responded by slamming TK into a wall and grabbing his neck.

"I WILL KILL YOU!" TK struggled to force the Evil Man to let go of his neck.

"You sick animal," TK choked out. He was tossed the side.

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" the Evil Man shouted, "QUIT LAUGHING! STOP LAUGHING!"

Laughing? This guy's more crazy than I thought. The Evil Man stomped towards him. He raised his hand, but then he heard a thump and the Evil Man collapsed. Behind him was Kari with the crowbar.

"I got him," she remarked. TK rushed over and hugged her. She dropped the crowbar.

"Are you okay?" She nodded.

"He didn't touch anything this time." TK smiled.

"That was very brave of you," he told her, "the way you got him to stop hitting me." Kari's face lit up and she kissed him.

"More like stupid," the Evil Man's voice growled as he rose again. TK's heart froze.

He can't have recovered by now! TK thought. Kari's eyes went wide and she began trembling. The Evil Man gripped the crowbar as he stood and struck Kari across the head, sending her sprawling. TK lunged at him, but then he was struck and sent in the opposite direction.

He stumbled back up, trying to fight the dizziness, but fell over. Darkness began clouding his vision. Not now! Kari! The Evil Man had already placed the trembling girl on the bed and had begun to remove her dress with a twisted grin on his face. KARI!

He jolted up. Breathing heavily, he noticed that he was in his bed. He looked to his side and, to his indescribable relief, Kari was next to him, looking as peaceful as ever. It was just a dream. A bad dream. The dream that's been coming to me every night, but it's not real. The Evil Man is gone.

It was only days earlier that man, no, demon came to have his way with Kari again. TK had always told Kari that he would protect her from him, but when it came to it, he was at the Evil Man's mercy while Kari knocked him out. As that recurring nightmare showed him, however, if the Evil Man wasn't hit hard enough at that moment, then that monster would have won. He was gone now, but it didn't change the fact that TK failed. In the end, all his talk was just that. Talk.

Stop it! It's done! It's over! It's past! he reminded himself. He hated dwelling on the past as there was nothing that could be done to fix it. It was nothing more than a way of wishing for things to change. I'll just have get better. Make sure that if there is a next time I can protect Kari. There. He found a way to keep that failure from repeating.

No more thinking about what happened. It's just a waste of energy. He told himself that was the only reason for not thinking about it anymore, but deep down he knew the real reason: it scared him.

---

Kari opened her eyes and immediately looked around for TK. Since the Evil Man had returned for her, she needed to know he was nearby. She was aware that the Evil Man was gone now, but that didn't make her feel any less vulnerable. Fortunately, he eyes fell on him immediately sitting on his side of the bed.

Sitting up, she hugged him. He turned and returned it along with a kiss on the top of her head. Normally she would now do nothing except enjoy how safe this made her feel, but this time was different. Ever since that encounter with the Evil Man something just felt different about TK.

She pulled away and looked at him. His expression was the usual gentle smile, but his eyes were different. They seemed distant. It seemed like he was simply pretending this time. "What's wrong?" she ventured.

TK's expression changed for a split second-too fast for Kari tell what it changed too, before he answered. "Nothing. Why?"

"You seem different," she answered, "Did I do something wrong?" A ridiculous question. She wasn't doing anything he had a problem with in the past, but it had the best chance of getting a reaction.

He gave a look of surprise. "Nothing! What makes you think that?" Well, that seemed normal.

"You're acting different," Kari told him. Again, his expression changed too quickly for her tell. "Why can't you tell me what's wrong?"

"There's nothing wrong," TK answered again and let go. He stood. "I'm going to get us breakfast." That confirmed it. TK was a little too anxious to leave.

"That can wait!" Kari insisted, "There's something wrong! Please tell me!" Didn't he trust her? "I thought to respected me!" Where did that come from? He respected her and she was positive of it. Wasn't she?

"I do respect you," TK said, sounding concerned, "There's nothing you have to worry about."

"Just tell me," Kari pleaded, "I want to help you."

"You can't help me."

"I'll find a way! Tell me!" She had to keep pushing. She already decided that TK wouldn't be the only one putting everything into the relationship. She had no problems confessing her problems to him, so now she had to make him to the same to her.

