Chapter 12: Wedding

Chapter Text

Takutoumon was seething with rage as his servants brought something into his throne room.

"This... is all that's left of Myotismon?" he stared at a red mask.

His servants confirmed it.

With a fist, he struck his throne. Another one of his generals had disappointed him. Had he made a mistake in choosing them this way?

Another one of his generals stepped forward and asked for the word. The king granted it to him.

"Myotismon's downfall was due to his ego. He thought he was invincible."

The king was inclined to agree with him.

"And it's different with you, Mephismon?" he wanted to know.

The general, who looked like a demon with a sheep's head, nodded.

"The problem is simply that there are too many of these humans and these DigiDestine. We would have to catch them all together to solve the problem once and for all."

Takutoumon thought for a moment.

"That's not a bad idea at all. As luck would have it, my spies have told me that the DigiDestined will be holding a kind of festival in a few days. Almost all of them are said to be gathered there. That would indeed be a good opportunity to strike."

Mephismon pricked up his ears.

"A festival? What do these humans have to celebrate? Do they think they've already defeated us?"

Takutoumon folded his hands.

"Then go and teach them a lesson. Show them that we Digimon are the superior species!" he instructed his servant.

Mephismon promised to return victorious and then set off.

Ken had gotten up earlier than usual today. Due to his now leading position, he was always up early in the morning, but today everything was different. Only Wormmon was still sleeping in his basket and seemed as if the world couldn't do him any harm. Ken became envious, he would have liked to trade places with his Digimon.

He was just trying on his suit, which looked even finer than the one he wore at work. At the same moment, he wondered what Yolei would look like. He had already seen the dress that she had chosen with Mimi, but dresses looked different on a person than they did on a hanger.

When he was finished, he dared to wake up Wormmon.

"Hm? What? How late is it? Did I miss it?", it wanted to know.

Ken was able to reassure his partner. There was still plenty of time before the wedding. Although that didn't make him any less nervous. Yolei was already waiting, Mimi and Kari were helping her with the preparations. Finally, he picked up Wormmon and set off on the most important day of his life.

Takeshi hadn't had breakfast today because he was sure he would eat plenty of cake at the wedding. He looked at Prismamon, but spared himself the question of whether it liked cake. So far, he had made the experience that his partner devoured just about anything. Rurimon would also come with him. Since all the DigiDestined he had met so far would be present, there would be no one to protect the little dragon in an emergency. It was therefore safer if he came with him.

His mother knocked and asked if he was home today. Takeshi denied it, he hadn't yet said that he had something to do today. When he mentioned that he had been invited to a wedding, he should have expected that his mother would not let him go like that. She picked out the best clothes for him and gave him a new hairstyle.

"You have to look like something when you go to a wedding," she had said.

Only when Takeshi was ready in her opinion, did he have the chance to leave the house with the Digimon. He had arranged to meet Shun and Takeshi at the next intersection, where they were already waiting for him.

Tsubasa had put on a white summer dress, while Shun was content with his school uniform. His mother had given him a present to take along, and Takeshi wondered if he should quickly buy something too. But what do you give at such a wedding? A rice cooker maybe? No, that would have blown his allowance. Tsubasa dismissed the matter, however. She had also asked, but Yolei had assured her that she would not accept anything from children.

They let Tsubasa lead them, who already knew the location because she had helped out there recently. There, several guests had already gathered and the three of them simply mingled among them. Davis and Ken were also there, Veemon and Wormmon were also standing with them. None of the guests seemed to be particularly surprised about the creatures anymore.

"Ah, good you're already here. I'll assign you the seats. If... I can still remember which ones were yours." the bridegroom greeted them.

Davis put a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, it'll all work out. You've planned every detail after all."

T.K. stepped up to the group and cleared his throat.

"And what about you, Davis? Are you sure you've thought about the ring? You're the best man after all."

This one reacted indignantly.

"Hey, listen! Who do you think I am? As if I would forget something so important! I have it here in my... "

Davis rummaged through his pockets, but came up empty.

"Oh, you're right. I left it in the car."

Ken threw his head back.

"Davis! I have to be able to rely on you today!"

His friend reassured him as best he could.

"Of course you can! I'll get it for you right away. I'll hand it to you at the right moment. I'm going now."

For this, another man stepped up to them.

"Davis as he lives and breathes. You should have planned for that when you made him the best man."

