Love Conquers All
Part III
[Mrs. Kamiya is in her living room, closing her purse.]
MRS. KAMIYA: Kari! Mrs. Takaishi will be here very soon to drive us to the bridal store.
KARI: Coming, mom!
[The doorbell rings and Mrs. Kamiya goes and opens it.]
MRS. KAMIYA: Mrs Takaishi. Hi! Kari's almost ready.
MRS. TAKAISHI: Oh, that's no problem. I do have to drop TK and Matt off at the tuxedo store on the way. Their father's car broke down and is in the shop.
MRS. KAMIYA: That's just fine. My husband and Tai have already gone on ahead and will meet them there.
[Kari emerges from her bedroom wearing a pale pink sundress and carrying Gatomon.
KARI: We're ready, mom.
MRS. KAMIYA: Great! Let's get going!
[Outside, Mr. Ishida and Matt are sitting in the back seat of a van and TK and Patamon are sitting in front of them, Kari and Gatomon climb in next to them and TK quickly kisses her on the check, blushing because his family and Kari's mom are watching. Mrs. Takaishi sits behind the wheel and Mrs. Kamiya sits on the passenger side.]
[After dropping off Mr. Ishida, Matt, TK, and Patamon, 'the girls' drive over to the bridal store. Entering the store, they are surrounded by all types and styles of dresses, veils, and shoes.]
[Three hours later, they emerge from the store carrying Kari's dress, Gatomon's dress, and the bridesmaids dresses. Climbing back into the van, they drive to a japanese sushi restaurant to meet 'the boys' for dinner. During the meal they talk about the upcoming wedding in two weeks, their jobs and friends. Kari has a photography job for the big Tokyo paper and TK's a reporter for the same paper.]
KARI: So, mom, is the guest list for the wedding ready?
MRS. KAMIYA: Yes. I received the RSVP from your grandparents yesterday. They are really excited about coming.
MATT: Grandma and Uncle Al are coming down from the country. Al's even volunteered to drive her down on his moped.
TK: Did she accept?
MATT: Not with his crazy driving. She said her old Volkswagen's good enough to get her down here.
KARI: From what you've told me of your uncle, I don't blame her.
TK: You haven't seen her car. It's the slowest vehicle in Japan.
MATT: Who else is coming?
MR. KAMIYA: Sora and her parents have accepted. So has Joe, Jim, and their parents. Mimi and her mom and dad will be there as well.
MRS. TAKAISHI: Yolei, her parents, and brothers and sisters have accepted. Cody, his mom and grandfather are coming.
TK: Izzy said he's bringing his digital camera and laptop with him and his parents.
MR. ISHIDA: I talked with Mr. Ichijoiji yesterday and he said his wife and Ken are excited to attend. Oh, and I saw Mr. Motomiya and Davis and they said they would be there as well as his wife and Jun.
TAI: Look out, Matt.
MATT: Ha, ha, ha.
KARI: It's too bad for Davis.
TK: Yeah, since Mita moved away last month and they parted ways, Davis hasn't been himself. I even beat him three times at soccer.
MRS. KAMIYA: Soccer, that reminds me! Kari, your cousin Lily is coming up from Kyoto for the wedding.
KARI: Really? Oh, that's great. I haven't seen her in years!
TAI: Cousin Lily?! Oh, no! You're kidding, right mom?
TK: What's wrong with your cousin, Tai?
KARI: She beat Tai at soccer every time she visited.
MATT: You got beat by a girl?!
TAI: Not just any girl. Lily is the best soccer player. Or will be until I steal the spotlight from her. I'll show her Tai Kamiya doesn't give up without a fight.
MR. KAMIYA: Now, Tai. Lily's coming for the wedding, not a soccer match. Oh, I forgot to mention. Willis and Michael are flying in from America for the wedding also. Their parents can't make it, but I'm sure I can arrange accommodations for them.
[A week later, Mr. and Mrs. Kamiya were sitting at the dining room table in their apartment.]
MRS. KAMIYA: Willis and Michael will be arriving at Tokyo Airport tomorrow at noon. Have you found places for them?
MR. KAMIYA: Yes. Willis will be staying at the Izumi residence and Michael with the Hida's.
MRS. KAMIYA: I can't believe the wedding's a week away. It seems like only yesterday they announced their engagement. I hope they'll be happy together.
MR. KAMIYA: You've seen them together. They can't keep their eyes off each other. This is the best match I've ever seen.