"You can't help me," TK was sounding frustrated, but Kari couldn't stop now. TK would push her this hard.

"Just tell me already!" she demanded, "Let me help you!"

"Drop it!" TK snapped, causing Kari to jolt back slightly, "I told you you can't do anything, so drop it! I don't need to wake up to this!"

Kari was speechless. This was the first time TK had ever raised his voice to her like that. She was only trying to help. "I'm sorry," she barely managed to choke out.

TK's expression softened considerably. "No, I'm sorry," he said and sat beside her. He pulled his arms around her and she rested her head on his chest. "I know you just want to help, but this is something I have to deal with myself. I didn't mean to get mad." She felt a little better. At least she didn't turn him against her.

"I'm going to get us some food now," he said after a few minutes, "Don't worry about my problem. It's nothing big and it's best that you don't know what it is. I'll work through it."

Why shouldn't I know? Kari wondered, but couldn't bring herself to ask. She watched him leave while wondering why he didn't trust her enough to tell her what his problem was. After all, if he didn't want her knowing about a small one, then how would he let her help him with the big ones? Maybe he doesn't trust me that much.

No. It couldn't be that. He did trust her. He had to. He has to trust me. If he has to. It's probably a specific thing. Everything will be back to normal time. I'm sure it will. She hoped she was right.

---

You worthless idiot! TK scolded himself, You insensitive scum! To say he was mad at himself for snapping at Kari like that was an understatement. She was worried! You should be grateful that someone actually cares enough to worry!

It was so easy to remember how it was when no one cared about him. Now he had someone who did. Someone who wanted to help him with his problems. And I go and get mad at her.

Remember, Kari was nearly raped by the Evil Man again. She hadn't gotten over the first experience with him, let alone this new one. You can't get mad at her like that! The fact that despite her obvious fear Kari was willing to risk pushing TK like that just to know his problem, which didn't even compare to hers, meant worlds to him. To think that he would be blessed with such angel and then treat her like that. I can't ever make that mistake again. I'll never find another like her, so I have make sure she knows how much I appreciate her.

He'd make sure she knew how much he appreciated her concern. He'd do it today. Immediately. As soon as he was done here.

Though how he'd do it was another matter. She saw him as perfect and part of him didn't want that. It would be much easier, and safer, if she didn't see him that way. Then whenever he did make a mistake, she wouldn't blame it on herself. It would take off a lot of pressure.

Unfortunately, the rest of him was aware just how important that image of perfection was needed now. Kari has been a victim of the Evil Man, a gang, and bullies. He was the only protection she had against them, and by seeing him as perfect, she can feel safe with him. If, however, she saw that he wasn't perfect, then he may not be able to keep her feeling secure. So he had to keep that image up, no matter how hard it was.

Maybe I should start teaching her to defend herself. That way she wouldn't feel so helpless and then I could drop the charade. Yes. As soon as he stops getting those nightmares he would teach her to stop being helpless.

---

TK returned and his eyes fell on Kari who was setting on the bed with her legs pulled up. I really upset her that much?

He set the fruit he managed to swipe on the couch and walked over to her. Sitting next to her, he pulled her into and embrace. "I'm really sorry for what I said earlier," he apologized, "Even though I didn't show it, I really appreciate your wanting to help me so much. I can still remember when no one cared."

"Why can't you tell me what's wrong?" she asked, "If you trust as much as you said, then you should tell me." Oh boy. Not good. She'd be better off not knowing about the dreams, but refusing would really hurt her.

Maybe I can try a middle ground. "I've just been having some bad dreams. Nothing serious. I've had nightmares before so dealing with them isn't new to me." There. Vague enough to keep her from knowing, but hopefully she'd be satisfied. She rested her head on his chest.

"Please tell me I can do something," she begged, "I'm tired of always needing help but never giving it."

"Just bear with me while I put up with them. Unless you've suddenly become a psychiatrist without telling me, there's nothing else I think of." At least that was completely honest.

"Can you tell about our dream again?" Kari suddenly asked, "I need to hear it."

TK didn't hesitate. Usually when Kari wanted to hear about it, something was really eating at her and those happy thoughts about living safely in some small town were enough to cheer her up. Maybe it'll help me too.

