Echoes of My Heart Chapter 3- I Love You, a wild kratts fanfic

Whew! Already at Chapter 3!?!? I am on a roll.

Sorry for the wait! Not...JK. At least, I built up suspension?? ＼(_)／...;)

As for the Squirrel Monkey, well he is a work in progress. Should I include a Squirrel Monkey on this story??? If so what should I name it?

Hope you guys are enjoying this story!

As always, ENJOY!!!! :)

The thrill of zip-lining through the forest was exhilarating. The wind rushed past Daisy's face as she soared above the treetops, the world below a blur of green. She glanced ahead and saw Martin's, (or as she loved to call him out of endearment Marty), blond hair shining in the sunlight, his laughter echoing back to her. He was always so full of life and joy, and she admired that about him.

I can't believe he actually asked me to be his girlfriend last night!!!

The thought left Daisy's cheeks feeling flushed. She wasn't embarrassed though, since Marty said that whenever she blushed, it only added to her beauty.

But suddenly, the cord holding her began to strain, interrupting Daisy's thoughts of Marty. Daisy's heart pounded as she felt it give way. Before she could react, the cord snapped, and she plummeted towards the river below. She hit the water with a harsh splash, the strong currents immediately pulling her under.

Panic set in as she remembered telling Martin that she wasn't a strong swimmer.

'Don't worry.' Martin had said with a wink. 'As long as you have me, you'll never have to worry about drowning.' Then he eased her into a loose embrace. 'Unless, of course, we are talking about my feelings for you.'...In that case, you are doomed.'

Then Marty, HER Marty, had kissed her tenderly on the lips. Daisy remembered wishing the moment would never end, not caring if everyone else went on with their lives. For as long as she had Martin, she was alive.

The river's forceful currents dragged her along, her arms flailing as she struggled to keep her head above water. Forcing her to end her flashback from yesterday, from right after Marty had asked her to be his girlfriend after her confession. Every gasp for air was filled with water, and her vision blurred with fear and desperation.

Along with burning alive, and suffocating???

I must be loosing my mind, here I am about to drown, and I am wondering what is the most painful way to die...Please God, don't let it be drowning!!!

Through the chaos, she saw a flash of blond hair and Martin's determined face. He was diving in after her, despite the head counselor's shouts.

"Martin Kratt, get back here! This goes against all safety protocols!!!" The head counselor shouted.

Daisy's heart surged with a mix of hope and terror. She tried to reach for him, but the river's strength was overpowering.

I feel something...please don't be a squid!!! Seriously, Daisy??? Squid, we are not even in the ocean!!! It's official, I am going looney! And it's all thanks to me drowning...That sucks.

Then all of a sudden, Daisy realized that it was Marty's strong arms around her that she felt, pulling her towards the shore. His grip was firm, his strokes powerful as he fought against the current. Even through her fear, she could feel his determination and strength.

Thank you God! And about that whole squid thing...Can you keep a secret??? Thanks!!!

Finally, they reached the shore. Daisy coughed up water, her lungs burning. She looked up at Marty his white shirt stained bright red from a cut on his right shoulder. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized how much he had sacrificed to save her. But before she could say anything, Martin's eyes closed, and he collapsed beside her, his world going black.

"Martin!!!" Daisy yelled.

Nevermind God, I think I would of preferred that squid, instead of Martin looking like he just died...Yes, I definitely am going looney.

Daisy hurried her way towards Martin, getting ready to perform C.P.R. on him.

Martin's heart raced with excitement as he zipped through the air, the forest below a blur. He loved the thrill of adventure and the freedom it brought.

I bet this is how birds feel when flying...Free.

Martin saw an eagle soar past him.

"One day, that will be me! Right Dais?" Martin shouted back at Daisy, not sure whether or not she had heard him.

Glancing back, he saw Daisy following him, her face lit up with joy. But suddenly, he heard a sharp snap and saw her cord give way.

