Me: I don't own Digimon.
Chloe: We're glad you don't.
Me: (sigh) Are you still mad at me?
Chloe: How…how could you?
Tai: Don't worry Chloe.
Me: (sigh) I said I was sorry.
TK: Sorry doesn't seem to cut it. Now get going. We've wasted enough time.
Chapter 5- Shrouded in Darkness
News travels fast. In no time at all, every one of the Digidestined (plus Jacob, Jacqueline, and the Digimon) knew about what had happened although it had been several days since then. Every time Tai tried to talk to her, Chloe would turn away.
Chloe and Tai still sat together but she avoided him most of the time. Whenever he tried to make some conversation, Chloe would turn to Sora and ask, "Did you hear something? I thought I heard the desk squeak."
Whenever they had to work with partners, Chloe always chose Sora. It was as if he didn't exist.
"Chloe, are you going to be like this for the rest of the school year?" Tai asked a week after it had happened. "The least you can do is talk to me rather then give me the silent treatment."
Chloe's face softened and for a minute she gazed at him thoughtfully. Then the memory came back and her eyes turned to twin glaciers again. She looked down and pretended her uniform was absolutely fascinating.
Things weren't much better outside of school. Chloe spent more time alone or with T.K. Tai couldn't help but feel jealous. He knew Chloe wasn't in love with T.K. or anything—he hoped anyway. He was just the only person she could really confide in because she knew him more than anyone else. Still, it bothered him.
"Why is she acting this way?" he asked T.K. one day. "I know what's wrong but why so long?"
T.K.'s eyes turned icy and for a minute Tai was reminded of the way Chloe looked at him. "I don't really know Tai but if Kari did the same thing I'd hate her too."
He crossed his arms. "I knew something bad was going to happen if Catherine came here. But does anyone listen to me? Noooo."
Tai groaned. "I'm sorry T.K. I know I should've considered your feelings."
T.K. looked at Tai solemnly. "I understand. Believe me I know how you feel okay? I love her too you know."
Tai's eyes widened in disbelief. He grabbed T.K. by the shirt. "What did you say?"
T.K. noticed the dangerous look in Tai's eyes and blinked in surprise. He calmly took hold of Tai's arm and jerked it away from his shirt. "Hands off Kamiya."
Tai shook his head. "You just…did you just say what I thought you said? You…you love…"
T.K. rolled his eyes. "Oh come on Tai. How could you think like that? I already told you what I feel about Kari. You know that. All of us know that."
"Yeah, but…what you said. I know you love Kari but you said you also loved…"
"Chloe?" T.K. shook his head. "I love her Tai. She's my friend."
Tai gave a sigh of relief but he couldn't help feeling wary. T.K. had said he loved Chloe because she was his friend…but there appeared to be more than just friendship between them. "Did you ever tell Chloe that you loved her?"
T.K. shook his head again. "No. Why?"
Because she'd actually be with you instead of me if you did.
"Anyway," T.K. continued. "You love her and I know she loves you. Despite everything you did that is."
"How can I explain everything to her?" asked Tai as he kicked a rock down the sidewalk. "Every time I try to talk to her, she turns away or makes some nasty comment. I didn't mean any of it. It just…wasn't me."
"It wasn't you?"
"No. I felt like…it was someone else…like I was possessed."
T.K. thought about it. "I could talk to her if you want."
"Could you get through to her?"
"Well I'm not really sure. She's been moody lately and doesn't want to be with anyone; she even snaps at me sometimes. Of course she laughs it off and says she's just tired but I don't know. I'll try to reason with her."
Tai smiled for the first time in days. "Thanks T.K. Let me know will you?"
T.K. nodded.
* * *
Chloe stared at the ocean for the longest time. I've been looking at the ocean a lot lately. If this keeps up, I'm going to go mad soon; as if I weren't crazy already. She reached into her pocket for her ocarina and began to play Lugia's Song. The hauntingly beautiful melody surrounded her and she felt herself drown in its tune. It's amazing how music affects the heart. Even a heart as full of anger as mine is soothed. She stopped playing when she heard a noise behind her. "Who's there?"
"It's me."
Chloe turned around to see T.K. standing there. "What do you want Takeru?"
T.K. winced. She was the only one who really got away with calling him that. He could tell she was annoyed. "I want to talk to you. Um, was that Lugia's Song you were playing?"
Chloe nodded. "What is it?"
"Chloe, I want to talk to you about Tai." Chloe turned away at that word. "That name doesn't exist in my vocabulary."
T.K. sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought. "You know he's been hurting these past few days. He never smiles anymore and he's constantly sad. He's told me he's sorry and I believe him. Yet every time he tries to tell you, you don't listen."
