Chapter Three of "Tai's Downfall" by Melinda Cadarette
The darkness in Tai has awaken
I know it has controlled him
I am so terrified for him now
But I got to do something
But what can I do though?
I am just a Digimon
"Tai! I didn't know that you left!" Kari exclaimed. She had just opened the door only to see her brother standing there. He had his hands behind his back, concealing the knife that he used to almost kill Matt. He stared at his little sister coldly.
"I was at Matt's place hanging out", Tai responded in an unemotional tone. "Now can you move? You're in my way". Kari was taken aback.
"Tai are you okay?" Kari asked. Tai gave her a sick grin.
"You know, I have never felt better in my life", he replied. He then wrapped his right arm around her and kissed her on her forehead. Kari stood there, stunned.
Tai then moved his sister out of the way so he could enter. Agumon followed him inside. Gatomon looked at the departing pair in puzzlement.
'Tai what is wrong with you? You tried to kill your best friend, and then you smile at your sister and said that you never felt better in your life. Do you love Sora so much that you're willing to kill to have her? How can I stop you from doing this without betraying you? What can I do?' Agumon thought. He went with Tai to his bedroom.
Tai put the knife and his cell phone on the drawer, and then took off his shirt and tie. His well-developed muscles could be seen. Agumon could see that he has really changed not only from the inside but the outside as well.
"Tai you really have grown", Agumon said. Tai looked at Agumon and then at himself.
"Yeah so? I am still nothing without Sora", Tai said. He then plopped on his bed. "I need her. She is like oxygen to me- I can't live without her. She is my desire. My life would not be the same without her. Agumon, you know my heart and soul. I want her to know my heart and soul. Why didn't I say something when I had the chance at Matt's concert four years ago? Even if she said nothing and went away, at least she would have known. But now I may never have that chance. Why did I not tell her?" Tears came down the young man's face. Agumon saw that despite the fact that Tai almost killed his friend that Tai was just a broken man. His attempt at murdering Matt only showed his desperation.
Agumon was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. Tai immediately went out of his bed.
"Uh Tai are you sure you're feeling all right? I am worried about you", Kari's voice came from the other end of the door. Kari then turned on the knob.
"I am half-naked! Don't come in!" Tai yelled.
"I am sorry!" Kari said. "I just want to know how you're doing. You seem to be acting strange".
'No! He's not okay! He tried to kill his best friend! He is desperate to get Sora! You got to stop him! I cannot but you may be able to!' Agumon screamed inside his head. Yet he did not open his mouth to say anything.
"I am fine Kari", Tai said, lowering his voice. He sounded a bit annoyed.
"Okay Tai", Kari said. Agumon heard her footsteps as she went away from the door. She apparently believed him.
"Good riddance", Tai said. He then went back to his bed.
"Listen Tai, I know that Matt has Sora but it's not the end of the world. You should try to get over her. Go to college, get a job, find a new girl-" Agumon was stopped by a pillow.
"I told you I only want Sora. Nothing is going to change my mind. You promised that you'd be at my side. You're my Digimon after all", Tai told him. Agumon shuddered inside.
"Yes Tai", Agumon said. He didn't know what else to do or say. He felt powerless, helpless- like a fly in a spider's web. And Tai knew this.
"Now stay here, I mean stay here in my room. I am going out. I got to think of another plan and I don't think I will be able to do here with Kari around", Tai told him. "I would not be out for long. If Kari or Mom or Dad does come at my door, tell her or him I am asleep. If anyone of them comes in without warning tell them I will be back soon", he ordered. "And more importantly don't tell them about my plans." He then left. Agumon was all alone. He sighed to himself.
"May I speak to you?" a voice asked him. Agumon turned and saw Gatomon standing there, looking very concerned. Apparently, Tai did not close all the way.
"Yes but let us go to the living room", Agumon told her. The Cat Diigmon nodded so they both went out together.
The living room was dark but not too dark since the sun had not yet set. They both sat on the couch as Agumon looked out the window.
"So tell me what's wrong? You can tell me" Gatomon asked him, hoping that Agumon would answer.
Agumon did not say anything. Then he spoke. "Do you know what's it like to fall in love?"
"I-I am not sure. I mean I know what it is like to feel close to someone. When Wizardmon was killed by Myotismon, I felt a small part of me die with him. It felt so good when I destroyed him", Gatomon told him.