His heart nearly stopped as he watched Daisy plunge into the river below. Fear gripped him as he remembered her saying she wasn't a strong swimmer.

"Yo Daisy, you want to go swim with me at the lake in the deep end?" He had asked with the best puppy eyes he could muster. It was then that he had noticed that Daisy's cheeks flushed brightly, a look of shame covering her beautiful face.

"Actually Marty...(He loved it whenever she called him that)...When I mentioned that one time that I loved swimming and are great at it...I was just trying to impress you...You see, I really do love to swim...I am just not a very good...Swimmer."

Her voice fading away as she said those last three words.

Martin remembered feeling his heart brake for Daisy, as he witnessed her bowing her head down, eyes downcast. Her cheeks blushing an even deeper shade of red. He remembered feeling guilty knowing that it was all his fault that she looked ashamed and possibly felt it too.

Martin went closer to Daisy. Gently lifting her face, forcing her eyes to meet his.

"Daisy, you could hate swimming...and I would still love you."

The world seemed to stand still at his confession. Martin could feel his heart racing, knowing Daisy felt it too.

"What I am trying to say Daisy, is that these past couple of weeks have been paradise. And I don't want that to end. Looking back, all of the great moments that I had, were moments shared with you. Daisy, my beautiful flower, will you do me the honor of becoming my girl? My alluring blossom?"

Martin watched as Daisy's eyes glistened with tears. "Yes, absolutely!" Daisy had flung her arms around him. Then he had whispered into her ear.

"You know Daisy, when you blush, not even a rose can compare to your beauty. You need not feel ashamed." Then he had kissed her again.

The evening had ended with Martin and Daisy swimming in that nearby lake. Right after Martin assured her that with him by her side she had nothing to fear.

Without a second thought, he ignored the head counselor's protests and dove in after her, his only thought being to save her.

The cold water enveloped him, but Martin was a strong swimmer, and he cut through the currents with powerful strokes. He saw Daisy struggling, her eyes wide with fear, and his heart ached. He reached her just in time, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her towards the shore with every ounce of strength he had.

The current was relentless, but Martin's determination was stronger. He could feel the strain in his muscles and the sharp sting of a cut on his right shoulder as he grazed against some sharp rocks. The pain was intense, but he pushed it aside, focusing only on saving Daisy.

Please be okay

Finally, they reached the shore. Martin's body ached, and his shoulder throbbed, but he didn't care. Daisy was coughing up water, her eyes filled with relief and gratitude. He watched her for a moment, relieved that she was breathing, even if she was still struggling to catch her breath.

But then, his vision began to blur. The pain and exhaustion were overwhelming, and as he felt the world slipping away, his last thought was of Daisy. He was glad she was safe. Darkness enveloped him, and Martin's world went black, the sounds of the rushing river fading into nothingness.

Back in the Present

Martin tossed and turned in his sleep, the vivid memory playing out in his dreams. As he relived the fear and relief of that day, a comforting hand began to massage his back in a comforting manner. Slowly, the tension in his body eased, and he sank deeper into sleep.

Koki watched over him, her heart aching for the pain he carried. Her feelings for him intensified with each passing moment, leaving her to wonder if it was love or just pure adoration.

Oh Martin...You make me question everything. Who was the first to comfort you when you thought you lost Chris in the city?

Unfortunately, it was me...And I don't even know if you care. It's not just that Martin...Can't you see see that I genuinely enjoy your company?

What do I feel for you? Love? Or admiration for someone I hold dearer than a brother?

(*Check out the one-shot that I wrote called,

'The Value of Friendship for more context.*)

She stayed by his side, determined to protect and comfort him, even as she questioned the nature of her emotions.

For real

For Martin, the comforting touch allowed him to finally find some peace, the haunting memories fading into the background as he drifted into a deeper, more restful sleep.