"And you think I haven't been in pain?" asked Chloe angrily. "D'you think he's the only one that's suffered? You weren't there when he did that! You didn't see me practically go to pieces in front of him. I know you're not on either side Takeru but do you understand what I'm going through?!" She was trembling in hurt and anger.
T.K. stared at her. "Why are you yelling at me? I didn't do anything to either of you so why are you acting as if I'm to blame for all of this?"
Chloe stopped and sighed. "I-I'm sorry T.K. I just got…carried away. You're the only one who understands me more than anyone else." She rubbed her head. "I haven't been feeling well these past few days. Maybe I should just go home and rest."
"Yeah okay. Do you want me to walk you home?"
She raised her eyes and he saw they were frosty. "I can do this myself. I don't need you or anybody else to look after me."
He stepped back, startled. "Uh okay. I'll talk to you later."
As he watched her disappear in the distance, T.K. couldn't help but feel worried. She's bottling up her emotions and whenever she talks to people she blows up at them. I wonder what's wrong with her?
* * *
Why do I feel so strange? It's as if I'm full of emptiness inside, Chloe thought as she slowly walked home. Oh poor T.K. I shouldn't have done that. Darn old me and my temper. I feel rotten to the core. She continued walking when she heard a soft hissing noise. "Wha-?"
Chloe…Chloe… She turned around. There was nobody there. Chloe… She blinked nervously. "Who-who are you? What do you want?"
We've been watching you child. You seem very worried. No doubt it's those strange outbursts you keep having isn't it?
"What do you know about me and my life?" she asked aloud.
We know pretty much everything about you. All of your troubles, your sorrows, your angers, your fears; we know them all.
"What?"
Haven't you noticed? Your heart is full of darkness. Fear and anger are especially strong in your heart. You have anger at your boyfriend and yet you have fear that you might lose him eh? You also have fear for the people around you, especially that little boy. You care for him don't you? And yet you took your anger out on him today. What do you think will happen if he makes you so angry that your powers will set loose and you destroy him?
"I won't!"
You love him. You love him don't you?
"Shut up!" Chloe found her voice at last. What right did these…voices have invading her brain? "What do you want?"
Our master may have use for your powers Child of Life. You are different from everyone in this world and your natural ability for mastering PSI is extraordinary. We know you are no ordinary human being since the traces of other psychic humans and even creatures runs in your blood.
Chloe's heart began to pound. The voices cackled, Oh come now. There's no need to be frightened. Surely you know we don't want to hurt you. Our master said to do that only if you resisted.
Chloe tool a step back. "I…I won't go. You can't take me!" She spun around and broke into a run. All along to way, the voices started laughing louder and louder. "Leave me alone!"
They stopped. You must go or we will just turn to your friends. That little boy has been in our world before although it will be difficult to bring him here. However, he may be perfect bait for the Child of Light.
Chloe stopped running and looked up at the building she was in front of; Kari and Tai's building. "Leave Kari and T.K. alone!" she shouted.
The voices chuckled softly. Your powers will be useful to our master. We don't want to hurt you Chloe but you leave us no choice.
A wave of nausea washed over Chloe and she felt her brain becoming fogged up. She sank to the ground as images and voices flashed into her mind. "No…no…"
This child could be useful in our latest experiment…Do as you're told girly or you'll be thrown into the basement…I can't believe it, I've turned into a monster.
There was more: I wish you never hid from me. I thought we were best friends…If you will not tell us the location of the portal then you will be forced to…Cut it out Chloe! Why won't you listen to me?
Images flashed into her mind: The scientists, the Rockets, herself as a frightened little girl, Ash looking sorrowful and mystified, the evil Digimon, Tai trying to explain to her. All the time, she felt like she was drowning; drowning in an ocean of misery and evil. Her head began to pound and it felt like she was hitting it against a brick wall.
"No!" she cried, tears running down her cheeks. "STOP IT!"
The voices appeared along with the images, laughing and cackling. The pain didn't stop. Chloe's voice lifted to a scream. "STOP IIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!"
Kari sat upright. She was sure she had heard someone crying in the distance. Silently, she pattered to the window and looked out. To her astonishment, she saw Chloe crumbled in a heap on the ground, clutching her head and screaming. "Huh?"
Kari dashed out of the house, down the stairs without bothering to use the elevator, and out into the street. "Chloe, Chloe! What's wrong?"
Chloe was sobbing and Kari could barely make out her words. "They're…they're too strong…can't resist much longer…I don't…want to go…but I can't let them…hurt T.K…Kari…Tai…the Digidestined…they'll all be killed if I don't go…must protect them."