MRS. KAMIYA: You're right. I'm just so nervous.
[Across town at the hospital.]
JOE: What a day. Broken bones, colds, cuts, and other minor injuries. I'm ready for bed.
SECRETARY: You're brother's on line four, doctor.
JOE: Hey, Jim, What's up?
JIM: Where are you, bro? I've been waiting downstairs for half an hour. We need to get a present for TK and Kari.
JOE: Ah! I forgot! I'll be right down! (thinking) So much for bed.
[In the park, TK, Kari, Patamon, and Gatomon are sitting under a tree discussing the wedding.]
KARI: Let's go over the guest list one more time.
TK: Okay.
KARI: My grandparents and Lily and her family.
TK: Grandma and Uncle Al.
KARI: Izzy, Joe, Cody, and their families.
TK: Willis and Michael.
KARI: The Tachikawa's, Inoue's, and Takenouchi's.
TK: The Motomiya's and Ichijoiji's.
GATOMON: And the digimon.
PATAMON: Don't forget us!
TK: Matt's my best man with Tai and Ken as the bridegrooms.
KARI: And Mimi's my maid of honor with Sora and Yolei as bridesmaids.
PATAMON: And us!
GATOMON: Patamon and I are the ring mon and flower kitty.
TK: That's perfect for you two!
KARI: Yeah!
PATAMON & GATOMON: *giggles*
[Two days later. Jim and Joe are at the Odaiba Mall.]
JOE: We've been searching for three days and we still haven't found a present for TK and Kari. And the wedding's in five days.
JIM: Don't worry. We'll find something. How about a toaster?
JOE: That might have to do.
VOICE: Joe!!
JOE: Huh?! Mimi?!
MIMI: Long time no see!
JOE: Yeah! You look great!
MIMI: Thanks.
JOE: How's Matt doing?
MIMI: Oh...uh...
JIM: I'm going to check out this store. See you in a few minutes.
[Jim enters the store and Mimi and Joe move to a bench.]
JOE: Is everything okay, Mimi?
MIMI: Yes. No. Matt and I broke up two months ago. He met this girl while his band was touring and I really liked this other person, so we just parted ways.
JOE: Oh, Mimi, I'm so sorry.
MIMI: That's okay. Besides, I want to tell this other guy I like him. I'm just so nervous. What if he doesn't feel the same way towards me?
JOE: Have you known him long?
MIMI: Several years, but for the last couple we haven't kept in touch regularly.
JOE: What does he look like?
MIMI: He's tall with shoulder length dark hair and has the most beautiful face I've ever seen, especially with his glasses on. And he wants to be a doctor.
JOE: Well, I think you should tell him how you feel. I mean, if he doesn't feel the same way, he's not for you.
MIMI: Oh, thank you, Joe! I knew you could help me with my problem when I saw you!
JOE: That's me. Reliable Joe.
MIMI: I'm going to tell him right now!
JOE: Good for you!
[Mimi stays on the bench.]
JOE: Um, aren't you going?
MIMI: I don't know how to say it.
JOE: Just tell him the same way you told me.
MIMI: Okay, here it goes. Joe, will you go out with me?
JOE: Huh?!
MIMI: It's you, Joe. You're the one I've liked all these years. I just couldn't bring myself to admit it.
JOE: Oh, Mimi. I don't know what to say.
MIMI: Are you mad?
JOE: No. I've liked you ever since we met all those years ago, but I was too much of a worry wart to ask you out. I was afraid you'd laugh.
MIMI: Oh, Joe, I wouldn't of laughed.
JOE: Really?
MIMI: Really.
[Joe smiles at Mimi, then pulls her close for a kiss. Jim comes out of the store and smiles, having witnessed the whole thing.]
JIM: I knew you'd be able to tell her how you feel, bro.
[The day before the wedding. Tai's sitting on a couch at the Kamiya residence, while Kari paces frustrately in front of him.]
TAI: Kari, would you stop pacing? You're giving me a headache.
KARI: The caterer hasn't called. The flower shop hasn't called. And the wedding's in less than twenty-four hours.
TAI: Kari, calm down. Everything will be ready for tomorrow. And then you'll be Mrs. Hikari Kamiya Takaishi.
KARI: Kari Takaishi, Tai. You know I don't like being called by my full first name.
TAI: *laughs* I know.
KARI: Fine then, Taichi Kamiya! Be like that. But Lily won't be pleased when she arrives soon.
