Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Digi-Rella ❯ Chapter 1

Digi-rella: A Tale of Woe

Hi everybody! I thought I'd take a break from my novel Perfect Flaws and write a little fairy tale! This is my 1st time writing in a play/movie-type format. I think it came out well.

BTW, notice these * in italics? There to indicate the digimon's 'ad-libs'.

A.S.D.A

Cast of Characters

Palmon= The lovely Digi-rella
Gabumon= The handsome Prince Gabu
Gomamon= Goma, the prince's faithful squire
Biyomon= Widow Biyo, the wicked step-mother
Tentomon = Fairy Tentomon
Gatomon= Wicked stepsister#1
Patamon = Wicked stepsister#2
Agumon= King Agu
Digitamamon= The fruit vendor
Gennai= The palace doorman
Centauarmon- The Honor guardsman

Once upon a time, in a far-away dimension called the Digital World, there lived a pretty young digimon named Palmon. She lived in a beautiful cottage that was surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Palmon used to be very happy living there. She grew up with two very loving parents named Matt and Mimi. Mimi was a wonderful mother to Palmon, and they loved each other very much.

Then one day tragedy came to call. Mimi grew very sick, and eventually passed away. Matt decided to remarry, to give Palmon a maternal figure to finish growing up with. Unfortunately, the great pain left by his first wife's death made him blind to the true heart of others', and he was bamboozled into marrying a beautiful widow who had two younger daughters whose beauty was lessened by the young girl. The widow Biyomon hated the pretty flower, but hid this from her new husband, and secretly plotted against her.

Once again tragedy made a house call when the Unimon Matt was riding suddenly shied, throwing him to the ground and instantly killing him. Palmon mourned the loss of her family and sought solace in the arms of her step-family.

But the widow Biyomon began to show her true colors. She had managed to convince Matt that the family fortunes should go to her, leaving Palmon penniless and utterly dependent on their goodwill. The step-family began to treat her as a servant, allowing her the merest rags to dress in, making her eat whatever scraps they left behind. But Palmon's heart was so sincere, she could not bring herself to hate them, even when they gave her the cruel nickname: Digi-rella. This went one for many years, until one day....

Digi-rella

On this day, the young Prince Gabu was wandering along the palace garden maze with his faithful squire and friend-

*Gomamon(waving flipper): "Hi!"*

*Gabumon(kicking Goma in the side): "Hush!"*

*Gomamon- "Ow! Sorry!"*

-trying to find a way to amuse himself. He was bored with the endless socials and heads-of-state meetings his father King Agumon dragged him to-

*Gabumon: "Boy am I ever!"*

*Gomamon(smacking Gabu with a flipper): "Now who's talking?"*

*Gabumon: "Grrrrr...."*

-when suddenly a whimsical thought crossed his mind.-

Gabu- "Say, I know! Let's just leave the castle!"

Goma- "Wha-? Just like that? Do u have any idea how long it'll take me to round up and groom your unimon, gather your entourage, pick out your travel clothes-"

Gabu- "We won't have to go through any of that. We'll just sneak ourselves out!"

Goma(blinking)- "Sneak out? Without a proper guard?! And just how are we supposed to do that? Dress like commoners?

-The squire stared at the smile spreading across his prince's face.-

Goma- "Oh no!"

Gabu- "Oh yes! That's exactly what we're going to do! We'll walk around the marketplace and sneak back before anyone will notice."

Goma(shaking his head)- "But it's so risky. If your father finds out-"

Gabu- "He won't. Trust me."

-And so the prince and his squire obtained the necessary wear and headed out to mingle with the peasant folk. Prince Gabu marveled at the novelty of being unrecognized and hassle-free, playing with the in-training digimon and flirting freely with the village women, while Squire Goma frantically tried to keep his wits trying to reign in his charge.

Goma- "I'd never thought I'd be saying this, but can you please be more serious? If we get caught-"

Gabu- "Oh, lighten up, will you Goma? No one knows me from Adammon out here."

-He grabbed a juicy apple from a vendor's pile and absently walked off, taking a ravenous bite. Walking around was giving him an appetite.-

Vendor- "Hey! You gotta pay for those apples!"

