Me: Okay, folks. I know I've left you hanging on the brink of disaster for far too long-

Terriermon: Actually, only a day's wait, but who's counting?

Me: -but, here's the 5th chapter of "A Rukato Wedding!" I don't own Digimon or "My Style," by the way. The lyrics are, once again, found on www.animelyrics.com.

Rika: As if we didn't already know that! Now, you'd better bring Takato back to me-unharmed, safe and sound in this chapter, or the consequences will be dire!

Me: (rolls eyes) Uh-huh. Now, in this chapter, we find that Rika is getting ever so closer to connecting-or, in her case, reconnecting-with her darker side, and, when she does, this one act will bring severe consequences for the Tamers...unless someone can save her in time. Maybe not even then is it possible...

Rika: If you're planning for Ryo to save me...

Me: Wahh! Don't even joke about that! Sheesh-who knew you needed Takato around just to keep you sane? Also, I don't own the Spider-Man theme song I plan to briefly use-

Terriermon: You did, and that's why they're in this situation as it is!

Me: (whispers into Terriermon's ear) Are you trying to get me killed?!

Terriermon: Just tellin' it like it is.

Me: (sighs) Just great.







Digimon Tamers: A Rukato Wedding

Chapter V-A Lover, or a Fighter?









"How could you...? How could you do this horrible thing?!" -Takato Matsuki, Lionheart

"As if things weren't bad enough already!" -Rika Nonaka, Give a Little Bit







While Takato and Guilmon were crossing in-between worlds, Rika was unleashing her fury out on everyone in sight, including Renamon, just because she hadn't been able to save Takato from being kidnapped by the Ice-Reaper in the first place! Even when Renamon took her aside and tried convincing her it wasn't her fault, Rika hadn't looked that convinced yet. Things went from bad to worse as the Ice-Reaper attempted to crush Takato's skull, which would've, in effect, done the same thing to Rika, if Takato hadn't reminded the Virus-type of their link. Meanwhile, Rika had come up with an effective plan for the team to save Takato and Guilmon, if Kazu and Kenta would just stall the wedding ceremony for a few hours. Finally, the Tamers and the Digimon arrived at the spot where Gallantmon had been captured by the D-Reaper seven years ago, safely Biomerged with the use of a Red card and the team went inside the activated portal. Only problem was that Rika hadn't gone inside! She and Renamon were forced to choose between saving Takato, or stopping Lady Sakuyamon from attacking innocent people. Rika, let's hope you made the right decision on this one...







Out of pure anger, Rika started grinding her teeth as she, Renamon, Susie, Lopmon and Calumon raced away from the activated portal that was hopefully leading Henry, Jeri, Ryo and the others safely to Takato toward Lady Sakuyamon, who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere and started attacking innocent people at Shinjuku Park!

"Renamon, let's get this over and done with-quickly!" Rika demanded, in no mood for playing around as she pulled out a Modify card and her Digivice.

Digimodify!

"Digimodify!" Rika yelled while swiping the card and, as it slashed through her Digivice, she watched it change into a Blue card.

"Matrix Digivolution, activate!"

Matrix Digivolution!

"Renamon Matrix Digivolve to...TAOMON!!!"

"Talisman Spell!!"

The instant Taomon's shield started appearing, Rika grabbed Susie's hand and pulled her, Lopmon and Calumon safely inside, the tiny group moving forward, homing in on the Mega Digimon and the innocent lives.

"These people's lives better be worth it, 'cause if anything bad's happened to Takato...!"









The morning haze, drifting in the streets...keeping so much secretive feelings, that it stands still

I just can't be honest to myself-only my thankful heart is dancing on air!







Piercing through the barrier once again, Beelzemon, MegaGargomon, SaberLeomon and Justimon returned to the Digital World for the first time in over seven years!

"What gives? This is supposed to be that Ice-Reaper's realm!" Beelzemon spat out heatedly, noticing Ai and Mako rapidly flipping through cards, trying to figure out which ones would help him out.