[The doorbell rings]
KARI: *laughs* That must be her.
TAI: Ahh! I'm not home!
[Tai runs to his room and locks his door. Kari goes and opens the front door. Standing there is a girl Kari's height with shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a yellow top and blue jeans.]
KARI: Lily!
LILY: Kari!
[Thy hug as Tai unlocks his door and peeks through a crack between the door and the frame. Lily spots him as Kari leads her inside.]
LILY: Hello, Taichi.
TAI: Lily. How have you been?
LILY: Fine. Still playing soccer?
TAI: Any chance I get. How 'bout you?
LILY: I haven't played much this past year. Been too busy.
TAI: Really?
LILY: That's not to say I can still beat you any time, any day.
TAI: Name the place and time, and I'll be there.
KARI: Tai, no! Remember what mom said?
TAI: It's okay, Kari. Mom doesn't have to find out. Are you ready, Lily?
LILY: Ready!
[Tai grabs his soccer ball and runs out the door, leaving Lily and Kari to follow behind.
[At a nearby park, Tai and Lily face each other across the soccer field.]
TAI: I might be four years older than you, Lily. But don't think I'll be soft.
LILY: Same here. I could use this work out before returning to college and the soccer team.
TAI: But you said you don't play that much soccer.
LILY: I don't. I'm assistant coach for the college soccer team.
TAI: What?!
LILY: Still want to play?
TAI: You bet.
KARI: Ready? Go!
[Wedding day. Guest's are arriving, the caterer's in the kitchen with his crew, the florist is finishing the bouquets, and the wedding ring's are safely on Patamon's pillow. TK is standing to the side of the main room watching everyone come in. Kari's in her changing room smoothing down the skirt of her white dress. Mimi places the tiara and veil on top of her head and turns Kari around to look at her reflection.]
MIMI: You look so beautiful!
KARI: Thanks. I love this dress.
[In the reflection stood Kari with a sparkling silver tiara and attached veil atop her head. The dress was an Eve of Milady creation with organza cap-sleeves, a bodice embroidered with silver, crystals, and seed petals, and a flowing white skirt covering a pair of white shoes. Kari smiled at her reflection as Mimi places the top part of the veil over Kari's face.]
KARI: I must be the luckiest girl in the world!
[In the hallway in front of the main room, Tai stood to the side, a full bright smile lighting up his face. Matt and Ken stood nearby looking confused while Sora and Yolei giggles at the smile.]
KEN: Let me get this straight. Yesterday, you challenged your cousin Lily to a soccer match, and she accepted.
TAI: Mmm-hmm.
YOLEI: But she beat you?
TAI: Mmm-hmm.
MATT: So, why the big smile?
SORA: Tell them, Tai.
TAI: Lily's college soccer team is looking for a second assistant coach, and Lily offered me the job.
MATT: I see.
TAI: I get to learn all of Lily's secrets. Then I'll bide my time, and soon I will beat her.
[Suddenly, they hear loud sniffing. Matt opens the door of a storage room and finds Davis, tears streaming down his face.]
MATT: Davis, what are doing in there?
DAVIS: I needed a moment alone. *sniff sniff*
[Matt hands him a handkerchief.]
MATT: Here.
DAVIS: *sniff* Thanks. *sniff*
YOLEI: But why are you crying?
DAVIS: Because is marrying *sniff* TK and not me.
TAI: You're jealous.
SORA: Tai. (to Davis) Davis, you want Kari to be happy, right?
DAVIS: Mmm-hmm. *sniff*
SORA: Well, she's found her happiness with TK. But she's still your fiend.
DAVIS: *sigh* You're right. I've been a jerk. I'm going to apologize to Ka-- Hi!!
[The four turn around and see that Lily had just entered the hall. Davis wipes his eyes and stands up.]
DAVIS: Hi! I'm... uh... I forgot!
TAI: Davis!
DAVIS: Davis! That's my name! And you are?
LILY: Lily. I'm Kari's cousin.
DAVIS: Her cousin? Really? You're so beautiful. Oh, uh, may I escort you to your seat?
LILY: Of course. Do you happen to like soccer?
DAVIS: I love soccer...
[The door closes on them.]
TAI: Looks like Davis is happy.
[Music starts playing as Mimi, Gatomon, and Kari enter the hall.]
MIMI: This is it. Ready, Kari!
KARI: Yeah!
