Capítulo 3: Chapter 3
"I just don't get this Agumon!" yells Tai; "I told you I'd be back on Sunday. Why didn't you just stay home like you were suppose too?"
Agumon sits on a log, sniffing and trying to hold back tears; "I told you already Tai. I miss you."
"That's not the point!" Tai angrily crunches his fists; "The point is that you deliberately disobeyed me. You've never done that before. Mom and Dad and Kari and Gatomon must be worried sick. You revealed yourself to RICO of all people. No telling what's he's going to do now. Plus, I now have to reimburse Coach Hino for all that food you stole, and probably for all those snacks you ate too."
Agumon's confused; "What do mean stolen Tai? I didn't steal anything. I used credit."
"What do you mean credit?"
"I heard Aunt Nina talking about how everybody had food credit, so I used it."
Tai slaps his head; "Oh Agumon, that's not how credit works. Wait. What did you call her?"
"Call who?"
"Did you just call Coach Hino Aunt Nina?"
Agumon laughs sarcastically; "Oh yea. I forgot."
Tai feels like pulling the hair out of his head; "Agumon, you didn't! Don't tell me you revealed yourself to Katherine!"
"Ok, I won't."
"AGUMON!"
"It was an accident Tai. She found me in the luggage. She guessed what I was and asked me if I needed help."
Tai's even more furious; "AGUMON! Do you realize what you've done? How are we supposed to get out of this jam?"
"Do you have to keep yelling at me?" Agumon's stomach growlss like an angry bear; "Let's get something to eat. I'm FAMISHED!"
"Agumon, NOT NOW!"
"But I can't hold out much longer! And I know you're starving too. We'll both feel so much better after a good meal and then we can talk, calmly."
"Of course I'm starving!" shouts Tai; "I missed dinner because of you."
"Way is everything my fault?" Hot tears are starting to come down the digimon's face; "It's your fault too. You're turning into Izzy at his worst. We never have fun anymore. When was the last time we really hung out? And not just me, you've been ignoring your family too! When was the last time you had dinner with us? When was the last time you spend any time with Kari? What about Meiko, you haven't called her in months? What about our friends? I don't even know where to begin there."
"AUGMON, SHUT UP!"
Tai looks at his partner, who's now crying. Tai slaps his hand over his mouth, he can't believe what he just said. He sits down, clutching his head; "Oh no, what did I just say? What I have I done?" They both sit in silence for a few minutes, then Agumon collapses from hunger and exhaustion, which Tai realizes is partly his fault. He gets up and leans his starving partner against the log.
"Agumon, I'm sorry, I overacted."
"Not like you Tai;" replies Agumon in a weak voice; "Not like you at all. I miss the old Tai, the one who was always chilled and having fun."
Tai's at a loss for words. Has he really gotten that bad?
"Tai, Agumon, is that you?" Tai snaps his head over to see Katherine emerge from the trees. He's shocked to see her.
"Katherine, what are you doing here?"
She catches her breath; "I've been looking for you two. I heard you shouting. Might want to keep your voice down."
Tai feels dumbstruck; "Oh yea, you're absolutely right."
"Agumon;" Katherine dashes next to him; "Are you ok?"
"No," comes Agumon's exhausted voice; "Need food."
Tai's stomach also growls; "Ah yea, I think we'd better. I don't even know where we are? Can you take us to the cafeteria Katherine?"
"Dinner ended about a half-hour ago?" she answers, "but just ask the ladies for the leftovers."
"You can do that?"
"Definitely; they always make too much food and are desperate to get ride of the leftovers."
Agumon sprints up, jumps for joy, and speaks in his normal cheerful tone; "About time! Let's go!"
"Agumon;" realizes Tai; "You're not that weak."
"Oops;" the digimon freezes; "Ok, I did play it up a little, but it was the only way I could get you to shut up so we could eat."