"And what happened to Rika and Renamon? Out of all of us, Sakuyamon should have been the first one in, especially after that little side show she gave us." Ryo added while inside his sphere.

"Hey-enough chatter!" Henry yelled irritably, feeling not only irritation, but anger well up from deep inside himself after that comment had been made. "If Takato was here, not only would we not be here, but he also wouldn't let you get away with that. We'll figure out what happened to Rika and Renamon later, but for now, let's try to find a way back to the Ice-Reaper's world!"

"How about over in that direction?" SaberLeomon advised, motioning toward the east, where a faint pillar of light was shining from that way.

"That's it! Way to go, Jeri! Now, let's go save our friends!"









Takato and Guilmon were still in shock and awe at what the Ice-Reaper had done to the entire realm belonging to the former D-Reaper.

"There's no way...You couldn't have gotten all this done in just a short amount of time...Could you?"

"As a matter of fact, no, I didn't. This wondrous reality you see before you took me at least three of your Earth years to complete and adjust to my liking. If I met any resistance...I simply had my Assassin Digimon finish them off whilst I continued on my work."

Takato's eyes narrowed-albeit slowly-as he processed this information. "And just how did you create your Digimon assassins?"

With a sinister grin, the Ice-Reaper responded, "Since you did enter in at the start of the second act, I'll humor you. I created them out of those two sculptures of ice, the ones that are merely stalagmites now. When two of your Earth years had vanished and I knew if I tried to attack you alone, I would just be erased like a smear on the ground. Then, a marvelous idea came to mind-create two Mega Digimon who look exactly like Gallantmon and Sakuyamon, but make sure that they're made from ice-hard to break, and practically invincible, since I am their creator. Correction-her creator. You saw to Skull Gallantmon's demise, didn't you?"

As the Ice-Reaper glared at Takato and Guilmon, the Rookie Digimon quickly put himself in-between his Tamer and the villain and said, "Maybe so, but he wanted to attack us, not the other way around. There wasn't any other choice."

Takato gulped as he felt inside his pockets and, inside one of them, he had found the silver ring Janyu had given him earlier. Everyone had choices that would either save a person's life, or utterly destroy them...Takato mentally prayed that with this ring in his possession, that Janyu had made the right one.

"You might be right, my young, hotheaded friend, but I have a Tamer to claim, and competition-such as your Tamer and Renamon-to eliminate, and you just won't go away!"

"That's the exact same thing we're thinking about you! Why. Won't. You. Go. Away?!"

"SILENCE!!"

Takato yanked out his Digivice and watched it glow a deadly crimson color. "Never! Now you're gonna see what its like for humans and Digimon to work together...and this time, you'll stay gone!"

Biomerge Digivolution!

"Biomerge, activate!" Takato screamed as he transformed into data and merged with Guilmon.

"Guilmon Biomerge to...GALLANTMON!!!"

"Hmm. Behind a youthful exterior lies the heart of a warrior. If you would join me in my quest, I'm sure I could allow your wedding to take place, but amongst us, here, in this world."

Gallantmon glared at his opposition before snapping back, "If Rika wouldn't fall for such a dense trick in the first place, what makes you think we would? It's time to say 'goodbye,' Ice-Reaper! SHIELD OF THE JUST...!!!"

As the triangles on Gallantmon's shield started glowing, a portal suddenly opened up from a few meters behind the two Mega Digimon. Seconds later, MegaGargomon, SaberLeomon, Justimon and Beelzemon flew in, pleased to see their friends alive and unhurt, but amazed that he had attempted to Biomerge in this world. However, a problem arose. As the triangle in the middle glowed brightly, Gallantmon suddenly screamed in pain and doubled over!

"Guilmon, are you okay? What's going on?!" Takato cried out worriedly as his sphere and everything around him turned into a dark shade of black!

"I don't know, Takato. I feel funny all over, and I know I can't hold our Mega form any longer."

