Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Digi-Rella ❯ Chapter 2

Digi-rella: A Tale of Woe

Our tale continues

*Tentomon(whiny)- "Why do I have to be the fairy godmother?"*

*Gomamon(annoyed at having to explain it again)- "Because only two of us could fly and Patamon looked better in the dress!"*

*Patamon- "This is 'so' not my color!"*

-So lost was she in her despair that she failed to notice the ever-growing circle of light around her. Slowly, she grew dimly aware of a presence floating patiently above her.-

Digi- "Who-who are you?"

Fairy Tentomon- "Do not be afraid, dear Palmon. I am here to help!"

Digi(with awe)- "How did you know my real name?"

Fairy Tentomon- "I know your name because I am your Fairy Tentomon. Your tears of despair have summoned me to your side in this, your hour of need. So, what's the prob?"

Digi- "Oh, Fairy Tentomon, it's so unfair! My step-mother promised me I could go to the ball if I found a nice dress, finished my chores, and put my affairs in order."

Fairy Tentomon- "Okay, I gotcha so far."

Digi- "Well, I did all that she asked, but when it was time to go, she asked for coins I owed her from months ago! Since I didn't have any money, she said I couldn't go, (breaking into fresh sobs) and-and then she wouldn't listen to me, and she kicked me into the mud!"

-Poor Digi-rella threw herself on Fairy Tentomon, who awkwardly tried to keep his balance and comfort her at the same time.-

Fairy Tentomon- "Well, don't worry Palmon. We'll get you to the ball in style, so you can have your chance at the prince's hand."

Digi(sniffing)- "Oh, I don't want to go to the ball to get married! I just want to dance in the Great Hall like my father always wanted me to."

Fairy Tentomon(incredulous)- "You're not after the prince?! The most eligible and most powerful bachelor in town?!"

Digi- "Uh-uh."

Fairy Tentomon- "Well why ever not?"

-Blushing, Digi-rella pulled away from the bug guardian. Dreamily she began to walk along the garden path, the insect hovering just above and behind.-

Digi- "Because I'm in love with someone else."

Fairy Tentomon- "I see. Well, what's his name? Maybe I can find him in time to be an escort."

Digi- "Well....I-I don't know his name. I only met him once, in the market. He was having some trouble with one of the vendors over some cash, so I gave him some of my step-mother's coins."

Fairy Tentomon- "And would these be the same coins she held over your head as an excuse not to go?"

Digi(sadly)- "Yeah. I told her I lost them so as not to get in too much trouble. She would have been furious if she knew I'd given them to a complete stranger."

Fairy Tentomon- "All right, but-"

Digi- "I know what you're going to say. How can I be in love with someone I've only met once, know nothing about-"

Fairy Tentomon- "-And will probably never see again..."

-Digi-rella stopped and stared dreamily at the just-visible twinkling lights of the castle.-

Digi- "Oh, I'll see him again. Our hearts will find each other again, of that you can be sure of."

-The Fairy Tentomon stared silently at the lovestruck digi-girl. Then he sighed and shook his head.-

Fairy Tentomon- "All right. Crazy as it sounds, I believe you. But let's take care of one dream at a time, shall we? first, we need to fix up your dress. Ready? Super-shocker!"

-A bolt of white lightning emanated from the bug and sped towards the little flower. She barely had time to blink before it engulfed her wholly.-

Digi- "YEOUCH!!"

Fairy Tentomon- "Sorry about that. I had the voltage up a little too high."

Digi(irked)- "Ya think?"

Fairy Tentomon- "Well, what d'ya think?"

-She gasped with joy as she looked down at her new dress. It was a soft pink satin that shimmered under the moonlight. Iridescent tulle puffs sparkled on her shoulders and formed a kind of cape around her waist(a/n: SM fans: think of Sailor Moon's outfit and lengthen the skirt). She watched as her fairy Tentomon Super-Shocked a pumpkin into a beautiful coach, and six innocently sleeping Chuumon into four pink steeds and two coachmen.-

Digi- "It's all so beautiful! Thank you!"

Fairy Tentomon- "Hey! Watch your feet! You only get one pair of shoes!"

Digi- "Huh?"

-She pulled up the hem of her skirt and noticed for the first time that she was wearing glass slippers.-

Digi- "Why glass?"

Fairy Tentomon- "It's just kind of a fairy thing. But never mind that! You'll be late!"

Digi- "Gosh! You're right! I'd better get a move on! Thanks again! Ta-ta!"