He was finely dressed and had a briefcase with him, behind which a Digimon was peeking out. It was yellowish and well armored. Shun was reminded of an armadillo. "Cody, you made it. I was already worried." Ken greeted his friend. He smiled. "As if I would miss your and Yolei's wedding. I'll even put my studies on hold for that." Ken and T.K. introduced the children to their friend Cody, who was currently taking his state exams. "If your Digimon ever cause any damage, just contact me." the future lawyer said jokingly. In any case, he would have a monopoly on this business area, thought Takeshi. In the distance, Hawkmon and Gatomon came running. "An emergency! There's a problem." the little falcon announced loudly. Ken sighed. "What's the matter now?" "The dress has a tear." Gatomon reported. This was not a disaster, but Ken was not so sure about Yolei. Tsubasa finally volunteered to help. She went to the room that was being used as a dressing room, where she already found Yolei, Mimi, and Kari. They were having a hard time calming down their friend. Yolei walked up to Tsubasa and grabbed her by the shoulders. "It's a disaster! The two of them want to seriously suggest that I sew it up! But you can see that!" she objected. Tsubasa doubted that most of the guests would pay attention to it, but she understood Yolei's urge for perfection. "Uh... and if we cover the sewn area? By positioning the veil differently, for example, or something like that?" She assumed that her idea would be quickly dismissed, but Yolei was actually convinced. She left the work to Kari, who seemed to be the most balanced. Soon the area was sewn up and Mimi worked on covering it as best she could. Tsubasa had to admit that the dress looked really impressive. "Yolei-san... she really looks beautiful." Tsubasa couldn't help but compliment her. Kari had to agree with her. And her friend hadn't even put on makeup yet. "Don't worry, you'll wear a dress like this someday too." Yolei reassured the girl. She blushed and waved her hands. "What? Oh, nonsense! I won't be thinking about that for a long time. Maybe when you're all married or something." Kari forced a smile. "Oh, nonsense. I'm the prime example of unrequited love." "Uh... " Tsubasa could only get out and didn't know what else to say. Mimi stretched her hands up in the air like a victory. Yolei took her first steps to get used to the dress. She was satisfied and the next stage could follow. Mimi began to put makeup on her, Tsubasa, on the other hand, didn't dare to contribute anything. She would have definitely done something wrong. "So, done! Ken will be thrilled." Yolei hoped that she was right. There was less than an hour left until the wedding.

Davis was finally back and showed off the ring. The looks of the others spoke volumes that they would have also trusted him to have forgotten it at home. Gatomon did not escape that Hawkmon and Wormmon were making a sullen impression. She approached them and asked if everything was okay. Wormmon looked at her with its big eyes. "It's just... the ring looks so pretty. I'd like to wear something like that too. After all, I'm Ken's partner." Gatomon couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, but the ring is more for the partner for life. So... not that you're not that for Ken, but... you know what I mean." Hawkmon cleared his throat. "That's not really the problem. Wormmon was unhappy that he generally can't wear a ring. He doesn't have any fingers after all." Wormmon stared at his little feet and let his feelers hang down. "That's right. I'll never be able to wear something like that." Hawkmon patted him on the head. "Well, I wouldn't want to trade places with you."

Gatomon narrowed her eyes. "Uh... you do realize that you can't wear a ring either, right? You have wings instead of hands, in case you haven't noticed." Hawkmon looked at his wings and then sank down next to Wormmon. "Gatomon's right. We're outcasts." Gatomon sighed and turned to Kari, who had just returned. She whispered something to her partner and she nodded. Hardly ten minutes later, Gatomon returned to the two discouraged Digimon and pulled something out. Hawkmon jumped up first. "Those are... " he stared at the items in Gatomon's paw. "Thank Kari, she pulled these rings out of the gumball machine around the corner for you." she explained and put the first ring on Wormmon's left feeler and the other on Hawkmon's right leg. Kari had told her that they also did this with real falcons to attach messages to them. Wormmon and Hawkmon looked at their new rings and fell into Gatomon's arms. They were infinitely grateful. Tsubasa was also back and together with Takeshi and Shun, they were assigned seats. They were further back, but that was okay. The view to the front was good enough. Ken had just led his parents to their seats. "I can't believe that our Ken is actually getting married." it came from his mother. The bridegroom grimaced. "Hey, that sounds like it was hopeless for me." His father laughed. "Of course, that's not what your mother meant. We're just happy to have Yolei as our daughter-in-law. She's really good for you." Ken nodded. He couldn't disagree with that. He was called and left his parents alone for the time being. As he had walked a few steps, he looked back again. For a moment, he had seen Sammy sitting on the chair next to them. He would have liked to tell him how happy he was today. But who knows... maybe he knew it too. Then the priest finally arrived and the ceremony seemed to be slowly beginning. T.K. and Kari were the last to sit down, while Davis took his position at the front. Finally, Yolei entered the hall accompanied by Mimi, and Ken's breath caught in his throat. Yolei looked beautiful in her dress, and he still couldn't believe that he was about to be married. Both of them now stood opposite each other, and the priest began to speak. But of course, the attention was focused on the young couple in love. Ken held Yolei's delicate hand in his and looked deep into her shining eyes. His heart pounded with excitement as he began to speak his vow of love and loyalty. "Yolei, since the day I first saw you, I knew that you were the woman of my life. You have stormed my heart and filled my life with joy and love. I promise to always stand by your side, in good times and in bad. I will love you, respect you and cherish you as long as I live. With this ring, I promise you my endless love and devotion." He had to clear his throat softly first to give Davis a sign. He finally handed him the ring, and Ken put it on Yolei's finger. Yolei's eyes shone. She squeezed his hand tighter and began to speak her vow as well. "Ken, you are my great love, my best friend and my partner for life. You have filled my life with light and love, and I am infinitely grateful that I have found you. I promise to love you, to support you and to cherish you, in all the highs and lows. I will always be by your side and accompany you through life. I promise you my eternal love and loyalty." A smile spread across Ken's face as he heard the words of his beloved Yolei. The two of them exchanged loving looks and then turned to the priest to speak the "I do". "And now," said the priest solemnly, "because of your love and your promises, I hereby declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Ken and Yolei smiled at each other before they hugged tenderly and gave each other a loving kiss.