"But, Henry, Jeri and the others just came in, and they look okay! Wait a minute-where's Rika?"

Before anybody could respond, not only did Gallantmon deDigivolve back into Takato and Guilmon, but the Ice-Reaper launched himself forward, a glint of evil in his eyes!







I don't want to imitate anyone in any method-I want you to know my true self!







"Hold it right there!" Taomon suddenly appeared before Lady Sakuyamon, dropping her shield long enough for Rika, Susie and the other Digimon to step back and herd the civilians away.

"And just what do you think you can possibly do to me? I am a Mega, whereas you are merely an Ultimate-not even worth my time!"

Rika was about to step over to the two Digimon and remind the Assassin Digimon precisely why Renamon would be worth her time when, out of the glance of her eye, she noticed that one of the people hadn't left. That someone had dark blond hair, hazel eyes, and wore a pair of glasses to go along with what Rika had to wear back in private school-the dreaded school uniform. Rika knew Taomon would make this battle difficult, so she took the time to find out what was going on, as well as ignoring the overwhelming pain she was feeling right now.

"Hey! What are you doing here? This place is dangerous to be at right now, and you could get hurt, or even worse, so just get out of here and go home!" Rika inwardly flinched because, try as she might, she couldn't get that image out of her head-Takato, trapped within a block of ice, silently begging for help and Rika, trapped in her own block of ice, and unable to help him when he needed it the most. And, she knew she was probably hurting this girl, but it was how she acted to most people, unless they were involved in her life in one way or another-then, she backed off a bit and mostly resorted to petty arguments.

"You're the Digimon Queen, aren't you?"

That hadn't been a response she'd been expecting to hear at this particular time, since this year marked the one-year anniversary of when Rika-and Ryo-had officially resigned as being the current Digimon King and Queen. Their reasons were simple, yet different. Rika knew that if she and Takato were going to start a new life together that she wouldn't be able to do that by traveling all over the world and beating the crap out of novice card players anymore like she'd used to-that, and, as her mother had said to her in her Junior year of high school, that she was getting a little too old to be playing Digimon games. Her response?

"Mom, I've got my own Digimon partner who helps me out of virtually every situation, has helped me save this rotten world on more than one occasion and has played a significant role in helping me get ready for my wedding in a couple of years, and now you're telling me that I'm too old? You should talk to Kazu and Kenta-its those two who need to start growing up!"

As for Ryo, he just didn't see any joy or fun in beating every hopeful kid who wanted to go up against the Digimon King anymore. And so, after one final game in which he and Rika battled it out, both of them announced their resignation to the world at large. Takato had been 100% happy and supportive with her decision. Rika saw right through it and, with a smirk on her face, asked, "You're just happy I'm doing this 'cause this way, you won't have to see Ryo's arrogant face across from mine, aren't you? I see it-every time you come to cheer me on, you always tense up if he even gets within a meter of my face, and you just want to pound him into hamburger-"

"Okay, okay! I do, alright?! Can't a guy just watch out for his girlfriend without her reading his mind every day?"

Rika brought herself back to the present and noticed the girl eyeing her up and down, a timid look on her face.

"Two things: One, I'm not the Digimon Queen anymore, even though Gogglehead still calls me that, and-"

"That's right! I saw in the paper that tomorrow-which is actually today-is the day you're supposed to be getting married! I'm Angela, but most people call me Angel-Chan. Don't ask why-it would take too long."

Rika rolled her eyes at that statement before turning back to the battle. Taomon had held off Lady Sakuyamon long enough for everyone else to escape, and now she was dodging multiple attacks.

"Whatever. Just get home right now, and if I see you again, I'll...give you an autograph or something." Rika started to run off, prepared to Biomerge when she was yanked back.

"What are you doing?! Let go!"

"I just wanted to know if I could be a part of your wedding ceremony."