---

TK sighed as he got up. Another nightmare. So much for those happy thoughts helping. One thing after another with us. Why can't it ever be easy?

As he stood he heard Kari wake up. "Can I come with you?" she suddenly asked. He stopped. Why did she want that now?

"Why?"

"I think I'm ready to go back outside," she answered, "and I want to start pulling my weight." Part of TK was happy. Not only would it be easier to live off of what they can both get rather than just him, but it also made him proud of her. Unfortunately, that part lost out. The rest of him simply remembered the last time she tried it and how the Evil Man got to her. How he couldn't protect her.

If I couldn't protect her then, how will I do it now? "I'd rather you didn't," he answered, regretting each word. The hurt expression on Kari's face made him feel even worse.

"Why not?" she asked, "I promise not to get in the way."

"It's not that," TK tried to assure, though not knowing how without revealing his fear, "I just think it should just be me today."

"I know I didn't do that well in past, but I'm learning! Please let me come! I'll get better, I promise!" Great. Now she was begging. If he kept refusing, it would no doubt undo the confidence she finally built up in herself.

Why did she have to see me with that image of perfection? he wondered, Why does she have to put so much weight behind it? "Fine," he relented, "If it means that much to you."

"Thank you!" Right as the words left her lips, TK found himself being hugged and kissed. Maybe nothing will happen to her today. Maybe he was just being paranoid.

---

Kari did her best to remain calm. The streets were busy and in the back of her mind was the thought of the Evil Man hiding among them, but she pushed it aside. He's gone now. He won't try anything with this many people.

TK had already gone off to find a vendor who's back was turned., but Kari reminded herself that even if he wasn't next to her, he's never go too far away. Just get this over with and concentrate. Don't make TK regret taking me.

Considering how she was involved in causing every problem they've had so far, there was a small chance that TK was getting fed up. She had to start helping, or she could go from his "beautiful angel" to some unwanted pest. She tried to tell herself that it would never happen, but considering how he was acting lately, the possibility never left her.

Enough! Just focus on this! She made her way through the crowd and her eyes fell on a bread stand. An empty bread stand. Bread! We haven't had that in a while!

She crept up to it, hoping that whoever's running it isn't on their way back. She grabbed a loaf, but then a strong hand grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. She saw the angry vendor. "I thought you'd try something with the way you were looking around," he growled. Kari's throat went dry. She blew it again.

---

TK looked around for a good vendor to swipe from. He kept his walk casual while only checking with the corners of his eyes. This way no one would suspect him. A few vendors were watching everyone like a hawk, but that was to be expected. There were always a few who didn't have their guard up. It was just a matter of finding them.

He suddenly heard some yelling. He made his way through the crowd to see where it was coming. Hopefully the scene that was being made would provide a good distraction.

Finding the source was easy; he just had to follow everyone's stares. Once he did, though, his heart froze. A burly man was holding Kari against a building and yelling at her. An icy knot of fear formed in his stomach, and he forgot all about the crowd. All it was now was himself, his angel, and a monster that looked like he was going to hurt her badly.

He ran towards them and with a yell, rammed the man's left, knocking him over to the right. Then he grabbed Kari's hand and lead her away.

After a few minutes, TK stopped and let him and Kari catch his breath. "Are you okay?" he asked. Kari looked at him and gave smile, though she was shaking.

"I'm fine. He was just yelling at me about stealing," she answered, "It didn't look like he was going to do anything."

Not from where I stood. TK calmed down. A false alarm, but that didn't change the fact that Kari was once again in trouble because he wasn't there. I messed up again!

---

"I'm sorry I blew it again," Kari muttered as she and TK got back home.

"Don't worry about it," TK said, but he sounded a little shaky himself. Why? "I'm just glad the guy wasn't violent."

"Me too," Kari said, "I just wish I could get it right for once." Her voice slightly shook but it wasn't bothering her as much as it sounded. She was determined to keep trying until she got as good as TK, but right now she just wanted to hear his encouragement. After the way he saved her, there was no longer any doubt that he still loved her and she just wanted to hear his usual uplifting comments.