[Patamon and Gatomon enter the main hall first. Patamon proudly carrying the pillow with the rings on top and Gatomon scattering flower petals down the aisle as they walk. Next comes Ken and Yolei and then Tai and Sora. Then Mimi and Matt proceed down the aisle, with Mimi giving Joe a little wink as she passes. The music changes and everyone rises as Mr. Kamiya leads Kari down the aisle and hands her to TK. The two of them step up in front of the priest and Kari hands her bouquet to Mimi as TK takes her hands.]
PRIEST: We are gathered here today, the celebrate the joining of Takeru Takaishi and Hikari Kamiya.
[TK and Kari's wrinkle slightly at their full first names, but no one notices.]
PRIEST: Kari and TK have both written their own vows and will now exchange them.
TK: When we were told of an eighth child, I hoped it'd be someone my size. I never dreamed that it would be you. You light up my day and your smile lights up my heart. You're a part of me and forever and after I will always love and cherish you.
KARI: You protected me from evil and kept me from harm. Your hope for me made me believe that I was special. You're eyes are as blue as the sky, you're heart as large as an ocean. You're a part of me and forever and after I will always love a cherish you.
PRIEST: If there is anyone here who does not wish these two wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace.
[Everyone looks at Davis, but he's sitting holding Lily's hand.]
PRIEST: May I have the rings?
[Patamon flies up, holding the pillow. The priest takes the rings and hands one to TK.]
PRIEST: Place this ring on Kari's finger and say 'With this ring, I thee wed.'
TK: With this ring, I thee wed.
[The priest hands the other ring to Kari.]
PRIEST: Place this ring on TK's finger and say 'With this ring, I thee wed.'
KARI: With this ring, I thee wed.
PRIEST: I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
[TK lifts the veil, pulls Kari to him and kisses her as the audience claps and stands.]
PRIEST: May I present Mr. and Mrs. Takaishi!
[TK clasps Kari's hand and leads her down the aisle. Patamon and Gatomon follow with Mimi and Matt, Sora and Tai, and Ken and Yolei behind them.]
[At the party in a hotel ballroom, TK and Kari are on the dance floor, looking into each other's eyes. Ken and Yolei, Tai and Sora, Matt and his girlfriend and most of the other guests are dancing too. Mimi and Joe were standing to the side conversing quietly. Joe was shaking his head until Mimi grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. Davis was happily talking to Lily, who obviously liked him. Izzy and Willis were working with Izzy's digital camera and laptop, Michael and Cody were conversing about the Digital World days, while twelve of the fourteen digimon were either dancing and/or having refreshments. Sitting in a chair on the other side of the room, the other two digimon, Patamon and Gatomon were eating the wedding cake. Since they couldn't use a knife, they used their hands/paws and piled some cake onto two plates for themselves. They were happily eating until the music stopped and TK and Kari headed over to cut the cake.]
TK: Patamon and Gatomon. Did you cut the cake?
GATOMON: No.
PATAMON: We can't use a knife, so we used our hands and paws.
[Everyone around is trying not to laugh, while the two digimon look down sadly.]
PATAMON: We were hungry and the cake was just sitting there.
GATOMON: We didn't mean any harm. Besides, it was so tempting.
KARI: Well, this is sort of their wedding, too, TK.
TK: You're right. All right, you two. There's just one thing to do.
[Patamon and Gatomon's faces fell even more.]
TK: And that's to do the same thing to Kari!
KARI: Huh?
[TK picks up some cake with his hand and pushes it into Kari's mouth. Kari then grabs some cake and pushes it into TK's mouth. The crowd breaks up, laughing, as the two newlyweds wipe cake off of each other and the two digimon do the same thing, putting cake into each other's mouths.]
[A couple hours later, and a bath for the two digimon, TK and Kari made their way through the crowd of friends and relatives to the waiting white limo. Reaching the limo, Kari turned around and threw her bouquet right up into the air. It sailed over heads when an orange streak grabbed the flowers, flew to the limo, and handed the flowers to a white kitty.]
PATAMON: Here, Gatomon. These are for you.
GATOMON: Thank you, Patamon!
[Gatomon leaned over and gave him a big kiss. Amid the cheers, and some happy tears, TK, Kari, Patamon, and Gatomon climbed into the limo and waved as the limo drove towards the docks where the cruise ship was, for their honeymoon.
THE END
Note: Kari's wedding dress is actually my dream dress and can be found on the cover of the December 2001/January 2002 edition of Bride's magazine.