"Chloe. What's going on? Where do you not want to go?" asked Kari in a panicked voice. She looked down and screamed. Chloe's body was slowly dissolving. "What's happening to you?!"
"Ka-ri…" the girl spoke up softly. Her eyes gazed up at Kari; sad beautiful eyes. "Kari…it's…too late. It's the powers of darkness. They've grown too strong within me. I have to go to the…Dark Ocean."
"NO!" cried Kari. She reached out to grab Chloe's hand but it disappeared. "I won't let them take you!"
Chloe shook her head. "Kari, it's too late! Get away while you still can or they'll get you too. You're more vulnerable to the powers of darkness than anybody. Warn the others." She was rapidly fading away. "Tell T.K. to be careful and…" she struggled to speak. "Don't come after me." With those as her last words, she vanished.
Kari stood there in shock as a soft breeze blew by. "Chloe."
* * *
Jacob leaned against a tree, thinking to himself. He was tired of finding information on Oikawa and his disappearance. In reality, he had a feeling that there was a much bigger role in his life. He just wasn't sure what it was.
"Hi. Are you Jacob?"
Jacob turned his head to see a small boy grinning up at him. He nodded. "I'm Cody Hida. I believe you wanted to see me."
Jacob pushed himself back from the tree and nodded again. "Your father was friends with my uncle, Oikawa. I want to know about him and what happened to him."
Cody grinned. "Fine."
The two boys were about to walk to Cody's apartment when Jacqueline came into view. "Hi Jacob. I was looking for you."
Cody gazed up at Jacqueline and then at Jacob. "Is she your girlfriend?"
"N-no. She's my best friend. This is Jacqueline. Jackie, this is Cody Hida."
Jacqueline smiled. "Nice to meet you."
Cody nodded at her and then turned to Jacob. "Shall we go?"
* * *
Kari brushed her tears away and glared at the sky. "What have you done with her?!"
The voices came back. Kari recognized them instantly; the voices of the Scubamon. Kari…delightful to see you again. You haven't changed much.
"Answer my question!"
What do you think we've done with her? She's gone to the place you have gone to many times. Beware child, stay away. You're messing with powers you don't understand.
"Oh shut up!" yelled Kari, surprising herself. She turned on her heel and ran up to her house.
* * *
T.K. slowly walked down the sidewalk towards his apartment. He felt strangely uneasy. Am I sensing something again? I feel as if something terrible has just happened. What could it be?
T.K. shook his head and noticed Cody, Jacob, and Jacqueline walking on the opposite side of the street. He called out to them. "Hi you guys!"
Cody glanced in his direction and waved, grinning. Jacob and Jacqueline smiled. "Hi T.K."
T.K. joined them on their side of the street. "What are you up to?"
"I was just going to Cody's house to find out about Oikawa," Jacob replied. T.K. winced when he heard that. "Sorry but I have a right to know about my family."
T.K. nodded. "You're right. It's just that every time…" His voice trailed away. "Listen, have any of you seen Chloe?"
Cody shook his head. Jacqueline looked confused. "Did Tai give up in asking for forgiveness so you're going out with her instead?"
"No! It's just she was acting as if she was about to blow a gasket or something the last time I saw her. I'm worried."
"I'm sure she'll be alright," Cody assured him. "Chloe's a strong girl."
T.K. nodded. Maybe a little too strong.
* * *
A place as evil as this…I never dreamed that such a thing could exist…Chloe thought to herself as she gazed at the endless gray ocean in front of her. A billowing fog seemed to rest over the place and swept cold air across the waves. Chloe shivered. She hated the icy feeling the ocean gave her.
I've never seen this place on the map…no duh it's a different world that's why. Chloe was about to walk around and explore when she heard a voice that made her stop dead in her tracks. "Ah, so you've made it."
Chloe looked around her but she saw nothing but empty gray fog. "Who-who said that?" She panicked and turned around a full circle. "Reveal yourself! Who are you?"
"I am Dragomon," hissed the voice. The ocean began to toss violently as a large creature rose from of it. He blinked his large red eyes at the girl. "You must be Chloe if I'm not mistaken."
"Is that all you needed to ask me?" asked Chloe in annoyance. She wasn't the least bit afraid of the monster in front of her.
Such an obnoxious child, thought Dragomon. No matter. She'll be useful in carrying out my plans. He stared at Chloe. "Your powers may be useful in my procedures. Why don't you give them to me?"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Honestly, I can't give them to you even if I wanted to. They're a part of me and my body."
"They'll still be useful to me if I can control you."
The psychic girl glared at him. "Why do you want my powers anyway?"