During the entire ceremony, however, no one had noticed that they had a guest whom no one had been able to perceive. A creature with a demonic head had been hiding in the shadows the whole time. Literally, because Mephismon had the ability to make them his realm. Especially at a place like this, where as many people as possible were gathered, there were logically also many shadows. However, it had decided not to strike yet. Gogmamon and Myotismon - it was unbelievable that they had received the title of general from the honorable king - had made the mistake of attacking the enemy directly. Mephismon had this in mind as well, but it had the opportunity to exterminate all their enemies at once. And for that, it had developed a plan. It had meanwhile found out that the Digimon got their power from their human masters. And to do this, they used devices to force their Digimon to digitate. All Mephismon had to do was to take these away. And for that, its shadow technique was best suited. The shadows now crept into the pockets and other containers that the DigiDestined had with them and pulled their DigiVices out. It had already taken three of them. It considered whether it should first take the next three from the guests in the back. The problem was that they wore their devices around their wrists. That would make it difficult to take them away unnoticed. Should it rather take those of the DigiDestined at the altar first? It decided that this was the safest way to proceed. As soon as it moved forward, however, it stopped again. One of the Digimon was staring at it. This was actually not possible, since it was completely invisible in the shadow. Then it understood why.

Takeshi was surprised when Rurimon suddenly jumped off his chair and ran onto the aisle between the rows of chairs. "Hey, you can't just... " the boy wanted to stop him. But he didn't catch the dragon in time. Prismamon was the first to understand the situation. "Takeshi! Ruri must have smelled one of the balls! " it explained the behavior of its friend. Shun looked at him skeptically. "What? In here? And why not before? "

They received the answer to this question faster than expected. Rurimon stretched out his hand and a blue light filled the area of the hall. It was the light of the ball. This forced Mephismon to come out of his shadow as well. Driven out of his cover, he now stood directly between the guests. Some jumped up, others screamed. The Digimon cursed at the fact that it had lost its surprise advantage. It decided to react quickly and rushed forward.

Davis was to be his first victim. With his technique, he pulled his DigiVice out of his pocket and made it his own. But he didn't get any further. Gatomon reacted quickly and hit him with his lightning paw. Wormmon and Hawkmon stood protectively in front of their partners. While Veemon and Palmon continued to analyze the situation, T.K. reacted immediately.

"Everyone listen! Please leave the hall now, we'll take care of it!"

He didn't have to tell the guests twice. As they rose, Patamon and Armadillomon positioned themselves in front of them to prevent Mephismon from launching an attack into the crowd.

Mimi decided to take the initiative. She nodded to Palmon and together they coordinated the crowd.

"Good, you all follow me now to the outside! We're looking for a safe area!", she announced.

Everyone was relieved to be able to leave this matter to Takeshi and his friends. They had a hard time making their way in the opposite direction.

The Rookie Digimon began to attack Mephismon, but he easily dodged them. Kari had meanwhile noticed that her DigiVice was missing. T.K. and Cody also had to realize that it was the same with them. He now launched an attack that flung Gatomon, Patamon, Armadillomon, and Veemon away.

Takeshi nodded to Shun and Tsubasa. They still had their DigiVices, so it was up to them to take care of the enemy.