Koki watched over Martin as he finally found some peace in sleep, his body relaxing under her gentle touch. She felt a mix of emotions, her heart aching for the pain he carried and her feelings for him intensifying with each passing moment. Determined to understand more about what haunted him, she found her eyes wandering around his room.

Why do you always keep your door locked?

You basically only allow unlimited entrance access to Chris.

Then again...He's your brother, and I am a nobody.

As the realization that she always knew stung, she decided to scan the room. Something shiny caught her eye. It was peeking out from a slightly opened drawer. Curiosity got the better of her, and she cautiously approached the drawer. With a glance back at Martin to ensure he was still asleep, she carefully opened the drawer further.

Rock- a- bye baby, on the treetop, please don't awake, or I feel you will...pop???

THIS IS EXACTLY WHY YOU NEVER BECAME A SONG WRITER KOKI!!!!!

Anyways...

Inside the drawer, she found a medium to small-sized silver locket. Though simple in design, it was extremely elegant. Koki picked it up, feeling its weight in her hand. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and there was an inscription on one side in delicate cursive: "Me and you us together, two hearts entwined forever, to be separated never."

Koki's brow furrowed as she tried to open the locket, but it wouldn't budge. It seemed to be technologically advanced, with a mechanism that required a code to unlock. She realized that only Martin and whoever gave him the locket would know the code.

Bruh, I so badly wanted to nosy, and possibly ruin my friendship with Martin!!!

JK, Koki, Jk.

It's just that...Why is it that whenever I take that THIS kind of plunge, this kind of thing happens.

As she held the locket, vague memories surfaced. She recalled seeing bits and pieces of a chain around Martin's neck at various times, especially around this time of year. It must have been the chain for this locket. She thought back to earlier that day and remembered catching a glimpse of the chain beneath his shirt.

That explains why his shirt was zipped up all the way. Why did I believe it, when he told me it was just because he was cold????

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!!!! ...EXCEPT IT DOESN'T AND WHY AM I INTERNALLY YELLING!?! OH WELL!!!"

Koki's heart ached with empathy. This locket, with its romantic inscription and advanced security, clearly held a great significant amount of sentimental value.

I wonder how mad he would be if I accidentally broke it.

Koki then shudders, hoping that today isn't the day she finds out.

Honestly I would prefer it if, that day never came!

She placed it back in the drawer and closed it gently, not wanting to disturb Martin or betray his trust.

With a sigh, she sat back down next to Martin, her thoughts racing. She understood now that whatever haunted Martin around Valentine's Day was deeply personal and tied to someone that he must of loved dearly.

Who is this mystery person?...Does Martin still love her...? :(

"Oh Koki." She quietly muttered. "Hilarious, that you automatically assume that he has a secret girlfriend somewhere. For all I know, that locket could be from his..his...his grandmother!"

That kind of thing does happen...right?...

Doesn't matter. Martin is hurting, and I need to be there for him, even if it brakes my heart in the process...

It was then, and there that Koki vowed to be there for her love Martin, even if she couldn't fully understand the pain he carried.

For now, she would protect his secrets and be the supportive friend he needed, even as she struggled with her own growing feelings for him. As she watched over him, Koki's determination to help Martin find peace only grew stronger.

Chris's heart pounded as he mustered up the courage to take the next step. He had been waiting for the right moment all evening, and now, with Aviva back from the restroom and the night going so well, he felt it was time. He took a deep breath and looked into Aviva's eyes, his own filled with hope and nervousness.

What if she says no? What if, I don't know...She actually likes Martin better?

(*Foreboding*)

After mentally taking a deep breath, Chris decided to make his feelings known.

"Aviva," Chris began, his voice trembling slightly, "I know we've been friends for a long time, and I really don't want to mess that up, but this evening has been amazing."

You are amazing. He thought.

"The best one I have had in a long time..Heh, heh, don't tell that to Martin though." Chris nervously laughed at his lame attempt at a joke.

Dude, what would Martin say????

'Chris your not funny. I'm sorry, not'

Uh No, he would probably just help me come up with a new name, and help me move to Africa.