"Why you little….;" Tai pounces his digimon and gives him a neggie, then tickles him. Agumon laughs, then Tai laughs playfully. Katherine watches in amusement.
"Now this is more like it;" gleams Agumon.
Tai picks up his partner; "Ok. Let's go. You know the way don't you Katherine?"
"I know a short cut."
"Great."
As Katherine leads the way, Tai looks at his partner, who's nuzzling against his chest and smiling. When was the last time they hung out, 6 weeks ago the Wolf? A video game here and there, but perhaps Agumon's right. When Tai started prep school last September, he went twice a week and it wasn't so bad. He still had time to play with his digimon and hang out with his friends on weekends and such. In January, soccer practice started back, as did preparations for this camp. Tai's been putting in extra drills and practice with this being his final year of high school and being examined by scouts and coaches. Plus he's had to put in extra time at prep-school and studying to pass his end-of-the term finals, which is always a stressful period. He's been arriving home late most nights, often so tired that he's just been passing out on bed instead of hanging out with Agumon and his family. If that wasn't enough, these past five weekends have been dedicated to soccer practice and preparation for this camp.
Agumon's right, Tai's been so busy, stressed, and frustrated he hasn't had time for them nor acting much like himself lately. What happened? What's Tai turning into? Way hasn't his family said anything, or have they? Yes, they have expressed concern. The only other one besides Agumon who's really called Tai out on it all was Matt, of course. Actually, Tentomon has also mention him working too much like Izzy. That was like 6 weeks ago, the last time he had seen the rest of his friends and their digimon outside of school.
"I wonder what's going on;" Katherine suddenly says.
Tai snaps back to reality; "What do you mean?"
She points forward, there are police and military surrounding something, plus the area looks like a bomb went off.
"Man;" wonders Tai; "What happened here?"
"Unless it involves food, I'm not interested;" says Agumon.
Katherine dashes towards the small crowd. Tai goes after her. She stops at a gap and sees what the something is, and her mouth drops in shock. Tai and Agumon see it too.
"What is that?" goes Tai.
"That looks…..creepy?" says Agumon.
They are looking at what appears to be a dead and ash-singed giant plant, with a large side oval shaped head and very sharp teeth.
"That looks like Audrey II;" says Katherine.
"Who?" ask Tai.
"From 'Little Shop of Horrors'. Only this one has fangs, hair, and fewer leaves."
"Hey you kids;" a soldier calls to them; "This area's now restricted. You must leave."
"What happened officer?" ask Tai; "What is that thing?"
"Nothing you need to worry about;" the soldier answers; "Now leave;" he looks at Agumon; "Nice P.J.'s kid."
"Hah?" goes Agumon; "Does he think I look like pajamas?"
Tai and Katherine can't help but laugh.
Katherine wasn't kidding, the kitchen ladies were more than eager to give them the leftovers. They also begged them to take some boxes of donuts. "Apparently, our manager thinks that the half off deal means ordering twice as many!" They find an empty conference room in the back. Katherine locks the door and props a chair underneath the lock, even though nobody should be coming here at this time of night. Tai and Agumon chow down while she looks through a prayer book from the shelf. The two partners really talk for the first time in a while, and Tai realizes that his priorities have shifted.
"I'm sorry I've been ignoring you Agumon. I just feel so responsible for the future, for all of us. Mr. Nishijima trusted me, and I feel like I want to make him proud."
"I know the future's important Tai;" replies Agumon with his mouth full; "But what about the here and now? Living for today, making the most of every moment. You taught me that."
Tai smiles; "Yea, I think we taught each other. I guess it won't hurt to cut back some, I just feel so responsible."
"But you are responsible Tai. You don't need to be any more responsible. Everything always works out. We'll find the way as we always do."
Tai nods; "Honestly Agumon, I'm kind of glad you did follow me, but I still don't think it's a good idea that you did."
Agumon's confused; "So which one is it?"