At that second, Rika felt her heart ache after staring at Angel-Chan's hazel-colored eyes and seeing the sincerity in them, but it was only for a moment or two. She offered a tiny smile before pulling away from her grasp.

"Tell you what-if you do something incredibly noble for me, I'll add you in as one of my bridesmaids."







Chorus: If my only wish can be fulfilled-please give me wings!

Soon by flying, I want you to send things to you because I'm still me...







"Stop right there, Frosty! If anyone's gonna mess with Takato, it's gonna be Rika! GARGO MISSILES!!!"

The Ice-Reaper roared in shock and disbelief as he was blasted from Takato's reach by MegaGargomon's main attack and hurtled a few feet away from the Tamer and the other Digimon.

"Nice timing, Terriermon! Thanks."

"Aw, it was nothing. Just replace Calumon with me for the Ring Mon, and we're covered."

"Terriermon!"

"Hey, Pineapple head-won't your pal need to use this?" Beelzemon plucked the Red card from Ai's outstretched hand and tossed it in Takato's direction as he grabbed his Digivice and held it out on pure instinct.

Digimodify!

Unlike the others, Takato was able to swipe the card through in one move like he would all of his cards since no one else needed to use it.

"Let's give this one more try, Guilmon!"

Biomerge Digivolution!

"Biomerge, activate!" Takato once again transformed into data and merged with his partner.

"Guilmon Biomerge to...GALLANTMON!!!"

The Exalted Knight Digimon now floated before the other Digimon in all his glory, and this time, he didn't fade out. However, no one noticed that, as Gallantmon willed his right hand to change into his lance, something silver had magically appeared on his ring finger.







My thoughts hidden deeply behind bluffing, purposely pretending to face the other way, and staring

I'm not an expert at expressing myself in words, but I can't always keep on smiling

I won't say that I want you to know everything about me-my way will pierce through!









Rika panted as she reached the area in which Renamon and Lady Sakuyamon were battling, when, to her surprise, the Assassin Digimon vanished into thin air!

"Wait a minute-where'd she go? She was right here, and now-" After whirling around for a while, Rika growled lightly and started back toward the portal, grabbing her Digivice as she did so, noticing Susie in an intense conversation with her "fan club."

Biomerge Digivolution!

"Biomerge, activate!" Rika yelled as she transformed into data and merged with Renamon.

"Renamon Biomerge to...SAKUYAMON!!!"

Knowing it wouldn't make that much sense to fly when the portal wasn't really that far from their position, Sakuyamon started running as fast as possible back to where the portal was and leaped inside of it. A second or so later, it flickered and vanished from view!

"I'll find you, Takato, and if that creep has done anything to hurt you...he'll pay!"







Chorus: If my only wish can be fulfilled-please give me courage!

Right now I'll run, and I want to deliver things to you because I'm still me...







The Ice-Reaper grinned sadistically as he eyed the Tamers with a calm, calculating look, assessing their strength, when Lady Sakuyamon appeared by his side.

"Well? Is it done?"

"Not entirely, sir. While I was at the park, I was engaged by...her in battle."

The grin remained in place and seemed to grow wider at that statement. Only Rika would sacrifice any chance at happiness to make sure someone else stayed filled with hope.

"Perfect. We can get back to our planning after we've taken out the trash. But it looks like we'll be interrupted in 5...4...3...2...1-"

"Where's Takato?!" Rika demanded angrily inside her sphere as Sakuyamon entered in behind the other Digimon via the use of the portal.

"As predicted-the heroine arrives to save the hero from death, but is it enough?"

"You'd better show him to me now if you don't want to be missing an arm or two..."

Knowing he was taking a very big risk by doing what he was going to do, Gallantmon deDigivolved back into Takato and Guilmon once again, facing in Sakuyamon's direction.

"Hey, Rika. It's me-your friendly neighborhood Gogglehead."