Gabu- "Huh? What's that? Oh, of course.(Dismissing the 'mon with a wave of his paw) Pay the 'mon, Goma."

Goma(weakly)- "I-I haven't any money left."

Gabu- "No money?! How-?"

Goma(pointing to the large bag of items he was carrying)- "You spent it on all this stuff, remember?"

Gabu- "Oh. So I did. Oh well. I'll pay you later then."

-The vendor was understandably upset by this statement.-

Vendor(leaping in front of the prince): "Hey! I don't give credit! I want my money now!"

-Prince Gabu was surprised by this treatment, used to being treated with respect and dignity. He was the Prince, after all.-

Gabu- "Now see here you-"

Goma: "Shh! If you reveal you're identity we'll be in great danger!"

Vendor- "Pay up you cheapskate!!"

-Prince Gabu turned angrily towards the vendor, preparing a venomous onslaught for insulting royal blood. As fury coursed through his veins, a small green hand made it's appearance between them-

Digi-rella(holding out a few coins)- "Here you go."

-The three digi-males blinked in surprise. They all turned towards the hand's owner. The small, filthy creature smiled warmly at the vendor.-

Digi-rella- "This should cover the cost of the apple. Really vendor, you should have more patience with your customers. I'm sure this gentleman would have paid."

Goma- "Yeah!"

Vendor- "Oh, it's you, Digi-rella. Well, I suppose your money's good.(turning to the disguised Prince) But don't let me catch you or your little web-footed friend around my shop again, you hear?! Or I'll get you thrown in the king's dungeon! I have connections, you know!"

Goma- "I do not have webbed feet! These are flip-mmph!"

Gabu(dragging him away, one paw over his mouth)- "Let's go, Goma...."

-The vendor, still grumbling, waddled behind his stand and made a big show over counting his money, throwing dirty looks at the disguised pair as they walked off. Prince Gabu ran after the digi-girl before she disappeared into the crowd.-

Gabu- "Please, wait! Miss, please?!"

-He sprinted up to her, ignoring his overburdened squire's cries. Finally, she heard him and slowed down to a halt, a surprised look on her smudged face.-

Digi-rella- "Yes?"

Gabu(panting)- "I *gasp* wanted to *pant* wanted to thank you for your *gasp* kindness.

Digi-rella(giggling)- "Think nothing of it, sir. And don't worry-the vendor doesn't really have any connections to the Palace. That's just a show."

Gabu- "Yes, I know."

Digi-rella(confused)- "You do?"

Gabu- "Er-I mean...I, uh...(quickly changes subject) So why did you do it? You don't even know me. I'm a total stranger, not even from around here."

Digi-rella- "I figured you were. That's why I did it."

Gabu- "Well then I must repay your kindness. I have purchased many lovely items-you may choose whichever you wish."

Digi-rella- "Thank you. But I really don't need anything."

Gabu(confused)- "But-but it's the least I can do!"

Digi-rella- "Perhaps it is. But I did what did for no reward but my own."

Gabu- "And what reward is that?"

Digi-rella(giggling)- "Why, my reward is my heart telling me I've done the right thing! Now, good sir, I must bid you good day. Till we meet again!"

Goma- "Hey! Gabu! Where are you? Wait up!"

-The prince turned around and sighed exasperatingly at his wayward attendant. When he turned back, she had vanished into the crowd. Prince Gabu stared at the spot where the enchanting creature had stood moments before.

He'd never met anyone like her. Judging by her ragged appearance, she had very little in the way of worldly goods. And yet she gave up what little money she had to help him, and asked for nothing in return. She knew nothing about him, yet treated him as a friend, defending his honor even!

She fascinated him, she enchanted him. His heart beat faster as his mind recalled her warm emerald eyes and sincere smile. He had to find her, know who she was. He began to force his way through the crowds, craning his neck for any glimpse of her.-

Goma- "Gabu! Gabu, stop! Wait!"

-Snarling, the young prince complied, still straining to see her. The squire ran up, fear in his eyes as he tried to balance his sack.-

Goma- "Your Majesty, we've got trouble!"