CHRIS CONCENTRATE!!! DO NOT TURN IT TO MARTIN!!!

Chris then cleared his throat, as casually as possible, to give him a couple of seconds to calm his nerves.

Aviva merely smiled, with a knowing look in her eyes, and...sadness???

No, that can't be right...Can it??? Maybe she is also just really nervous...¿?¿?

Chris mentally shook himself free from these thoughts and continued on.

"I...Really like you, and I was wondering if... if you would do me the honor of becoming my... girlfriend?" He said almost meekly.

"Y..You don't have to say yes...of course. If you do say no, please do not let this ruin our friendship." Chris said all nevous.

Aviva's heart sank. She was still reeling from what she had seen earlier between Martin and Koki, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and hurt. The thought of Martin, the one she truly loved.

Or so I thought...

Possibly being in love with someone else was devastating.

Is it even love?? This is just like that one time in summer camp...Darn You ZACH VARMITECH!!!

But here was Chris, kind and sweet Chris, asking her to be his girlfriend. She didn't want to hurt him, and she genuinely cared for him.

I don't want to hurt him...or his feelings...

I mean look at the way, at how his head is barely tilted down. Does he think I am going to reject him???

Aviva realized that with a word she could crush his heart...And while taking the way out that he offered was tempting, she just couldn't do it. For she genuinely did care for Chris...And maybe in time...it could grow into something more.

It's not like Martin would ask me out anyways. She thought bitterly.

"Chris, I..." Aviva hesitated, feeling the weight of her decision. She forced a smile and nodded. "Yes, Chris, I'd like that."

Yes, this is for the best...It has to be.

Chris's face lit up with joy, completely unaware of the turmoil in Aviva's heart.

Okay, maybe just a smidge aware.

He hugged her tightly, in a hug that Aviva insinuated, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

Wait until Martin finds out!!!

"This is going to be amazing, Aviva. I promise I'll make you happy."

I hope...

Aviva continued to hug him back, but her thoughts were elsewhere, still trying to process everything she had seen and felt. Making sure that she didn't shed any tears, as she feared that it would only alarm Chris. She wasn't sure if she meant what she had just said, but for now, she wanted to try and see where this new relationship with Chris might lead.

It's like I said, er thought...This is for the best...

Martin's Dream Flashback...The Continuation!!!

As he relived the moment, he felt the exhaustion overtaking him, the world going black. In his dream, he saw Daisy's panicked face as she realized he had lost consciousness. Fear gripped her as she knelt beside him, her hands trembling.

"No, Martin, you can't leave me," Daisy whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She leaned down and began performing CPR, her training taking over even as her heart raced with terror.

I'm sorry, my Flower.

"Martin! Please...Please don't leave me!" Daisy cried out in between breaths, through her tears.

She right, I can't leave her...

Martin fought to stay awake, the new the breath in his lungs empowering him...

After what felt like an eternity, Martin's eyes finally fluttered open. He gasped for air, his body feeling heavy and a little weak. Daisy's face lit up with relief and joy as she saw him wake.

"Marty! You're awake!" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. She hugged him tightly, careful not to touch his injured shoulder.

The rest of the group arrived, their faces filled with concern. The head counselor quickly took charge, helping Daisy lift Marty to his feet.

The rest of the group arrived, their faces filled with concern...All except for one...

The head counselor quickly took charge, helping Daisy lift Marty to his feet.

"Martin, that was incredibly reckless," the head counselor scolded, his tone stern. "You could have been seriously hurt, or worse."

Marty, still groggy, nodded. "I know, but I couldn't just let Daisy drown."

The head counselor's expression softened. "You did a brave thing today, Martin. Well done. I would have done the exact same thing."

The head counselor and Daisy helped Martin to the medbay, their concern now focused on ensuring his shoulder didn't get infected. Martin leaned on them for support, his body exhausted but his heart full. The memory of Daisy's love and the warmth of her kiss lingered with him, even as he slipped back into a dreamless sleep.