It was at that precise moment that Rika felt her heart beat with newfound life. She just wanted to deDigivolve and actually take Terriermon up on that offer-to go to Hawaii and be alone, not having to face any evil villains. Sadly enough, that wasn't the case.

"Takato, while you and Rika have your 'romantic moment,' the rest of us will take on this frozen lawn ornaments!" Justimon said as the four Mega Digimon started forward, when they were stopped in their tracks! Takato and Sakuyamon turned and saw the Ice-Reaper with the ring upraised in the air, glowing amidst all this chaos.

"'Frozen lawn ornament,' eh? After I do what I'm going to do now, I'd best prepare myself for one of the biggest battles ever known. TUNDRA FREEZE!!!"

The Digimon all screamed as they were blasted backward by a gigantic sheet of ice that, once again, caused them to revert to their Rookie levels except for Cyberdramon. When Sakuyamon was hit, she deDigivolved like the others, but Renamon was still able to maintain her Champion form. That wasn't that important right now, because until she could see Takato, after this fog bank disappeared, things weren't looking so good...!







Chorus: If my only wish can be fulfilled-please give me wings!

Soon by flying, I want to send things to you because I'm still me...(song continues on for a while, ends on a beat!)







The guests had already started to assemble, and they were all awaiting Takato's arrival down the aisle. That meant it would be time for the musicians to get ready for Rika's big entrance.

"Kazu, are you sure this plan of yours is guaranteed to work?" Guardromon asked.

"Of course, Guardromon! It's foolproof-even Takato himself could do it, if he was here." Kazu replied, a grin on his face as he saw Kenta and MarineAngemon sitting where the organist would be at.

"I just hope you know what you're doing."

With a look of confidence in his eyes, Kazu strolled down the aisle and as everyone turned to look at him and Guardromon, he felt the burning anger from Takato's father-or possibly his mother-as well as irritation from Yamaki's presence. A moment later, he approached the microphone and clicked it on.

"Hello, people! Is this thing on? It is-perfect! Anyway, while Takato's getting ready for things, he sent me out here to keep you entertained, and the best way to do that is by music! But first-who would Gallantmon: Crimson Mode remind you of if he swung from the top of a skyscraper?"

At that precise second, Kenta started up a beat on the piano that hadn't been heard by the world in years, until now! Kazu cleared his throat and started singing.

"Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can! Spins a web, any size, catches thieves just like flies! Look out, here comes the Spider-Man!

Is he strong? Listen, bud-he's got radioactive blood! Can he swing from a thread? Take a look overhead! Hey there, there goes the Spider-Man!"

Kazu didn't get that big an applause for his ingenious plan, and if Rika was there, she probably would have him tossed out of the church by now! Good thing she wasn't there, then.

"In the chill of night, at the scene of a crime, like a streak of light, he arrives just in time!

Spider-Man, Spider-Man: friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Welcome friend, he's ignored-action is his reward! Tune in-life is a great big bang-up! Wherever there's a hang-up, you'll find the Spider-Man!"

Naturally, when he'd finished, Kazu received mixed reviews thanks to his singing-most of them either wanted to toss him out the door, others enjoyed the song he'd chosen.

"Everybody's a critic."







"Where is everybody?!" Rika coughed lightly as the fog bank finally started to disperse, revealing Henry, Terriermon, Jeri, Leomon, Ryo, Cyberdramon, Ai, Mako and Impmon, badly damaged, but otherwise doing okay.

"Takato? Takato! Where are you? Gogglehead, you'd better answer me!"

That's when they all heard it-demonic laughter coming from the midst of the fog bank, and as the Ice-Reaper willed the fog to dissipate, they all saw Takato's fate-he and Guilmon were completely trapped inside a block of ice!

"NO!!!" Worried, and feeling a moment of dread, Rika made her way over to Takato's tomb, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Takato, you promised...!"

The Ice-Reaper grinned as Lady Sakuyamon appeared behind Rika, waiting for the word. Of course, he wouldn't give it, since that wasn't how it was supposed to play out.