"You mean you just killed Myotismon because he killed Wizardmon?" Agumon questioned.
"I would have to kill him anyway. He was a threat to both worlds though he came back, the jerk", Gatomon said in a spiteful tone. "But killing him was satisfying. I probably would not felt happy if I did not take part in destroying him. I owe Wizardmon so much. He helped me gain back my heart and I got Kasri as a result. But I still miss him", Gatomon said.
"Maybe I don't understand this 'love' thing", Agumon said. "Humans can fall in love. We Digimon can make friends. I have another question. Can love make a person bad? I mean can it have a bad effect on people?"
"I don't know. I imagine that love can be good and bad. I mean, love can be good or bad but I assume that true love shouldbe good. It is supposed to be good. I know that when Kari is with T.K., she feels very happy. She tells me so. So I know at least in humans what real love is".
"What about bad love?" Agumon asked. "I mean, how do you know that it is not good love?"
"I am not sure. But I know that both people must love each other. It is not just one-sided. And it always makes the two happy. Love is not supposed to hurt, cause pain or do any suffering- at least not on purpose. Why are you asking me these questions?" Gatomon said.
"I was just curious", Agumon lied. "I just wondered about it –it seem to create so many feelings that I am questioning whether that was a good thing or not".
"If it's good love, it's a good thing. The problem is that bad love makes things worse. I had never experienced bad love before so I can't help you on that. Does it have to do with Tai? Is Tai in love?" Gatomon asked. Agumon suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
"You can say that. But he promised me not to tell anyone", Agumon said.
"That is okay. I know that there are things that Kari says about T.K. that she tells me not to tell to anyone else. I guess that she does not want anyone else to know. I don't know why. Maybe she hasn't told T.K. yet how she feels toward him", Gatomon said.
"Why are humans so reluctant to reveal their feelings to others?" Agumon asked.
"I don't know. I think Kari may be a little insecure about it. I guess that she does not think T.K. would return her feelings", Gatomon replied.
"How come she feels that way?" Agumon asked. "I mean, I don't want to sound too intrusive".
"You know, I have no idea. Kari is a nice, friendly person. She is totally unselfish. She cares for people. She works hard, babysitting kids. And she has grown into a beautiful woman. I can't find a reason why anybody would not love her. But I didn't ask her so I don't really know. I don't feel like asking her anything that she is not comfortable with", Gatomon answered. "Tai is coming back".
Agumon looked out the window again and saw that Tai indeed had returned. The Reptile Digimon got off the couch.
"I got to return to Tai's room. Perhaps we can continue some time later", Agumon said. This caught Gatomon by surprise.
"Okay", Gatomon replied. Agumon had left the living room and went to Tai's bedroom before the human discovered his Digimon was not there. Gatomon heard the door slam and the plop of shoes as Tai took them off and went to his bedroom and slammed the bedroom door. Gatomon sighed. She knew that something was wrong but until Agumon tells her there is nothing she can do.
Still she felt the darkness linger.
"Are you feeling better Tai?" Agumon asked, trying not to sound out of breath. Tai glared at him.
"I am not definitely okay. I saw couples walking together. I saw them holding hands and kissing. I saw people in love. Why can't Sora and I be like that? Why did I let her go like that? If only I get rid of Matt, then I shall have her", Tai spoke. He smiled wickedly. His dark persona had taken over.
"You haven't made another plan to get rid of Matt, right?" Agumon asked in a low voice.
"I'll think of something. It is my destiny to possess her for myself. Once I have her, I'll let my other self take care of the rest", he said.
"Are you afraid that he might get into trouble?" Agumon asked.
"I'll not be so foolish as to get caught", the dark Tai told him. "I think I should stage a little 'accident' for dear Matt. I still need to think how to do it".
Agumon sighed to himself. As long as Tai could not think of a plan, Matt was safe. Still Agumon knew that it would not be long before Tai could think of one. Just then Tai's cell phone rang from the drawer. He picked it up.
"Moshi-moshi! This is Taichi Kamiya speaking- oh hello Izzy!" Tai said. Agumon listened attentively. "You got an apartment? Well, congrats! You're inviting everyone to come? Sure I'll come and tell my sister as well!" Tai grinned. "Thanks for letting me know. I'll be glad to see your apartment, especially if everybody is coming!" Tai emphasized the word "everybody" as he spoke. Agumon wondered whether he was thinking about Matt and Sora in particular. "That is great! I'll see you tomorrow then!" He put down the cell phone. He then laughed and went down on his bed, still laughing.