Gabu(attention caught)- "What? Trouble? In what way?"

Goma- "Several of the King's honor guard just entered the market. They'll know us, disguised or not! If they see us..."

Gabu(considerably upset)- "Yes, yes I know. Just give me another minute to find her...."

Goma- "We haven't time! They're almost here! We've got to leave now!"

-The lovestruck digi-male reluctantly agreed, and the duo slipped among the stands and shops, bypassing the main path. At one point, they came very close to being caught-one of the honor guard walked in their direction, but was stopped by a peddler. They ran quickly past him and managed to make it back to the palace safely. As the months passed, the prince never forgot the kind-hearted girl, but he could never find enough time to sneak back to marketplace to look for her again.-

*Palmon- "Aw, how sad!"*

*Gabumon- "Shh! Palmie!"*

*Palmon- "Oops! Sorry!"*

-And that would've been the end of our tale, if not for the King. King Agu was a just king, but he was growing older. Soon it would be time for his son to take his place, and have an heir of his own. He increased the number of social functions he forced his son to attend, and made sure every available noblewoman was there. But Prince Gabu made no attempt to court or romance any of them, and tried to spend as much time as possible riding with his squire Goma-

*Agumon(teasingly)- "Riding with squire Goma, eh?"*

*Gabumon- "Grrr...."*

*Gomamon- "Hey! Just stick to the script!"*

-And so he decided more drastic measures were to be taken. He called in the young male to the throne room. Prince Gabu went in warily-

*Gomamon- "The smell was often unbearable."*

*Agumon- 'Hey! Shut up!"*

*Gomamon- "Serves you right after that last crack!"*

*Agumon- "Why you-"*

*Palmon(stage whisper)- "Agumon it's your line!"*

*Agumon- "Oops, sorry!"*

-and was not reassured by the presence of all the King's advisors present. He screwed up his courage and waited for his father to speak.-

Agu- "My son, I am getting on in years, and soon this crown and its responsibilities will fall upon your shoulders. You will also need an heir to keep our lineage going, and for that, you will need a mate."

Gabu- "Yes father, I just haven't found the right one yet."

Agu(dryly)- "I can see that. But you have gone and dismissed every digi-womon of noble blood in the city. What is a king supposed to do?"

Gabu(hopefully)- "Make a decree that the prince should marry a maiden from the village?"

Agu(snorting)- "Good one! But seriously, my advisors and I have agreed that we will throw a huge ball, and invite every noble from the countryside of File Island. Surely then will we find your 'dream girl'. Doesn't that sound like fun?"

-Prince Gabu hung his head. He'd hoped his father would have taken his request seriously. But the king had though it a joke, and now was inviting everyone on the island to increase his humiliation and despair!-

Gabu- "Yes, father."

Agu- "Good. Then it's settled. I'll have the messengers go out A.S.A.P. We'll party like there's no tomorrow, and we'll do it until you find a bride. Dismissed."

-Prince Gabu sadly walked back to his room, leaving his father and the advisors to quibble about the ball's details. When he got there, he slammed the door and flopped on his bed, the very picture of despair. He curled up into a ball, trying to escape into the oblivion of sleep, when there was a knock upon the door.-

Gabu(angrily)- "Go away!"

Goma(knocking again)- "Hey, it's me! Lemme in, Gabu!"

-With an annoyed sigh, he got up and let the seal digimon in. Without even a hello, he turned and flopped back on the bed.-

Goma- "Well, hello to you to, Happy!"

Gabu- "Leave me alone, Goma. I'm in no mood for your wisecracks!"

Goma(nodding): "So I noticed. What the heck did the king say that upset you so bad, anyway?"

Gabu- "Oh, not much. Just that he wants to see me married to some noblewomon and that he's decided to invite all of File Island to see it happen, that's all."

Goma(whistling)- "Whoa, all the island? Well, you know, you are the prince. It's your duty to be a king, and your father only wants to know your future-"

Gabu- "His future!"

Goma- "<sigh>. His future is secured. But think of the bright side! There's gonna be some real cuties at the party!"