Marty K." She whispered, her voice filled with emotion

The memory of Daisy's love and the warmth of her kiss lingered with him, even as he slipped back into a dreamless sleep.

"I was willing to fight for us...Why weren't you?"

SERIOUSLY MARTY, IF ONLY I NEVER MET YOU! YOU ONLY BRING BACK UNWANTED MEMORIES!!!

...

LIKE ME ALMOST DROWNING

FLASHBACK

Back in the Present

As Martin continued to sleep, Koki continued to watch over him, her heart filled with a mixture of emotions.

It was then when she suddenly had a great idea.

Hey! Maybe Aviva will know how to open the locket!

Note to Self: Ask Aviva sometime after her date with Chris.

Daisy's POV.

Somewhere far, far away, possibly on the other side of the world even, sat Daisy. In a fancy seating arrangement. Enjoying her date with a fellow coworker. Dining by candlelight.

Unfortunately, the candles brought back thoughts from the past.

It's not my fault Marty and me broke up...Okay, I guess that it kind of is, but he didn't even know my name! Okay, I guess he did.

Besides, I found someone even better, maybe not in looks, but in knowledge. That's what really counts...Right??? Even though, if I am being totally honest, Marty would be able to beat him in an IQ test, hands down. Especially, if that test, has a section about animals on it...It's not like he saved my life or anything, except that he kind of did...My date, C.J, he would do that for me wouldn't he? I bet he will treat me better than those last two jerks in my life. Yet, I have to keep telling myself that. It's not that I doubt C.J will treat me good...I just doubt that I can convince myself that those last two guys I liked, were jerks.

This is for the best...It has to be

"I was willing to fight for us...Why weren't you?"

SERIOUSLY MARTY, IF ONLY I NEVER MET YOU! YOU ONLY BRING BACK UNWANTED MEMORIES!!!

...

LIKE ME ALMOST DROWNING

FLASHBACK

Struggling to keep her head above the surface, Daisy felt herself being pulled under. Her arms flailed desperately, and her lungs burned as she swallowed water. Just when she thought she couldn't fight anymore, she saw a flash of blond hair and a familiar, determined face diving into the water after her.

After what felt like an eternity, Marty gasped and his eyes fluttered open. Daisy let out a sob of relief, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Marty! You're awake!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. She hugged him tightly, careful of his injured shoulder.

The rest of the group arrived, their faces filled with concern. The head counselor quickly took charge, helping Daisy lift Marty to his feet.

Marty, still groggy, nodded. "I know, but I couldn't just let Daisy drown."

The head counselor's expression softened. "You did a brave thing, Martin. Well done. I would have done the exact same thing."

Daisy, standing close to Marty, felt a surge of emotion. She leaned in and kissed him on the mouth, her lips soft and trembling. "I love you, Marty," she whispered, her voice filled with all the feelings she had been holding back.

The head counselor and Daisy helped Marty to the medbay, their concern now focused on ensuring his shoulder didn't get infected. As they walked, Daisy stayed close to Martin, supporting him and whispering words of comfort.

"Marty K., you scared me to death," she said softly, her voice trembling. "Don't ever do that again."

Marty gave her a tired smile, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. "I won't, Daisy. I promise."

"We'll always be together, won't we Marty?"

Daisy remembered Martin giving her one of his trademark classic smiles, that she loved so much.

"Of course, it's you and me, us together, apart never right?"

Daisy remembered how she merely responded by snuggling her head into his chest as she and the head counselor helped him to the Medbay.

They reached the medbay, and Daisy watched as the counselors began treating Marty's wound. She stayed by his side, holding his hand, her heart filled with love and gratitude. Marty had saved her life, and she knew that no matter what happened, she would always cherish this moment and the bond they shared.

Cherish yes, but to be cherished no.

Sorry Marty, but sometimes promises were

meant to be broken.