Fortunately, their partners were ready for the fight and went into position. Then the transformation already started.

"Prismamon digivolves tooo... PrismKnightmon!"

"Hebimon digivolves tooo... Julungumon!"

"Koemon digivolves tooo... Lianpumon!"

Mephismon went into defense position.

However, he had done his homework. These three had only recently become DigiDestined. He was sure he could take advantage of their lack of experience and achieve a victory.

He attacked them with his shadow attack. PrismKnightmon brought his shield into position to protect the other two.

Meanwhile, Ken turned to Yolei.

"Yolei, get to safety. I'll support them."

But his wife had no intention of doing so.

"Is that a joke? I still have my DigiVice, so I can lend them a hand."

Her husband was surprised by her enthusiasm.

"But... this was supposed to be the most beautiful day for us. You don't have to...", but Yolei seemed to have made up her mind.

"Yes, this was supposed to be the most beautiful day of our lives. That's why I'll never forgive this Digimon! And hopefully you won't either. Hawkmon!

The little falcon seemed just as motivated.

The last guest seemed to have been evacuated, there was no reason to hold back anymore. Yolei and Ken used their DigiVices to support the younger DigiKnights.

"Wormmon digivolves tooo... Stingmon!"

"Hawkmon digivolves tooo Aquilamon!"

Mephismon retreated.

"Well, my plan didn't work out as I hoped. Then I'll be content with less."

Now he disappeared into the ground, a shadow moved along the corridor, under the DigiDestined.

Takeshi turned around and recognized the disaster immediately. Mephismon reappeared and grabbed Rurimon.

"Got you. You'll be my trophy that I'll present to the king."

He was about to disappear from the hall, but of course, they couldn't let him do that.

"Don't let him escape!", Davis still felt the need to say.

Aquilamon and Stingmon, who were able to fly, reacted first. They were the fastest and were able to catch up with Mephismon as he stormed out into the open.

They attacked the enemy, who was thrown backward. Apparently, he didn't dare to use his full power, as it could have damaged the book.

Takeshi and the others had arrived outside and instructed their partners to support the Digimon already fighting. The guests seemed to have already been taken to safety, they no longer had to hold back. At least as far as the surroundings were concerned, because Mephismon still had Rurimon in his power. But it was Lianpumon who saved the day. He now put on a black mask, which allowed him to copy Mephismon's technique and also disappear into the shadows. He reappeared directly next to him and grabbed the little dragon.

As soon as he was gone with it, the enemy lost his hostage. Of course, he was boiling with anger.

"Black Sabbath!" Black lightning now shot down from above and caused the Digimon on the side of the DigiDestined considerable damage. "Ken, we won't let him get away with it!" His husband agreed with her and their partners went into position.

"Aquilamon super digivolution... Vulturemon!"

"Stingmon super-digivolution... Jewelbeemon!"

Now even stronger, they attacked Mephismon, who seemed to have problems in close combat. Both attacks reached their target and the enemy was thrown backward. Veemon and the others cheered the two on. Davis had still not gotten over the fact that he had let himself be so easily taken away his DigiVice. Imperialdramon would have settled the matter in no time. So they were risking that someone else would get hurt. But no, the hope was not lost yet. Not only Ken and Yolei were giving their best, but the new DigiDestined also seemed to be giving everything. PrismKnightmon blocked another attack by the enemy, while Lianpumon with his red mask drew a circle of fire around the enemy. He now realized that he was at a disadvantage. He had not lost yet, however. He reached into his shadow again and pulled something out. As feared, it was one of the blue balls. He couldn't prevent him from swallowing it now. The DigiDestined had meanwhile gotten a pretty good idea of what was going to happen next. Mephismon began to glow and grow to enormous size. Soon after, he was standing on four legs and his hands had turned into claws. He was now Gulfmon and could cause much more devastation. He roared into the air to unsettle his opponents. He succeeded in doing so.

"Death Scream!", he launched an attack and shot black lightning out of his mouth. PrismKnightmon raised his shield again, but this time it was no longer enough to effectively block the attack. The DigiDestined behind him were thrown to the side. Yolei was one of them and Ken rushed to her. She seemed not to be injured, but she had landed uncomfortably. "Sorry... the wedding didn't quite go according to plan.", she apologized. Ken tenderly touched her cheek. "You silly thing. We still have plenty of time to create beautiful memories.", he said confidently. Yolei tried to smile. "Well... not if we lose here.", she sounded a bit discouraged. But her husband didn't want to hear anything about it. He got up again and walked towards Gulfmon. His face betrayed that he was really very angry. "Ken! Don't get too close!", Davis warned. But his friend didn't listen to him. He positioned himself in front of the huge enemy and raised his head. "What's the matter with you? How can you ruin my most beautiful day like this? And even hurt my wife? That... I'll never forgive you!", he shouted at him. Gulfmon, however, was not impressed by this. He wanted to launch another attack, but Jewelbeemon launched a cutting attack that interrupted it for the time being. However, not for long. The Digimon landed next to his partner.