Fairy Tentomon- "Wait! One last thing! You have to leave before the last stroke of midnight, or else you'll be walking home in a muddy dress with six sleepy chuumon!"

Digi- "But why? Lemme guess-one of those 'fairy things' again?"

Fairy Tentomon- "You guessed it! But hey, don't let it stop you from having a good time! Bye!"

-Digi-rella waved goodbye and rode off, excited and happy. The same could not be said of a certain prince, who stared out his window at the procession of coaches filled with tittering noble digimon. Growling, he turned away in disgust.-

Gabu- "Listen to them! They're giggling is so high-pitched it hurts my ears even from up here!"

Goma- "Yeah, mine too. But try to be optimistic, my prince."

Gabu(angrily)- "About what? Whether I like it or not, by the time this horrid night is over, I'll be forced to choose on of those shrieking baboonmons as a mate! <sigh>I wish Digi-rella were coming...."

Goma(sternly)- "Well she's not, and you'll have to get over it! Now c'mon, It's time for the King's proclamation!"

Gabu- "Oh yippie-skippie! My daddy's going to sound my death knell! Whho-hoo, I can hardly wait!"

Goma- "No need to be so sarcastic! you knew the job had risks when you took it!'

-Ignoring his friends grumbles and groans, the squire ushered his charge out of the room and slowly down the stairs to the Great Hall. There, they both caught their breath. The Hall had been utterly transformed. The air was perfumed with the scent of a thousand exotic flowers, competing only with the delicious aromas of various platters of food on a mile long buffet table. Geckomon and Otomon were onstage, playing a delicate waltz while seated next to a waterfall. Nobles kept time with the gentle refrains, a kaleidoscope of color with every step. Dressed in stern black and white, Gabu noticed, the caterers danced to their own beat, weaving in, out, and around the dancers carrying hors d'oeurves and drinks on heavy platters. While they're dance was quicker, it somehow still managed to complement the slow waltz.-

Gabu- "Amazing!"

Goma- "Absolutely breathtaking!"

-The prince's mood turned sour suddenly as a page whispered in his ear. He stiffly walked over to King Agu, who grinned greedily and elbowed his son's arm.-

Agu- "Well, what do you think, my son?"

Gabu- 'You've really outdone yourself, Father. The Hall has never looked better!"

Agu(snorting)- "Who cares about that? I was talking about the your selection of potential mates! So many pretty young females! You're really going to have a bear of a time choosing!"

Gabu(with a pained expression)- "Yes, Father...."

Agu(standing)- "Attention! Attention please! First, we'd like to thank all of you for coming to our little gala."

-Like the seasoned pro he was, he allowed the applause to continue for several moments before holding up his paws for silence.-

*Gomamon- 'That's cuz he's such a showoff!"*

*Gabumon(with a side kick)- "Shh!"*

Agu- "Now our son, Prince Gabu, will begin the ceremonies with the first dance! Prince?"

-Groaning inwardly, Prince Gabu forced a smile on his face as he walked towards the line of hyper young females frantically shoving each other aside for a better position. He walked toward the first womon in line, and held out his hand. Then he had to keep from rolling his eyes in disgust as a she-cat roughly shoved the girl to the floor, and demurely took her place. He could hear Goma's stifled laughter as the couple passed, and made a mental note to beat the crap out of him later.-

Gabu(politely mechanical)- "And pray, with whom do I have the honor of this dance?"

Gato- "My name is Gatomon Ishita, my lord. Of the house of Ishita."

-Reaching the center of the floor, he could feel the expectant eyes of the crowd as they awaited his cue. He bowed to the cat, she curtsied back, the music started, and the gala began.-

Digi(panting slightly)- "Am I too late? Is the ball over?"

-Digi-rella stood in front of the doorman, and elderly, regal fellow with a bushy mustache and a big nose-

Doorman- "Why no, not at all. It's only just begun!"

Digi- "Thank goodness! Would you be so kind as to direct the way?"

Doorman- "Why yes! Go through the door and make a left, then a right at the first hallway. You can't miss it!"

Digi(running off)- "Thank you!"

Doorman- "Wait a moment young lady! I need to check your invitation!"

-A surge of panic ran through Digi-rella. Her step-mother had the invitation! How would she get in?-

Digi- "I-invitation? Well, s-surely I look like a noble!"

Doorman- "Of course you do! But I need your name so you can be properly announced! (suspiciously) You do have an invitation, don't you?"

Digi(nervously)- "Well, sure! Every noble got one! I-I'm sure I have it somewhere...."