"It's just that it's not safe. What are we going to do about Rico? He's surely spread the word about you by now, and he'll be looking for you. Katherine's been dragged into this, and where are you going to sleep tonight? I can't hide you in the bunkhouse, you'll be discovered for sure. That's why I didn't want you to come."
Agumon swallows; "I'm sorry I've caused a lot of trouble Tai, but I don't regret coming here. Besides, we'll know what to do when the time comes."
Katherine looks up from the book; "I think I know where he can sleep tonight."
"Katherine, you've done enough already;" replies Tai; "you don't need to do that."
"I want to. I like Agumon. Besides, I know the camp grounds."
Tai sighs; "Well, I guess we have no choice. Say Katherine, you want anything before Agumon finishes it all off?"
Agumon, with his mouth full, gives Tai a smug look.
"No thank you. I'm good."
"Great!" Agumon dives into the rest of the food. Tai laughs.
"Hey Katherine, I really don't know anything you. What school do you go to? Where's your parents? What's your favorite color? What's your favorite TV show? Do you have other interest besides dance and books? What kind of music do you like?"
Katherine looks at Tai raising her eyes.
"Oh, I'm sorry;" Tai apologies.
"Kat really loves to dance Tai;" answers Agumon; "She takes ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and gymnastics. She loves to read about dinosaurs, the Bible, volcanos, hurricanes and tornadoes (whatever those are), alligators and crocodiles (again whatever those are), Maria Tallchief and Anne Frank (whoever they are). Oh, and Jurassic Park, which is about dinosaurs. At least those are the books she brought with her. She loves animals, especially dinosaurs, horses, sharks, whales, reptiles, and dolphins. And she loves country, classical, and gospel music. So also loves musical theater. She loves being outdoors and loves to swimming. She goes to a school called Sacred Heart. Oh, and she's got 4 brothers."
Tai raises his eyebrows; "Good grief Katherine! What's with all interests?"
Katherine shrugs her shoulders; "I'm just intrigued I guess. I love to learn."
"Sounds like Izzy. Wait, you've got 4 brothers?"
Katherine nods; "I've never met Yamato or Koshiro. I've met Yuri, he hates me. Only Danny likes me. He lives with his Mom in Georgia. He sends me American music and books. He's favorite is Huckleberry Finn."
Tai's puzzled. Are all these half-brothers? Why wouldn't they like her? Maybe he shouldn't question her about them right now.
"Did you say Georgia, as in the state of Georgia in America?"
"Yes."
"I have an uncle and cousin in Georgia. I haven't seen them in several years. They used to come here every summer, but my aunt died and times got tough. In fact, the last time I saw my cousin was about a week before I got sucked into the digital world and met Agumon!"
Agumon belches and pats his belly. Tai smiles, then something hits him; "Oh my. I'd better call home and tell them you're alright."
"Can I have some more donuts? And cookies?" Agumon licks his fingers.
"We'll see. I need to find the phones. Sorry to ask you for another favor Katherine, but do you have any change?"
A few minutes later, Tai's on the phone with his mom. Katherine and Agumon look on, the latter munching on more donuts and cookies. Tai then talks to his dad briefly, then Kari. She tells him how somebody else answered his phone earlier and the sick jokes.
"Rico!"
Kari them tells him about the news article, and that they should be careful. For some reason, Tai's thoughts shift back to that giant, sharp-tooth plant in the woods.
Katherine then takes them to a vacant cabin behind the bunk cabins. It's unlocked, which makes Tai a little nervous. "They're always unlocked." She turns on a lamp, but not the main lights, and makes sure that all the curtains are drawn well. The cabin's small, but cozy, with a queen size bed.
"Are you sure nobody's going to come in here?" ask Tai.
"If nobody's here by now, they won't be."
Agumon gets settled into the bed; "Are you sure you can't stay here with me Tai? I'm not used to sleeping alone."
"Sorry pal, but I've got to sleep in the bunks with the other guys. It's a rule. It's just a few yards over there, so we won't be far."