Nothing. Kari waited for what had to be a full minute, but TK said nothing. Why? Didn't he hear her? Maybe he just thinking about his problem again. In that case it would take something a bit more obvious to get the affection she wanted now.

As they sat down on the couch she gave him a hug. Nothing. She was about to ask him if he was still being bothered by his problem when he returned it. The joy she felt at this quickly faded however. He had his arms around her, but it didn't feel like he was hugging her. In fact, it felt like he was returning it out of reflex and wasn't even noticing.

Now Kari was really worried. He was never this inattentive before. He always found a way to devote some attention to her. Why can't he give me some of his attention already! Isn't he noticing what I'm doing! The pure selfishness of that thought slapped her in the face. Stop that right now! TK's gone through so much for me already and he's got his own problems! He always so protective, so maybe he's just mad at himself for not being there when that guy caught me! He's dropped everything for me before, so now it's time to let him think about something else.

Besides. Tomorrow, she'll make certain not to fall into that trap like before. I'll get it right tomorrow.

---

Morning already? TK thought as he woke up. He'd forgotten that he even went to bed the last night. In fact, everything that happened getting Kari away from the guy was a blur. He couldn't get what could have happened if that man was going to get violent. In the time it took to there, there was no telling what he could've done to Kari. That was just too close.

"TK," Kari muttered. Up already? That's a change. "Wait. I wanna come again." What? TK's mind flashed back to what had happened the previous day.

I couldn't protect her while doing something I can normally do in my sleep. What if this time she gets caught by the wrong man? I can't take that chance. "Not this time," he said, regretting each word. He looked away so he wouldn't have to see her hurt expression.

"Why not? I won't fall for that trick again! Let me come!"

"No. I-" he stopped himself. He couldn't say that he couldn't protect her; that would just make her feel worse. "I just want to handle this myself."

He felt her arms wrap around his chest. "Please take me," she pleaded in a quiet voice that threatened to break TK's heart, "I know I'll get it right today. I know I will."

"Not today," he said, hoping his tone was stern enough, "I'm doing this myself."

"What about tomorrow then?" TK didn't like where this was going. Kari had a way of playing his emotions to get what she wanted but she did so subtly he never noticed it until it too late.

"No," he answered.

"After that?"

"No." Where was she going with this?

"You used to tell me I'd get good enough to help, or didn't you mean it?" That was below the belt, and the sad tone made it even worse. TK couldn't believe that she'd use such a cheap shot.

"Sto-" he stopped himself. He was getting mad and the last thing he wanted to do was upset Kari like that again. "That was low," he told her, "You know I believe in you, but for now I need to handle this myself." He looked at her and she had a slightly regretful expression. "Please stop pushing me like that. You know I haven't been myself lately and when you do that it gets too hard." Kari gave a nod.

"Fine," she sounded miserable, "I just wanted to help." TK just got up and left, not trusting himself to speak. He'd have to use this time to make sure he didn't destroy their relationship since he seemed to be going down that path.

---

Why does this have to happen now? Kari asked herself, miserably, I thought after TK got rid of the Evil Man that everything would be fine for us. Now it's just getting worse.

This was exactly what she was afraid of. TK kept supporting her and she kept blowing her chances. I guess I blew it one too many times. Why could I get it right!

She couldn't give up, though. Without TK, her life would be unbearable. She didn't have the skills or courage to survive on her own. She needed his encouragement, his protection, his love, his way of always finding out what she needed and giving it. That's what I'll do!

TK had a problem and he wasn't telling her. She'd just have to watch him and try to figure out what it was. If I can't help him with our survival, I'll just have to figure out his problems and fix them.

---

You did it again! TK mentally scolded himself, You hurt her again! This has to stop or you could lose her!

He should've let her come. Nothing would happen. The last time she was only yelled at. She would be safe. Yeah, safe. Just like when that gang went after us, or that jerk Ben, or even the Evil Man who managed to get to her in an open area.

TK almost collapsed at those memories. If such things kept up, someone even more dangerous could come along and he'd lose Kari forever. Again, he had to keep himself from collapsing. Nothing terrified him more than going back to the life he had before his angel graced it. Being that alone and unwanted again. I can't take that chance. I'm sorry Kari, but you need to stay in the only place I know you're safe.