Fairy Tentomon- "Super Shocker!!"

-Digi-rella looked up in surprise, first at the extra crispy Doorman, then at her fairy Tentomon, who mimed her to hurry up. She waved a thank you and scampered off through the door to the ball.-

*Tentomon- "Sorry Gennai. I think I've still got the voltage on a little high."*

*Gennai- "Ooo, s-su-r-re, n-no pr-robl-em m-mommy......(passes out)"*

*Tentomon- "<sigh>. MEDIC!"*

-The young prince stifled a yawn. He'd been dancing for almost an hour and a half, and never with the same womon twice. His feet hurt, and he was incredibly bored. The dance never varied: step in, step out, twirl around, and hand off your partner for someone else. And he had long since stopped listening to their ceaseless babble; that never changed either. It was always how much their dress cost, how the other females' lineages were somehow 'tainted', how many rooms they're castle had. He made noncommittal sounds at what he thought were the appropriate moments, and tried to invent an excuse to leave this ceaseless torture.

Then, mid-step, he saw her. His sudden stop caused his latest partner to crash into the next couple. The sudden loud murmurs of the crowd caught the king's attention, and he turned in time to see his young son barreling through the masses, a determined look on his face as he headed towards the doors. He held his breath and made the musicians pause. could this be it? he thought as Prince Gabu slowed.

Digi-rella marveled at the beauty before her. It was as magical an experience as her father Matt had promised, and more so. The sweet smells, the gentle music....a caterer offered her champagne in a crystal flute, and she sipped it delightedly. She wandered about a little more, enjoying the decor, till she was aware that the musicians had stopped playing. She turned, wondering what was going on...and was suddenly face-to-face with the most incredibly handsome mon she'd ever seen.-

Gabu(softly)- "May I please have this dance?"

Digi- "What?"

Gabu- "I said, may I please have the honor of this dance?"

-He spoke gently as he stepped toward her. She could not seem to tear away from his intense gaze. His eyes were the most unusual shade: a kind of ruby brown...He was mere feet away from her now, and she idly wondered how she was still breathing. The mon carefully reached out and removed the flute from her hand, where it was spirited away by some unseen soul. He took her now free hand and began to lead her to the ballroom floor. The digi-male bowed deeply, and she automatically curtsied back. He wrapped his other hand around her waist, the king signaled the band, and the pair began to dance-

"Watching every motion,
In my foolish lover's game.
On this endless ocean,
Finally lovers know no shame.
Turning and returning to
some secret place inside.
Watching in slow motion
As you turn around and say:
Take my breath away...

Gabu- 'How true."

Digi- "I beg pardon?"

Gabu- "You take my breath away."

-She blushed and dipped her head. Growing bolder, she took a step in and rested her head on the handsome mon's chest. She felt his smile, and him resting his chin lightly on her head.-

Watching I keep waiting
Still anticipating love.
Never hesitating
To become the fated one.
Turning and returning
To some secret place to cry.
Watching in slow motion
As you turn to me and say:
Take my breath away

-They danced for hours more, unmindful of the fact that King Agu had instructed the bandleader to play the same song over and over for fear of breaking any spell love had finally managed snare his stubborn son with.

Their endless waltz did not please everyone, however.-

Gato: "That-that floozy!! What can the prince *possibly* see in her? I'm *twice* as graceful as her! I have more charm and style in my whisker than she has in her entire body!"

Pata: "Jealous, are we?"

Gato(hissing)- "Grrr! I'll show you whose jealous, you flying pork roast!"

Pata(loud enough to catch some of the other guests' attention)- "I am not a pig!!"

Biyo- "Quiet, both of you! Put those claws away and act like ladies, you brats!"

Both- "Sorry mother..."

Biyo- "Good, now shut up! I'm trying to figure out where I know that girl from..."

Through the hourglass I saw you
In time you slipped away.
When the mirror crashed I called youi
And turned to hear you say
If only for today
I am unafraid.

Gabu- "I feel as if I've known you forever. Have-have we met before?"

Digi- "Perhaps..In a dream?"

Gabu- "A dream...(shaking his head) No. Somewhere in the waking world, I think. But you're not from around here, are you? Surely you've fallen from the heavens themselves?"

Digi(blushing coyly)- "You flatter me sir. I am as mortal as you, that is, if you *are* of flesh and blood and not an Angemon in disguise."

Gabu(chuckling)- "Now you flatter me, little one? But seriously, where did you come from?"

Digi(nervously)- "Why do you wish to know, good sir?"