-The digi-male sighed sadly and went to look out the window. If he craned his neck around the corner, he could just make out the market square. He stared in silence for a few moments, unshed tears welling in his eyes.-

Gabu(softly)- "But I won't love any of them."

Goma- "Oh, you don't know that! You can't possibly be sure-(staring at the still silent figure in front of him)...Oh no! You aren't possibly still thinking of that ragamuffin from the market, are you?!"

Gabu- "Don't call her that!"

Goma- "Ah, so you are thinking of her! (gently) Look, your majesty..."

Gabu- "I know what you're going to say. I'm a prince, heir to the throne, and she's just some stray peasant girl. But...<sigh>. I can't help it. My heart was lost to her the moment I looked into her eyes."

*Palmon- "Aw! How sweet!"*

*Gomamon- "Ahem?!"*

*Palmon(blushing)- "Sorry! I got carried away!"*

Goma- "But you know nothing about her!"

Gabu- "I know her name is Digi-rella. I know she has the purest heart I've ever seen. I know I love her. That's all I need to know."

-He returned his gaze to the window. Goma looked sadly at his friend and prince. He knew that Gabu was speaking truthfully, for he'd never seen him so forlorn. He had to cheer him up, but how?-

Goma- "Don't lose hope, my friend. Perhaps she'll be at the ball too."

Gabu(giving a withering glance)- "Goma, only nobles will be allowed to attend, remember? My father won't let any commoners in."

Goma- "Well, maybe she's a noble too!"

Gabu- "Wandering around the market in filthy rags? I highly doubt it."

Goma- "And why not? We did it!"

Gabu(smiling wistfully)- "Too much to hope for."

-Meanwhile, the king's royal messengers were busy scouring the countryside, handing out gilded invitations to the servants of those considered worthy. Merchants made quick bucks selling rare silks, brocades, jewels and sequins to the tailors and cobblers, who were quickly being overwhelmed by orders for elaborate, expensive outfits. Flowers were shipped in by the cartful, and artisans and decorators were called in to transform the Great Hall into something spectacular. Cooks and Master Chefs came from all over, tasting and testing various dishes of succulent fish, vegetables, and meat. Whatever the outcome of the gala event, they all agreed, it was certainly no hindrance to their business.

One invite in particular carried special significance. It was delivered to little Digi-rella, who excitedly ran to her step-mother and step-sisters to relay the happy news.-

*Biyomon(pouting)- "Why am I a bad guy? I'm too nice to be a villian!"*

*Patamon(sulking)- "At least you look okay in a dress!"*

*Gatomon- "Whaddya mean? You look fine."*

*Patamon- Gatomon, I'm a boy"*

Digi-rella- "Step-mother! Step-mother! Come quickly!"

Biyo- "What is it, you little weed? I'm busy with my beautiful daughters!"

Digi-rella- "But step-mother! The most wonderful thing just came in the mail! The king is giving a ball! And all digimon of noble birth are invited!"

Biyo(snippishly)- "Really? The prince must have found himself a bride."

Digi-rella- "No, actually it's....it's to find a royal bride!"

-The wicked trio squealed excitedly at this turn of events, and snatched the letter from the girl's paw.-

Gato- "Oh, mother! It's next week! How will we ever find the right dresses in time?!"

Biyo(soothingly)- "Don't worry, dear daughter. We have the money and the means to get just what we need in plenty of time. Now let's get started, for soon we all will be dancing with the Prince himself!"

Digi-rella- "I can't wait!"

-The trio stopped talking and glared at Digi-rella.-

Biyo- "And what makes you think you're going, little weed?"

Digi-rella(weakly)- "Why-why in the letter....it says...."

Biyo- "Spit it out!"

Digi-rella(growing bolder)- "It says 'those of noble blood.' I am a noble too, therefore I am invited as well."

-The wicked widow sneered in contempt. It was true-Digi-rella was of blood as noble as her own two daughters. But she was certainly not going to let that fact get in her way.-

Biyo- "Well, I don't know if you will be able to go."

Digi-rella- "Oh please, step-mother! Let me go!"