"You'll be useful in luring the Child of Light in this direction. She will never come here willingly but if I have bait, she will have no choice. That's the problem with the girl, she's too compassionate."
Oh my God…he's going to use me in order to get to Kari, Chloe thought. I can't let him. He'll kill her! Her eyes flashed with anger. "I'll never give in to your demands! You got that Squid-boy?!"
Dragomon chuckled softly. "I'm afraid you have no choice. You're very foolish. Brave but foolish."
The darkness continued to swirl around Chloe like a large black fog. She felt as if she were drowning again; drowning in her own despair. What's wrong? I feel as if there's sadness and hate inside…I-I'll never see anyone again…not Tai…not T.K…. no one….What's happening to me? What's happening to me? She couldn't resist much longer. "KARI!" she cried out. "DON"T COME! IT'S A TRAP!"
As the darkness consumed her, she fell senseless to the ground; Dragomon watching in the background triumphantly.
* * *
"Tai!" shouted Kari as she flew into the living room. He was lying on the couch. "Tai, I have to tell you something!"
"Oh really? What?" asked Tai in a dull voice. He wasn't in the mood to talk.
"Chloe…she's gone!" Kari said breathlessly.
Tai blinked. "Huh?"
"Oh are you that slow? I mean she's really gone. She's been consumed by the powers of Darkness."
That did it. Tai sat up and gave Kari his full attention. "What?!"
"It's the Dark Ocean," Kari continued. "She's been taken there by the darkness. She told me to stay away or else they'll get me too."
Tai stared at the ground in horror. "This is all my fault. That's the reason she's been acting moody and distant. I guess that time she saw me with Catharine was the last straw." He clenched his hands into fists. "I should have been there for her. I let her down."
Kari sighed. "Look Tai, you could stay here and continue to mope around and let her waste away in that world or we can rescue her. What's it going to be?"
Tai looked up at her in surprise and awe. She was serious. "You're right. Let's go get her."
* * *
T.K. opened the door to his house. "Mom, I'm home."
"Oh that's great T.K.," she answered, coming out of her office. "Patamon's here, raiding the refrigerator."
T.K. raised his eyebrows. "You're letting him do that?"
"Honestly T.K. when it comes to ice cream trying to stop him is like trying to stop the ocean from moving."
He laughed and walked to the kitchen. Sure enough, Patamon smiled him from underneath a large box of ice cream. T.K. grinned at the little Digimon and was about to tell him to slow down when the phone rang. He picked it up. "Hello?"
"T.K. is that you?"
"Kari, what is it?"
"We need your help. Please meet us at the beach."
"Err…why?"
"Chloe's been taken by the Dark Ocean."
T.K. nearly dropped the phone. "Whaaaat!!"
"Hurry T.K. There's no telling what they're planning to do to her."
"Okay. I'm not crazy about the idea of going there but you'll need my help." T.K. hung up and turned to Patamon. "We have to go. The others need us."
"Aw can't we just stay a little longer?"
"Patamon!"
Patamon stared at T.K. in surprise. The boy had never seemed so serious before. His eyes were dark with anger. "Is something the matter?" the Digimon asked.
T.K. nodded. "It's Chloe. She's been taken by the Dark Ocean."
"Oh." So that's why T.K.'s so mad. He hates the powers of Darkness. "We have to go rescue her right?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
"T.K., are you going somewhere?" asked Ms. Takaishi.
"Yes," he answered curtly. He picked up Patamon and headed towards the front door. "I'm going to go and rescue my friend."
Somewhere in the Digital World…"What? Two new Digidestined? That's impossible!"
"If it's so impossible then how can you explain it?"
"There are too many Digidestined. We don't need two more."
"These two are Japanese Digidestined. Believe me Gennai, we can't shield the children away forever. They have a right to their Digimon."
Gennai took a deep breath and sighed. "This is absolutely ridiculous. I thought we had all of the Chosen Children."
"That's what we thought too," whispered a voice. "But apparently, we were wrong."
Gennai looked up as a soft cluster of rainbow butterflies flew in. It was Oikawa's spirit. "Now really, it was bad enough that all of the children with the Dark Spores received their partner Digimon. Now we have two more." He turned to the person he was speaking to earlier; that is if Genesis was considered a person. Most thought he looked nothing more than a bunch of data (A/N: Genesis is the person that inhabited Kari's body in Season 1). "Who are these children?"
Genesis formed a picture among his body of dots and streamers. An image of Cody's bedroom appeared. The picture zoomed around for a minute before landing on two young children: Jacob and Jacqueline.
Me: That covers it for now.
Chloe: I hate cliffhangers.
Jacob: So do I.
Me: Well, review if you want. Oh and I don't have an email for a personal reason. See ya!