Gabu- "So that I may ask your parents for your hand in marriage."

-Digi-rella gasped in surprise and leapt back. Guiltily she remembered her love from the market. If she said yes, she would never see him again! A single tear of shame slid down her cheek.-

Digi(whispering)- "Good sir, I cannot!"

-Prince Gabu felt like an icicle had been run through his chest. She was the one, he knew it! She had to be! Holding her had been the first thing that had felt right in his entire life!-

Gabu(upset)- "Y-you cannot? What do you mean, 'You cannot'?!"

Digi(upset)- "I'm so sorry. I just-"

Gabu(hurt, holding back tears)- "I demand an explanation! Why can't you marry me?!"

Digi(crying)- "Oh please understand! I just can't! You see..."

-At that moment, the sound of a large gong filled the room, drowning out all other sound. Digi-rella looked at the clocktower-it was already midnight! Horrified, she picked up her skirt and ran, the prince a few moments behind.

Gabu(desperate)- "WAIT!! STOP!! Where are you going?!"

Digi- "I'm sorry! I have to go now!"

Gabu- 'What?! Why?!"

Digi- "I'm sorry!"

-She ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Taking the stairs too fast, she tripped over her hem, and tumbled to the ground.-

Digi- "Ow!"

Goma(concerned)- "Hey! Are you okay miss? Wait, I'll help you up!"

Gabu(panicked)- "GOMA!! STOP HER!!"

Goma- "Huh?"

-Digi-rella took advantage of the situation, thrusting herself off the ground and into her coach in two bounds. With a cry of dismay she realized she'd lost one slipper, but nothing could be done about that now. She urged the enchanted chuumon to go even faster. She stole a look out the side window. He was standing there, unmoving, tears streaming down his face as he watched her leave. She quickly yanked down the privacy curtain and wept.-

Watching every motion
In this foolish lover's game.
Haunted by the notion
Somewhere there's a love in flames.
Turning and returning
To some secret place to cry.
Watching in slow motion
As you turn my way
And say:
Take my breath away.

Gabu(whispering tearfully)- "And just like that....she did....."

Goma- 'I'm so sorry, my prince! She moved too quickly for me! Um, shouldn't we be going after her?"

Gabu- "You can't follow an angel back to heaven, Goma."

Goma(smirking)- 'Angels don't leave mementos."

Gabu(confused)- "What?"

-The loyal seal pulled out a delicate object and held it up to reveal a glass slipper.-

Goma- "Her shoe lost it's mate."

-Prince Gabu's eyes widened as her realized what his squire was saying. Her shoe. She left her shoe. And it was made of glass! How many digimon had glass shoes? He snatched it from Goma's flipper and held it like it would shatter any moment. He looked at his friend.-

Gabu- "Tell my father to meet me in twenty minutes."

*Patamon- "Phew! Thank goodness *that's* over with. Now get me outta this dress!"*

*Gatomon(teasingly)- "I think you look pretty good in it."*

*Patamon- "Grrrr!"*

*Gennai- "And anyway we've still got one more scene to do, so you'll have to wear your other dress!"*

*Patamon(horrified)- "WHAT?!"*

_._

Agu- "Now let me get this straight. You fall for a girl you know nothing about, and ask her to marry you. She refuses, runs off, and leaves behind this glass shoe. And now you want to traipse willy-nilly around File Island on the off chance you'll find her again?!"

Gabu- "That's right, Father."

-King Agu stared at his son, torn between emotions. Should he tell his son it was useless, that he'd most likely never find her, and even if he did, she might break his heart again? Then again, he mused, he hadn't seen this much drive in his son's eyes since he was told that, as the next in line to the throne, it was his duty to marry as soon as possible. He met the young mon's eyes a few minutes more, then sighed as he came to his decision.-

Agu- "<sigh>. Gabu, if this is what you truly want, then I will allow it."

Gabu(happily)- "It is Father. Thank you for understanding."

-The benevolent king blushed, pleased with himself, and waved away the compliment with a smile.-

Agu- 'You forget, I was young and in love myself once. But how will you know when you've found her?"

Goma- "For starters, your majesty, she'll have the other shoe in her possession."

Gabu(dreamily)- "And my heart will know her."

-The other two males exchanged dubious looks behind the prince's back, but said nothing. A little while later, a small task force headed up by Prince Gabu left the castle gate and headed to town. Goma sat behind the prince on his unimon, carefully guarding the slipper, and flanked on both sides by an honor guard.-

Agu(encouragingly)- 'Good luck, my son! May your journey be short and fruitful!"

