AN, whoa that was a bit longer than I anticipated. Well here I am with the very controversial Matrimony chapter of my fic. Hope you enjoy. this chapter was especially difficult to plan out. I hope it lives up to your expectatoins. This is a Kari only centered chapter. Without further ado here you go.
YuYuHakusho: Digimon Files
Episode 21: Matrimony
Tai stepped into the undersea palace of the dark ocean. It belonged to the reigning king of darkness, Dragomon. Yuuko and Susumu Kamiya walked behind him. They had never entered a palace before and considering it was this palace it made them feel a bit uneasy.
They walked down the red carpet, which were their instructions to follow the red carpet. As they cautiously moved forward they saw the golden statues of sea creatures with spears. They reminded Tai of Scubamon but they seemed altered somehow. They seemed different. Whatever it was it gave Tai the creeps.
The candles flickered roughly with no hint of dying down. Yuuko Kamiya continued to hold her husbands arm. She really didn't feel comfortable. She noticed the stained windows preventing the water of the outside from rushing in. It occurred to her that the water pressure should've cracked these windows but she shrugged it off as just a thought to preoccupy her during this long walk.
Tai stopped walking. The boy who had informed him of the marriage stood before them, waiting.
"So, you're ready to meet with future queen Hikari?" The boy asked.
Tai nodded. "That's why we're here," He said sarcastically.
"This way," The boy said turning and making a left. He was varying away from the usual path of the red carpet and to a different corridor. The three Kamiya's followed silently. A pink light escaped from under the door of one room. The boy stood before that room and turned around. He pointed to the door. "This is Hikari's room." With that he walked passed them back up to the main corridor.
Tai and his parents stood before the door silently. Finally Susumu knocked on the door.
"Come in," Kari's voice choked out. Something was wrong, Tai could feel it. He opened the door himself to reveal Kari's room. A bed, a bookshelf, and a table are all it consisted of. Still it seemed fit for human needs. On the bed was Kari herself, looking up at them.
Tai smiled slightly, he was happy to see his sister, but looking at her eyes he could tell that she had been crying. Gatomon stood beside her. Mrs. Kamiya pushed Tai out of the way as she ran to hug Kari. Mr. Kamiya was silent and just staring at his daughter. He didn't have much to say, all the decisions seemed to have already been made.
"Tomorrow morning you are getting married," Tai said. He clenched his fist. "I can't believe this,"
Kari looked down, while her mother still held her close. "I'm sorry, Tai."
"Don't apologize to me," Tai said. He turned around and left the room. Tears welled up in her eyes. Gatomon noticed this and ran after Tai.
Tai was heading through the castle unaware of where he was going. He didn't care; he hoped he would end up in Dragomon's throne so he could rip that digimon to shreds with his bare hands.
"Wait, Tai!" Gatomon's voice called out from behind him. He kept walking, ignoring her. Gatomon ran in front of him and looked up at him. "Listen Tai, Kari's been crying so much she can overflow a litter box! She's usually one tough kitty but this situation has broken her."
"Ugh," Tai said in annoyance as he walked by her. The more he walked the angrier he was becoming. Gatomon ran in front of him again. "Hold it Tai!"
Gatomon stared at him. "Go back and talk to her! She needs you,"
Tai clenched his teeth. "She has mom and dad in there to talk to her. I don't need to be there," He was barely able to get these words out. He continued to march down the dark corridor.
"You think you're the only one who's mad Tai? You think you're the only one who is sad too?" Gatomon called out, letting Tai walk away. Tai stopped walking. He turned around and stared at the little digimon.
"Gatomon, you can't understand how I'm feeling. . ." He said in a sincere tone.
"You're full of it; you really think you are the only one who cares,"
"Gatomon!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. She blinked a couple of times in shock. "Tell me why you are mad! I want to know!"
"What? Isn't it obvious! Kari's going through a big change that's being forced on her!" Gatomon said.
". . ." Tai exhaled. He then breathed in. "Gatomon," He said softly. "I am the way I am because I feel powerless to stop it," With that Tai walked away. Gatomon was frozen from that comment.
"Tai," She said.
--
"Dragomon sire," The boy from before asked.
"You may speak," Dragomon's voice squished.
"About the ritual, the sacrifices have arrived." The boy said.
"Excellent," Dragomon replied.
"But may I ask. . .why haven't we told Hikari of the rituals?"