"Tai?" Agumon asked, concerned. It took only one look at him to know that the dark Tai had returned. A sweatdrop appeared on Agumon's head.
"This is just perfect. Matt would likely come as well. I can execute my plan there and no one would suspect it was murder. Yes it is a perfect plan", Tai said out loud. Agumon could not help but feel shocked.
"What are you going to do?" Agumon inquired.
"Let's just say it's a surprise", Tai answered. He went off his bed and went to the mirror. Agumon stood there in awkward silence.
"My plan is almost foolproof. 'A little accident', they would say, 'an unfortunate one at that'. No one would suspect it was deliberate. Is that right, my master?" 'Tai' said in 'his' mind. The original Tai, looking tired and worn, stared blankly at him.
"I agree to let you help me get rid of Matt to get Sora. But every time you take over, I get tired", the real Tai said.
The dark Tai scoffed at the complaint. "You must remember that I am a part of you and therefore require some of your energy. You don't think I can survive on nothing do you?" Tai did not reply, causing the dark version to laugh. "Don't worry. Once Matt has been terminated, I shall have no reason to exist anymore and all your energy shall be yours". Tai just nodded. The dark Tai saw the fatigue on his other self's face. "Maybe you're just tired, period. Why don't you go to sleep? Tomorrow is a big day".
"Yeah", Tai said. His face brightened. "I can't wait to see Izzy's apartment! You promise not to do anything when I am there?"
"Oh I won't do anything in front of everybody of course!" the dark Tai replied. "Just relax. You should go to bed now".
"I should do that. I want Sora so bad that I could dream of her tonight", Tai said. The dark Tai smiled normally.
"Then dream sweet ones tonight. And I shall carry out my plan tomorrow", the dark Tai said. He then disappeared.
"Tai!" Agumon's voice caused Tai to look away from the mirror. His Digimon was at his feet looking concerned.
"I am going to bed. I got a busy day tomorrow", Tai said. He then took off his shirt and pulled down his pants.
"Am I going to go too?" Agumon asked.
"Of course!" Tai answered. He was almost naked now. "Just act like your usual self and don't say a word".
"Yes Tai", Agumon said unhappily.
"A promise is a promise", Tai said. Agumon felt Tai was going to say more but instead Tai shook his head. "I should get a 'Do Not Disturb' sign. I really don't want Kari to barge in like that again." He then went to his drawer and put on his pajamas. "Good night Agumon. I would like to dream of Sora but in any case I am going to enjoy tomorrow. See you tomorrow". He then turned out the lights and went to his bed. Darkness lingered all around.
"Hello darkness my old friend/I have come to talk to you again", Agumon said to himself as he quoted from a song. He looked at the window. Lights from homes and buildings made the darkness outside a little less frightening than inside. Agumon felt attracted to it. He wanted to be out there- where he'll be out of Tai's reach.
Agumon sighed and laid beside Tai on the bed. He could hear his human partner softly breathing. He sounded so peaceful. Still Agumon dread what he was going to do tomorrow. Will he be successful this time? He rather not think about that.
'Tai don't so anything too bad. I know that you want Sora but it is really hurting me that you have allowed the evil inside you to take control. I just hope that it is not too late to stop it and I will find a way to stop it. I just need to do it without betraying you' Agumon thought. He felt so worried but then he remembered what he told Black WarGreymon four years ago: "If life gives you lemons, make lemon pie". It was useless to worry now. Tomorrow will come eventually. And everything will work out right in the end. It always has.
Yet Agumon could not shake the feeling that things are going to get very, very bad before things are going to get better.
End of Chapter Three
Gomen nasai my readers! I am so sorry about the long, long delay between Chapter Two and Chapter Three. I had an awful summer and I lost all my new chapters on my fics so I had to do everything again. But I am so glad that I managed to finish this one. I hope this chapter wasn't too boring- the next chapter is going to have more action I assure you. Will Tai succeed this time? Wait and find out! Digimon is the property of Toei Animation and Saban. I hope you enjoy this chapter. And do not forget to review!