---

As soon as TK stepped inside, his eyes fell on Kari who was still in the same spot as before, sitting with her head down. She looked so lonely. I have to make up for this.

He sat next to her and pulled her in with a kiss on her head. "Come on, there's something we haven't done in a while," he whispered and got up. He lifted her to her feet and started leading her through a dance. She loved this despite the fact that there was never any music and TK felt he never did it enough for her.

Kari's eyes widened as she looked at him. "TK. We haven't done this in so long."

"I know. I keep forgetting how much you love this." Kari said nothing but the silence didn't exist inside TK's mind. Being in such close contact with her only made the memories of how close he came to losing her those times even more vivid. Even worse, now he kept thinking back to the way he was treating her the past few days. Forget about it! he scolded himself, We can worry about that later! For now, let's just enjoy the time we're spending with her.

Unfortunately, his brain didn't listen.

---

Kari had forgotten how much she loved TK's simple gestures. Having so little, they pleased her not only because of the love they represented, but also because they meant that despite such a hard life, they could still find happiness.

But something was different this time. The same thing that was different with everything else TK has done. She moved her head from against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, and looked at his face. He gave his usual kind smile, but once again his eyes were filled with distraction.

That does it! she decided, Tomorrow, TK's opening up! Whatever's bothering him is hurting him too much! I have to force him to tell me! The thought of being forceful worried her, but she so desperately wanted things to go back to the way they were that there was nothing she wouldn't do now.

---

Kari spent the time TK was gone the next day gathering her courage. She had never tried as hard to make TK do anything as she was now. But as things were going now, their relationship would likely fail and she would not let that happen.

TK walked back in. Kari waited for him to set the food down before speaking and hoped that her voice would work when the time came. TK looked at her. "What's wrong?"

"What's been bothering you lately?" Kari asked, "For the past week, you've been so distant. Tell me what's been going on." TK looked away.

"It's nothing."

"No it isn't!" Kari snapped. TK looked a bit startled. "If it was nothing, it wouldn't be bothering you now! It would've stopped already, so tell me!"

"I can handle it," TK started to sound slightly angry. Kari took a deep breath and reminded herself that this was for the best.

"But I'm sure I can help. If you love me like you say you do, then you should tell me so I can help!" Kari couldn't believe what had come out of her mouth. She thought she had put those doubts to rest, but apparently not.

"I do love you! How could you think otherwise!"

"Because you don't trust me!" Kari tried to stop herself, telling herself that this was getting out of hand, but she couldn't. "You always keep telling me that you trust me, but now when you can prove it, you don't! You keep ignoring me, not letting me help you with anything! If you really trusted me, you wouldn't be like that!"

"I do trust you!" Kari jumped at how angry TK sounded, "I trust you, but you're always getting into some kind of trouble and I'm always struggling to keep you safe! The reason I don't let you join me is because staying here is the only way I won't have to worry about saving you every five minutes! The more I'm saving you, the less I'm able to keep us alive!

Now stop bothering me already!" TK ran outside, leaving Kari who was trembling.

A bother. That's all I am to him after all. She stood up with a sob. I'm only making everything worse. She stumbled towards the door. Well, if that's how it is, then I shouldn't be here.

She took one last look around and remembered all the good times she and TK had together. At least I have some good memories and at least the Evil Man is gone. She let out another sob and ran. She didn't know where she'd go, but at least she wouldn't be burdening him anymore. I love you TK, but if that's all I am to you, I won't bother you again.

---

TK punched the brick wall he was next to and told himself that he deserved the pain that rewarded him. In fact, he deserved a lot more for saying those things. He didn't even believe any of them himself. Great going. Kari tries to help, so you take it all out on her. YOU IDIOT! All the anger he felt towards himself for his failures were just directed at his angel.

He turned back and ran home. He'd have to admit everything to her. Forget the image. Even if it did make Kari feel less safe, keeping her with him was far more important.

He got back in what had to be his fastest time ever, but it was already empty. His heart froze. She's gone. I've lost her.