Gato- "What makes you think you have a chance with the prince? Especially since I'm going to be there."

Digi-rella- "Oh, I've no doubt about that, dear step-sister! You're certain to win his heart with your grace."

Gato(preening contentedly)- "Purrrr. Of course I will, stupid. But you still haven't answered my question."

Pata- "Yeah! Why d'ya wanna go if you're not after the prince?"

Digi-rella- "<sigh>! I just want to wear a pretty dress and dance in the Great Hall of the palace! My father used to tell me such wonderful stories about it!"

-She twirled around the room as she spoke, lost in the memories of happier times. The widow Biyo's face grew dark as she observed the young girl's innocent beauty. An idea sprung to mind, and she crossed the room, grabbing Digi-rella by the arm roughly.

Biyo(mock sweetness)- "Do you really want to go to the ball, Digi-rella?"

Digi-rella(startled)- "W-why yes step-mother. With all my heart."

Biyo- "Then you may go."

Step-sisters- "WHAT?!"

Digi-rella- "Really?!"

Biyo- "Provided that you find a decent enough outfit, finish your chores, and make sure all you affairs are in order."

Digi-rella- "Are you truly serious step-mother?"

Biyo- "Why yes! I give you my word."

Digi- "Oh, of course! Thank you step-mother! Thank you!"

*Biyomon- "Hey, this 'being evil' stuff is kinda fun!"*

*Gatomon- "You're a natural, Biyomon!"*

*Biyomon(hamming it up)- "Quiet, you peasant! I'm acting!"*

*Gatomon- "Why you little-"*

*Agumon- "Now let's not get carried away girls!"*

*Girls- "Sorry.*

-Now the widow Biyo had no real intention of letting Digi-rella go to the ball. So she doubled her workload, easy enough with her daughter's constant demands for assistance as they planned their ensembles. So imagine her surprise the night of the ball as Digi-rella eagerly walked up in a dress once belonging to her mother Mimi.-

Digi-rella- "Well, what do you think, step-mother? Is my dress pretty? Is my hair all right?"

Biyo- "How-how did you ever manage to finish your chores?!"

Digi-rella- "Oh, don't worry about that. True to out bargain, I made sure I finished everything!"

Biyo- "Everything? Did you sweep the basement?

Digi- "Yup!"

Biyo- "Polish the silver? Clean the oven?"

Digi- "Uh-huh!"

Biyo- "Dust the attic?!"

Digi- "Twice!"

-The bird digimon stood in horror as her plan apparently blew up in her face. Cruel as she was to Digi-rella, she was still a womon of honor, and she had given her word. Digi-rella would go to the ball.

But then her brain thought of a loophole...-

Biyo(mock kindness)- "Then you may come too! Oh! One last thing! May I have the coins you owe me from the market?"

Digi(confused, wary)- "What? What coins?"

Biyo- "Why you remember dearie. Just a few months back, when I sent you to the market and you said you had lost them?"

-Tears began to well up as Digi-rella remembered the incident with the stranger and the apple vendor.-

Digi- "But...I-I don't have any money...."

Biyo- "Oh dear, that's too bad! I did tell you to you had to get your affairs in order before I could let you go. As you have not cleared up this debt-"

Digi- "But that's not fair!"

Biyo- "Life's not fair, my dear little weed. As I was saying, you can not go. Ta-ta!"

-Her step-sisters sniggered at Digi-rella's pleas. She tugged on her step-mother's hem, begging for her to reconsider. Then, to add insult to injury, the widow kicked her off roughly, flinging the little flower into a mud puddle face first.-

Biyo(laughing cruelly)- "Well, little weed, looks like you've gone and violated the second part of our agreement! You'll never be let into the ball with a dress like that!"

Gato- "See ya in the morning, Digi-rella!"

Pata- "And don't worry! I can always use a good handmaiden when I get to live at the palace!"

Gato- "You?! What makes you think the prince will choose you over me?!"

-Digi-rella could only listen to her step-sisters arguing as the coach pulled out of sight. She ran to the back gardens, where she wept bitterly, truly alone.
_._


Go on!