"What about you Kat? Will you stay with me?"
"Kat?"
"She said I could call her that."
Katherine shakes her head; "No Agumon, I can't."
The digimon's definitely sad; "Well, at least tell me a bedtime story, please."
Tai cringes. Bedtime stories definitely aren't his specialty. Yuko, Kari, and Gatomon always take care of that.
"Well, I could try, but you know I suck Agumon."
"You're right, your stories stink."
"Hey!"
"What about you Kat? You know any good stories."
Katherine looks surprised that he asked her. She and Nina usually take turns reading a book or Bible scripture out loud at night, but sometimes…..
"Well, if you don't mind a little song and dance."
"That sounds interesting;" Agumon bounces excitedly.
"Ah, aren't we supposed to be quite?" ask Tai.
"I can do that." Katherine slides to the middle of the room, in just her socks; "If it's okay with you Tai, this is an American Story Country song. And since we both have relatives in Georgia, it's perfect."
"Ok I guess;" replies Tai; "Go for it."
Katherine starts out with a (soft) clapping beat, then moves her feet along with it, dose some choreography, then sing chats.
"The devil went down to Georgia he was lookin' for a soul to steal
He was in a bind 'cause he was way behind and he was willin' to make a deal
When he came upon this young man sawin' on a fiddle and playin' it hot
And the devil jumped up on a hickory stump and said boy let me tell you what
I guess you didn't know it but I'm a fiddle player too
and if you'd care to take a dare I'll make a bet with you
Now you play a pretty good fiddle, boy but give the devil his due
I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul 'cause I think I'm better than you
The boy said my name's Johnny and it might be a sin
but I'll take your bet and you're gonna regret
'cause I'm the best there's ever been"
She does more clapping and dancing, and now fully sings while moving. Tai and Agumon are clapping and bouncing along with her.
"Johnny rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard
Cause hell's broke loose in Georgia and the devil deals the cards
And if you win you get this shiny fiddle made of gold
But if you lose the devil gets your soul"
She goes into another verse, then a long section of clapping, dancing, and even (soft) drumming on the table. The boys are getting more and more into it, even though they don't really understand the story. Finally, she gets into the last part, singing, dancing, and clapping. She finishes it out with one last bit of beat and choreography, then makes her final pose.
The boys are clapping and cheering, especially Agumon. Katherine puts her finger on her lips, and they quite down.
"WOW, that was awesome;" comments Tai; "I knew you could dance, but didn't know you could sing too."
"More;" cheers Agumon; "Just one more."
Tai tries to calm him down; "That's enough for tonight I think. We need to be getting back to the bunks. It's near curfew and I'm sure the guys are wondering where I've been."
"I need to get back before Aunt Nina starts looking for me;" agrees Katherine.
Agumon looks sad. He really wants just one more. Katherine understands this all too well.
"Maybe something a little softer to help you relax. How about Garth Brooks 'The Dance'".
"Don't know what that is, but I'm sure it's good."
Tai was going to say something, but Katherine breaks into a pretty, sweet song, along with a slow sway dance across the room.
"And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd have had to miss the dance"
Listening to the words, Tai thinks of the adventures, and the bonds with his friends, especially Agumon. True, they could have done without all the pain, fighting, and suffering, but then he never would have met Agumon, nor come close to the people (and digimon) who are now his closest friends and just like family. It's all well worth it.
By the end of the song, Agumon's asleep. They tuck him in, turn off the lamp, and tip-toe out of the cabin. Tai's relieved, but worried at the same time. Back at their cabin, several guys, and a few adults, are outside hanging out. He wonders if anybody's talking about Agumon. Most of Tai's teammates hate digimon, how's he ever going to explain this off.