"She comes from a different land, where they do not appreciate arranged sacrifices. They will call themselves just and us unjust. They cannot adapt to the differences. Our differences threaten their saneness." Dragomon said.
--
Kari sat with her back to the bed. Mrs. Kamiya sat on the bed and began braiding Kari's bangs. Forced wedding or not, Kari will go to this wedding looking beautiful. Kari's eyes stared at the wall in front of her tear stained.
She could tell her parents were heartbroken with the decision. It was ironic really. Originally she had wanted no one to know of the demons attacking her because she didn't want to get them involved and possibly hurt. That backfired and made them want to help her even more causing TK to die. Her brother had been injured because he didn't want anyone to know so they wouldn't get involved and then he ended up hurt. Kari trained with Genkai so that she could learn to protect herself and not rely on her friends. That worked. But it was that mastery that reawakened Dragomon's lust for her. It pulled her into this world. It pulled her into this situation. She couldn't get out alone.
A fresh tear went down her face. "I-," She choked. Then she looked up at her mom who looked down in concern. "need. . .help," She closed her eyes in silent sobs.
Mrs. Kamiya cried as well, holding her only daughter. "I know baby. . .I know,"
--
Tai sat down hugging his legs, deep in thought. Images of his sister as a baby to how she's grown into a young lady entered his mind.
'I've always wanted to protect you.' He didn't want to be like how Matt was with TK during there first adventure. He knew that he wanted to protect, but Matt would take it too far and cross the line. He would try to hinder TKs development so he would need to be protected. Tai didn't want to be like that he wanted to let her grow. He wanted to. . .but she gets in trouble.
Tai chuckled. 'Yeah, she sure does get in trouble,' Its fine though, she always has her friends to help bail her out. She learns each time. Without these experiences what kind of person would she be? She gets out of these situations each and every time why shouldn't this time be different? Why does it feel so final?
'She's not the only one who needs to face this, I do as well. I need to show my courage and stand up.' Tai stood up.
"It's time I have a talk with this undersea lord." Tai said walking into the dark hallway.
--
Kari had calmed down. Before she was staring at the wall in sorrow and self loathing, but now she stared at the wall with anger and hatred. This anger was directed to one thing in general, Surt. An image of a giant demon was what Kari stared into. It was his fault entirely; everything that has been happening has happened because of him. Neveros had hurt Tai in his name. Thestalos had killed TK under his order. Random battles have occurred in Odaiba under her name. Yusuke, Hiei, Kuwabara, and Kurama have been involved in something that shouldn't concern them. There lives have been put on the line for someone they hardly know. All because of this Surt. And now as a culmination of all that has transpired, Kari is forced to get married!
Mrs. Kamiya finished Kari's bangs and turned them into braids. "Now, since your hair is short I don't think we can put it into a bun. Hmmm we can't get extensions so how about we-"
A knock came to the door. Kari gave entrance permission. The boy walked in holding a pillow that had a necklace of black pearls. "From Lord Dragomon."
Mrs. Kamiya looked in astonishment. "He's giving you such beautiful looking pearls."
Mr. Kamiya grinned. "Like I always said, Tai will marry Sora and Kari will catch a rich husband!"
"Dear!" Mrs. Kamiya shouted.
"Sorry, Honey." Mr. Kamiya replied.
--
Tai continued down the hallway. He heard a slithering noise. He quickly turned around to see nothing. He continued to walk forward determined to find Dragomon. He heard the slithering noise again and turned around to once again see nothing.
'If I run I'll draw him out,' Tai broke into a run. He could hear someone following. He suddenly stopped and turned around to see an altered Scubamon following behind him.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Tai asked, narrowing his eyes.
"You are to be used in the ritual!" He yelled. He charged forward, spear in hand. Tai braced himself for impact.
"Lightning Paw!" Gatomon came in just the knick of time to knock the enemy into the wall.
"Nice assist Gatomon but I could've taken him." Tai said.
Gatomon purred. "Then I can leave you to take care of those," Gatomon pointed behind Tai. Tai turned around to see half a dozen of them staring at him.
Tai face faulted. "Tell us about the ritual!" He demanded.
"Get him!" They yelled, charging forward.
"Whoa! Live and fight another day!" Tai yelled as he turned around and ran.
Gatomon looked annoyed. Then she saw them coming. "Hey wait for me!" She ran after Tai.