"Ken! You can always count on me! There's even more to protect now and I'll make sure of it." His partner thanked him with a nod. "Good! Then we'll show this monster now!", he decided and held his DigiVice up high. Jewelbeemon flew back up and Gulfmon prepared for an attack. But before he could launch it, Ken's Digimon began to glow.

"Jewelbeemon Mega-Digivolution toooo... BanchoStingmon!"

The Digimon was now pitch black and wore a red cape. Ken looked up at him. His partner had heard his call to protect those who were important to him. "Show this jerk!", he cheered him on. BanchoStingmon extended a stinger that looked more like a sword and flew towards the enemy. He raised his claw and let it descend on the attacker. But Ken's partner effortlessly cut it off. "You fools! I'll destroy you all!", he announced. But BanchoStingmon didn't let him do it. He increased his speed and thrust his stinger deep into the enemy's chest. This seemed to be the decisive blow. Gulfmon howled and began to turn into pure data. The danger seemed to have been averted for the time being. BanchoStingmon landed and reverted to Minomon due to the exertion. Ken collected him and then returned to Yolei. She had gotten up again. T.K. took care of collecting the DigiVices that were now lying around on the ground. Kari rushed to Mimi to inquire about the condition of the guests. She had led them to the park right next door. When Kari reported that it was safe again, they deliberated. Most of them decided to return to the location after all. A few - including the priest, but he had fulfilled his task - decided to leave instead.

And so it happened that there were still festivities later on. After all, the cake hadn't even been cut yet, an outrage that had to be rectified quickly. Cody took over the honor and served everyone a plate.

"Give me another extra piece for Veemon. You know how much he can eat.", Davis asked.

Cody nodded.

"Ah yes, for Veemon. Of course.", he said, but fulfilled his friend's wish.

Mimi FaceTimed with Izzy and told him about the incident.

"The attacks by the enemies are actually increasing. Especially at such an event, this is unacceptable. We should have a meeting and discuss how to proceed.", he suggested.

Mimi refrained from a statement about Izzy's choice of words, which fully did justice to his role as CEO. Nevertheless, she had to agree with him. They had invested so much in this celebration and then it was interrupted by a Digimon. Not only that, the enemy had acted more cleverly this time and without Rurimon's attention, it would have ended badly for them. Izzy promised to come up with a battle plan. But that could wait until tomorrow.

T.K. now stepped onto the podium and cleared his throat. Although the hall was quite large, he didn't need a microphone, an elevated voice was enough.

"I just wanted to wish the couple all the best once again. I know that today wasn't only beautiful for you. But from today everything will change. You got to know each other as children and fell in love with each other immediately. You knew that you were destined for each other and that you would always be there for each other. That's what makes the love between you. But now enough about Ken and Yolei, I'd also like to say a few words about Davis."

The whole hall burst into laughter. The two DigiDestined also tried to put on a smile. Then T.K. held a more serious speech for the freshly baked married couple and mingled with the guests again. In the end, the celebration was still beautiful and the first guests said their goodbyes.

Takeshi, Shun, and Tsubasa had volunteered to help clean up. The chairs were pushed together and the dishes were taken to the kitchen. Prismamon munched on the last piece of cake. Tsubasa grumbled that she hadn't thought to pack a piece in time. But Yolei remembered that there was still a cake in the refrigerator for the case that there were more guests than pieces of cake. She rushed off, but stopped after a few meters.

"Strange. Why... is everything here spinning?", she asked.

Before anyone could answer, she lost her balance and fell to the ground.

"Yolei!", Ken rushed to her.

He tried to wake her up, but it didn't work. Kari instructed the others to call an ambulance. Cody was the first to pull out his phone.

It took excruciatingly long minutes for help to arrive. Ken and Davis had meanwhile laid the bride on a soft surface. The paramedics examined her, but couldn't determine what was wrong with her. So they first put her in the ambulance. Ken was allowed to come along, the others had to take care of the ride themselves.

"Can... we do something?", Takeshi wanted to know.

But T.K. waved him off.

"No, you can't do anything at the moment. Besides, it's getting late. Go home already, we'll inform you about all the news.", he promised.

The three nodded and then set about to leave. The day had not gone as they had expected. And it had ended even less so. They hoped that everything would be all right with Yolei again.