On the porch of the cabin, there's Rico talking with some other guys, or rather shouting at them. Tai can't believe the sight. Rico indeed has his right wrist bandage, where Agumon bit him, but he also has a bandage on his leg, several Band-Aids, and scratches all over him, including his face. Those didn't come from Agumon.
"Rico, what happened to you?"
Rico looks at Tai; "An aggressive cat, two dogs, and a possum! It all happened because I was out looking for that monster dino. Alright Tai, where did you hide him?"
Tai can't help but have an amused look on his face and giggles; "Really Rico. Looks like you got in way over your head."
"Stop trying to make me look like a fool!" Rico still has his bat; "I hate being made a fool of. I'm always left out of everything. Now Tai, where is he?"
"Lay off him Rico;" says Timothy; "You're always pulling stuff like this on us. Plus the way you treat animals, and people, no wonder they attack you all the time."
"You guys always make a fool out of me;" shouts Rico; "Why do you think I'm so rude and crude. Can't trust anybody."
"Rico;" asks Tai; "Why can't you take that professional attitude you have on the field off of it too?"
Rico lefts his bat; "You think I do that for any of you guys."
Somebody snatches the bat from his hand. It's Katherine. She proceeds to slam it on the ground, breaking it in two. The guys can't believe what they've just witness, especially Tai. She's much tougher then she looks.
"Well;" says Rico; "So we've got some spunk do we. I outta."
Tai grabs Rico and slams him against the cabin; "If you touch her you'll answer to me, and to the rest of these guys." Everybody agrees.
"Sheesh Tai;" replies Rico; "I'm not going to harm her. I'm not that kind of a guy. I'd never lay hands on a girl, not unless they want me too."
Tai loosens his grip; "Just take that as a warning." A whistle blows. It's time for everybody to be inside their cabins. The assistant coach comes up the steps, "I don't even want to know. Inside boys, and settle down, or we'll be pulling you guys from participating tomorrow. Is that clear."
"Yes sir."
"And Rico, take a shower! And stay away from the animals, good thing their shots are up-to-date." Rico throws the top half of the bat aside in frustration.
"Yea, enough of this nonsense;" says Wayne; "I'd rather talk about that giant plant they found."
"You saw it?" ask Tai.
"Sort of;" answers Wayne; "We saw it from a distance. The military didn't want us getting anywhere close to it. Man it must have been made of steel. It took the military two small missiles to kill it."
Tai's taken aback; "You're kidding?" That would explain why the area looked like a bomb went off, and why the plant was singed.
"Yea;" says Timothy; "Didn't you hear those explosions earlier? The guards and soldiers fought that thing for up to 2 hours. They lost some men during the fight. Looks like Wayne's theory of a giant, man-eating plant was right. It ate people!"
Tai's feeling sick to his stomach. He can't believe what he's hearing. "People have actually, died?"
"Yea it seems that way;" answers Wayne; "They believe it came from the lab of Dr. Yutaka Yoshida, a botanist, who's believed to have been hiding out around here. They said he was banned from the scientific community because his plants drank human blood and tried to attack people, but they were much, much smaller than that one. They're supposed to be a hybrid of a Venus fly-trap and a Butterwort."
"YUCK!" Tai just manages to keep himself from throwing up. This thing sure doesn't sound like a digimon. At least he and Agumon don't have to fight it, but really, DEATH. Even the digimon have never cause the loss of any human life, not that he's aware of. "Can we quit talking about this?"
"I guess;" says Timothy; "Hey Tai, where have you been? You missed the assembly."
(Oh no!) Tai knew he forgot something. It was mandatory too.
"Don't worry about it;" says Timothy; "They weren't taking attendance. Rico and a few others cut too. We all know what Rico was doing of course. Anyway, we're here to impress those gentleman with our skills."
"And our dedication, character, and sportsmanship;" adds Wayne.
Tai just hopes that he hasn't lost points for not attending.
Note: Lyrics courtesy of Charlie Daniels "Devil Went Down To Georgia" and Garth Brooks "The Dance".
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