--
Kari now wore the black pearl necklace. She stared into a mirror to examine herself. She blushed slightly.
Immediately her mood switched as she narrowed her eyes at the door. A group of digimon walked in. They bowed to Kari.
"Future Queen Hikari, it is high time for the ritual. We will need your presence." One of them said.
Kari nodded. "Alright," She smiled at her parents, showing them that she's feeling better now. She nodded to them and left.
The two parents of Kari smiled to each other. There smile immediately turned upside down when a second group entered the room. Intent on taking them with them.
--
Kari ended up on an alter where a pool of black water was before her. "So what am I suppose to do?"
"Purify your soul by swimming in these black waters."
". . .that doesn't even make sense," Kari said.
They gasped. "Blasphemy!"
". . .but that doesn't mean I'm not going to do it." Kari nodded.
--
Tai and Gatomon watched as the soldiers walked by. They nodded to each other then broke off into a run the other way.
"I recognize that! It's the throne room!" Gatomon said.
"Could you be anymore louder!" Tai yelled back.
"We're not ringing a doorbell Lightning Paw!" With that Gatomon hit the door to force it open. The two were now in the throne room.
Tai immediately noticed the enormous Dragomon. ". . .Gatomon. . .you didn't tell me he was so big."
". . .Tai. . .don't let him here that your scared," Gatomon whispered.
Tai straightened up and looked at Dragomon. "You are Dragomon correct?"
A small chuckle came from Dragomon's undistinguished mouth before his eyes focused in on Tai. "Yes, I am he,"
"Why do you want my little sister Kari to marry you?"
"Barging into my throne room and demanding answers without first giving me your name. You are a rude one." Dragomon replied.
"Taichi Kamiya! Kari's older brother and previous leader of the digidestined!" Tai yelled out.
"I see," Dragomon, surprisingly quick, pointed his trident just inches from Tai's face.
"The coward's way out," Tai said without even flinching.
". . ." Dragomon pulled the trident away. "I'll humor you human,"
"Why should Kari marry you?" Tai said, wasting little time.
"Benefits us both, she will now have an army to fight her enemies." Dragomon said.
"But what do YOU get out of it?" Tai asked.
"Free passage," Dragomon said.
"Wait. . .what do you mean free passage?" Tai asked.
"Once we are united I can pass through the gates I create." Dragomon said.
". . .how does that work out?"
"Next question,"
"What if Kari doesn't want to get married?" Tai asked.
"The consequences will be too dire to comprehend."
Tai sighed. "Now last but not least what's with this ritual I here about?"
Dragomon chuckled. "The ritual is just the blessing of those closest to her."
"Oh," Tai said. His ears were burning. He felt stupid.
"Well. . .ummmm. . .that's all." Tai said. He cautiously turned around and walked out with Gatomon.
"Should I go after them sire?" One of his dark entities asked.
"No. . .we already have what we need." Dragomon replied.
--
Kari was now in the pool of dark water. "So. . .am I purified yet?"
"A few more minutes and you will be purified."
Kari completely submerged herself under the black water. Even though it was darkness it felt oddly peaceful.
--
Yusuke fired his Spirit Gun at the demon Surt. Surt caught the blast only to be pushed back a little bit.
--
'What was that?' Kari thought.
--
Stingmon flew with his energy blade drawn heading for a head on spiking strike. Aquillamon was attempting the same with his grandhorn form behind.
--
"What's going on?" Kari asked.
--
MagnaAngemon fell before the demon. TK yelled as he ran to the side of his friend.
--
"Are these visions?" Kari asked. She emerged from underwater.
"Your purification is complete." He said.
Kari felt a burning sensation coming from her shoulder. She looked as best as she could to see that the mark of 'wraith' had melted off.
"One small accomplishment. . ." Kari smiled. "So can I head back to my room?"
"Yes, you have completed the ceremony."
--
Tai waited in Kari's room. Kari entered having a semi smile on her face. "Huh, Oh Tai you're back."
"Yeah, where are mom and dad?" Tai asked.
An altered Scubamon stepped in to answer the question. "They have been taken to there room for the night. You will see them at the wedding in the morning."
"Were you eavesdropping on us?" Tai asked.
"No I just wanted to ask you two if you needed anything for the night?"
"Wait, we can get food here!" Tai asked.
"No, I'm talking about an extra pillow or anything like that."
". . . We're fine," Tai replied.
Kari yawned. "Please Tai, just this one last time."