Part of him said that he deserved it. With the lack of trust he's been demonstrating, he didn't deserve to have her in his life anymore. No! I will not give her up! Unless Kari herself otherwise, he was not going to spend his life without her.

So I drove her away. I can find her. He just had to think about where she'd be. That shouldn't be too hard.

First of all, she hated large crowds. Her experiences have left her afraid of anyone she doesn't know, but at the same time, she's smart enough to know that a crowd is the safest place to be if someone's after her.

Second, she'd stay in a place were TK wouldn't stumble across her. The first few times he got hurt saving her, she said that if he wanted, she'd stop burdening him and stay completely out of his way.

Third, she'd still remain close enough that she could get to him if she found out something he'd need to know, like if someone was after him or if there was a way to improve his life. It took a lot more than yelling to make Kari turn her back on someone.

The speed at which he realized where she'd go caused a wave of depression to wash over. If he could determine that so easily, then there's no reason why he didn't see the argument starting. If Kari felt she could fix a problem, it was impossible to make her stop trying. I should have known she go that far, no, even farther to help me. And look how I thanked her.

TK sighed. No point in dwelling on his mistake. He'd have to track her down, the sooner the better, and try to make up for it. Despite the narrowing it down, there was still a lot of ground to cover and TK didn't like the idea of Kari being alone at night.

---

Please be here, TK mentally pleaded as he walked into an alley that was the last place he knew that Kari would be. If she wasn't here, he'd be back to square one.

His legs felt like weights from spending half the day searching with no rest. He could rest after he found Kari. Until he did, nothing else mattered and any pain was deserved.

He peered inside and immediately his eyes fell on a small form hunched over with the back facing him and trembling. TK immediately recognized it as Kari and the quiet sobs he heard from her confirmed it.

I hurt you that badly? He mentally kicked himself as he moved forward. "Kari?" he spoke.

Kari head shot and she turned around. Her tear-stained eyes widened as she saw him and she began to back away. "It's okay," he soothed, "I'm not mad at you."

"Why are you here?" Kari asked, "I thought you didn't want me around."

"Of course I do," TK said, slowing approaching. He gave a small smile. "I'd have come sooner but you are really hard to find."

"But you said-"

"Forget that," TK interrupted, "I wasn't mad at you. I was mad at myself. I didn't mean that I was tired of saving you. I'm just tired of how so many people seem to have it in for you and how I'm never able to fully protect you." TK stopped in front of her and started to hug when Kari held a hand up.

"What's been bothering you so much?" she asked. TK took a deep breath. If he refused now, she'd probably never give him a second chance. He had to prove he trusted her.

"You remember those nightmares I said I was having?" he asked. Kari nodded. "They're about when the Evil Man came. I kept acting like I could take him, but when it came down to it, he was too much for me, and you had to land that final hit.

But in my dream, that his wasn't enough. He recovered and I couldn't protect you from him. He got you.

I didn't want to tell you about it since I know how much he scares you."

"He does scare me," Kari agreed, "but not enough to not make me not want to know these things. Promise you'll tell me from now on." TK nodded, feeling terrible for not having more faith in her. She wrote that off so easily.

"I will, but there's more. Thanks to that nightmare, I kept thinking about that gang, or Ben. You got into so much trouble with them. In fact, that gang might have killed you if I didn't come when I did. And then when that vendor grabbed you, if he was like them, you'd have been seriously hurt." Now came the hard part.

"I got scared and started thinking that the only way to keep you safe was to keep you at home. Not having you in my life is the most terrifying thing I can think of. I wanted to make sure I wouldn't ever lose you, but instead I drove you away. I don't blame you for running."

"I left because I thought I was just a burden," Kari admitted as she hugged him, much to TK's relief, "I don't want to live without you either."

"From now on," TK decided, "I won't keep these things from you. I trust you enough. But you have to promise me that if I'm hurting you in any way, to say so, and don't get scared if I get mad. You know how my temper can be, but there's no way we should let that affect our bond in anyway." Kari nodded.

"Like you said," she agreed, "our bond is unbreakable."

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Afterword: Forgot how tough it is to write for this story. Hopefully I didn't get too rusty. This is turning a little too dramatic for me, so I'm going to try and lighten things up in the next part.