Saddened, Rika looked up at the Virus Digimon, tears streaming down her cheeks, her eyes dilated once again and her entire body radiating a dangerous blue color.

"You just destroyed the one thing in my life that made me happy...Now, you're gonna pay with your own miserable hide!"

As Rika started breathing in and out furiously, Kyubimon made her way over to her Tamer, then, without warning, changed into Taomon.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Rika screamed out her rage and pain as her Digivice glowed and shrieked with power...possibly too much power.

"Rika, what's going on? What are you doing?" Ryo yelled out, but she didn't hear him.

"Like we needed this to happen now?! Henry, isn't this known as very, very, very bad timing?"

"You said it, Terriermon!"

Unbeknownst to anybody, Susie, Lopmon and Calumon came in, wanting to help in anyway possible.

"The Ultimate form of Taomon. If I were merely a Champion, you might have at least half a chance, but since I'm not, you won't survive the first attack." The Ice-Reaper waited for the inevitable response, and sure enough, it came.

"You're wrong...You won't survive this attack! Taomon, walk all over him!"

Grunting, Taomon instantly activated her shield and it encased her as she prepared to launch an attack.

"Talisman of Light!!"

"Shards of Ice!!"

The two attacks flew toward each other before the icicles shattered the Ultimate Digimon's attack. Angered, Taomon flew forward and rammed into both Lady Sakuyamon and the Ice-Reaper!

"Do it, Taomon! Take 'em both out! They aren't gonna be missed by anyone!"

"Rika, don't do this! Would Takato want you to act like this?" Jeri asked worriedly, but as with Ryo, she didn't respond.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!! Frozen Claw!!"

WHAM!! The attack struck Taomon's shield and popped it instantly, forcing her to back away.

"I won't let you lose to two ice sculptures! Taomon...Digivolve to Mega! Become Sakuyamon again!!!!" Rika didn't even Biomerge with her, but just held her Digivice up to the sky, where it fired a beam of blue energy that struck the ice that Takato and Guilmon were in, freeing them, and revealing that they were very much alive!

"Takato...are you okay?" Jeri, Henry and the others approached the Tamer and his partner with concerned looks.

"Yeah...I think."

That's when Takato saw Calumon behind the others and next to Susie and Lopmon, shaking and shivering.

"This isn't good...I don't wanna feel this way again! Ahhhhhhh!!!!" A second later, the triangle on Calumon's head glowed and hit Taomon, causing the Ultimate Digimon to vanish from view!

"Huh? What's going on-? Rika!? Rika, please-you have to stop this! This isn't you!" Takato pleaded, but as Terriermon said, "It's like talking to a brick wall-you can't expect an answer from a slab of granite."

"That's it, Taomon-Digivolve back to Mega!"

Takato shuddered in fear, remembering what had happened to him-seven years ago, his anger and pain had unleashed the darkness dwelling inside of him, and Megidramon was born. Now, on the day of his wedding, Rika had finally lost the battle and succumbed to darkness once more. The Tamers watched as the smoke that had momentarily appeared vanished and the Digimon who was in place of Taomon...wasn't Sakuyamon! It looked like her, it had her armor and it even had the staff, but it wasn't Sakuyamon...Kuzuhamon had been born!

"Renamon...what have I done?"

Rika had snapped out of her trek of darkness, but as with Takato, it came at a price. Then, things were made even worse.

"Rika...you told me you wouldn't get tainted by evil, and you just did...Why?"

"T...Takato?"

Rika quickly turned to see Takato, with tears welling up in his eyes, in shock and in pain at what just occurred. Rika bit her lip in silent pain as her Digivice burst into bits of data and vanished as the Ice-Reaper started laughing manically again.

Oh, boy! First Megidramon, then ChaosGallantmon-now, Kuzuhamon? Things just aren't going that well for the engaged couple, is it? Can they work together and get Renamon back? Find out next time on Digimon: Digital Monsters!