Tai knew what she meant. When they were kids sometimes Kari would climb up to his bunk bed to sleep with him because she was scared. As they grew older she would rarely come up but when she did she would always say this is the last time.
Tai smiled. "Sure Kari, after all you'll be cuddling next to Dragomon starting tomorrow."
"Tai, don't even joke around!"
--
The next morning. . .
Tai awoke with a gasp. It was a nightmare he had. Kari and this fishlike monster were getting married. He glanced around his surroundings to see where he was. Everything came back to him. He looked to his left and Kari wasn't there.
". . .don't tell me it's already over." Tai ran to the door and tried to open it. It wouldn't budge. "Dammit!" He began banging on the door. There was no response.
--
Kari was covered from head to toe in a red dress that really brought out her eyes. The black dress from before was just for show, it wasn't a wedding dress much to the surprise of Kari. She had the black pearl necklace around her neck and her bangs were braided.
She slowly began her long march down the aisle way.
'It's time. . .sorry Tai, I wish you could've seen this, but it would've been too much for you.'
Dragomon awaited her at the end of the red carpet. He easily dwarfed her size by hundred times.
The guests consisted of the altered scubamon. All of them were eyeing the scene intently. There time of power would soon arrive.
Kari stopped walking. She looked back. She saw Davis and TK running towards her. She smiled and realized it was just her imagination. She turned back around. She continued her walk until she finally stood before Dragomon.
The young boy who had arranged most of this now appeared to be an old man. He changed his body to look the part of minister.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of light and darkness."
Kari saw Dragomon's eyes intensify at those words.
"We are here to coronate a new queen who shall rule beside our king for many eons to come."
A small tear fell down Kari's face. It was happening. This wedding was actually happening!
"Please say your vows,"
Dragomon cleared his throat. "I Dragomon will uphold my duty as king to bring this place greater prosperity than it ever has. I will use and taint your light to give the dark ocean even more power. Together we shall overflow all worlds with water and drown the resistance. A new age is approaching the age of Dragomon!"
The audience cheered.
"And Hikari,"
Kari didn't know what to say. She didn't prepare any vows. She had forgotten and no one had told her. "I. . .I do not have vows for one such as you. The love that marriage is suppose to show will be entirely one sided. If you hadn't cornered me and had me play into your hand this would never happen. Ever. I, however, accept that this is happening and I will be a dutiful queen." Kari ended.
There was silence that stretched on for an eternity, or fifteen seconds before the minister spoke again.
"Then there is nothing left to say. Do you Hikari Kamiya take Dragomon to be your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death and or deletion do you part?"
Kari didn't want to think. She wanted it to end. And only one word can make it end. "Yes,"
"And do you Dragomon, take Hikari Kamiya to become your wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death and or deletion does you part?"
"Yes,"
"Then with that! The sacrifices will be sacrificed to commemorate a good marriage!"
"What sacrifices!" Kari yelled out.
Two crosses rose from the alter behind the minister. One cross held her beloved mother. The other cross held her beloved father. Kari's eyes burned with fear.
"No! Wait! What do you mean sacrifices!" Kari screamed.
Dragomon pointed his trident to the two and twin rays of darkness reached out and washed over Kari's parents.
"NOOO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! STOP!"
The light died down. The trident was lowered.
"What have you done. . .what have you done!" Kari said, tears running freely down her cheek.
"Your parents' souls have become the strength of our marriage. The strength of our bond. Your love for them has become your love for me. But don't worry, there bodies will be preserved. Once I have gotten what I need from your cooperation I may just return there souls. Until then, they will be in the emptiness which powers my trident!"
Dragomon turned to the audience. "Behold! Your new queen!"
The audience cheered. "QUEEN KARI! QUEEN KARI! QUEEN KARI!"
Kari closed her eyes in sobs.
--
Kari opened her eyes to see that she was back home. The possibility that it didn't really happen didn't even cross her mind. It happened and she knew it. She was married.
'Call upon me when you seek assistance,'
Kari looked at herself. Her dress was gone, she was wearing her usual clothes. Her senses picked up a huge energy in the area. It was familiar, it was the root of this chaos. "Surt. . ."
End Chapter 21
--
. . .Kari is now married. The dark ocean is now under her ruling. Surt is still out there. The chaos will now begin,
I know it was kind've short, but I hope you enjoyed. Chapter 22 truly isn't far off.