Gabu- "Good-bye Father! And thank you!"

-While this wasn't exactly a secret mission, they had sent no announcers before them. When a member of royalty goes off to search for his lost love, word tends to get around pretty quickly on it's own. By the time the entourage reached the market square, most of the female population was already there, having primped and prettied as fast as they could.
They were pushing and shoving at each other, noble and commoner alike, like houndmons waiting to be released after an injured foxmon. Prince Gabu remembered seeing the same behavior at the ball, and wondered what kind of tales mothers told their daughters for them to be so desperate to marry someone they cared nothing for.-

Goma(confidentially)- "Umm....say, your majesty?"

Gabu- "Yes?"

Goma- "I was just curious. Why are we seeking this mystery girl? Shouldn't we be looking for the peasant Digi-rella?"

Gabu- "They are one and the same, my friend. I knew it the moment I held her in my arms."

-The little squire raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. His prince knew his heart better than anyone else. If the grungy peasant girl from the market was one with the beautiful womon from the ball, then all the better.

Guard: "My lord. No one here has possession of a glass slipper."

Gabu- "What?! No one at all? How-how is that possible?!"

Guard- "Sire, I have a theory. Perhaps the other was destroyed, either on purpose or by accident. The remaining one appears to be cast to a particular foot-perhaps we should try looking for the one it fits."

Gabu(in disbelief)- "You want us to try it at all of them?"

Goma- "You got a better way? Let's get some chairs. This is going to be a l-o-n-g day!"

-And soon the town's females, from highest lady to lowliest street-walker, was lined up and awaiting their turn at the slipper. Gabu and Goma exchanged looks. They couldn't believe how desperate the females were getting! Several times the guards arrested various low-lifes looking to make a quick buck by extorting large amounts of money selling powders 'guaranteeing' to enlarge/shrink feet, and some were even offering to hack off toes and heels with saws and butcher knives! By the end of the day, the group was exhausted and disappointed.-

Goma- "All those girls, and not one of them was a match! Are we going to have to do this in every village?"

Gabu- "I'm as tired as you. But I have to keep looking. You may leave if you wish, but I'm not going home alone!"

Goma(indignant)- "You're not searching alone either! We've been best friends for years, you really think I'd abandon you now?"

Gabu(smiling)- "Nah! You're too nice to do something like that. 'Course, my father would string you up by your heels if you went back without me!"

Goma- "Yea, that might have something to do with it too. Ha !"

-They finished packing and headed off. Meanwhile, word of the prince's journey had just reached Widow Biyo. She forced her daughters to bathe and dress in their finery quickly, saying that only some important associates were coming to tea. She made sure Digi-rella worked hard doing the grungiest, most labor-intensive jobs in double-time. She then told her to go to her little cubbyhole of a room, where the exhausted Digi-rella fell into a fast, deep sleep.

By this time, Prince Gabu and Goma were approaching the house gates. They dismounted and rang the doorbell. The wicked widow made sure her girls were ready, then rushed to the door. On the way, she made sure Digi-rella was still asleep. To be on the safe side, she locked the door and pocketed the key. With a final check in the mirror, she opened the door and pretended to be caught totally unawares-

Biyo- "Hello? Why-Your Majesty! What an honor! Pray, my lord, what brings you to the home of this humble widow?"

-Humble? Goma looked up and down at the bird's obviously expensive gown and jewelry. She was no more a humble widow than she was surprised to see them.-

Gabu- "Good widow, I would ask a boon of you. Do you have any daughters? And did they attend the Palace ball this past evening?"

Biyo- "Why yes, I have two daughters! And we all were at the ball. A splendid affair, if I may say. Truly an event for the ages! A triumph-"

Gabu- "Are they home?"

Biyo(side-tracked)- "Uh...Why yes, yes, of course. Why don't we get settled in the drawing room, and I will fetch them?"

-Leaving the guards outside to tend to Unimon, the duo made themselves comfortable. The widow brought in her daughters, and began to fuss over each of their accomplishments. Prince Gabu's stomach lurched as he recognized the one as the Gatomon who had rudely shoved her way into the first dance at the ball.-

Biyo- "...and little Gato here is a skilled musician! She's classically trained by the best, you know! And dear Pata here is-"

Gabu- "That's wonderful. But let me get to business. Last evening at the ball..."

-As the prince explained his mission, Goma had a sudden need to use the toilet and excused himself. His return was greeted with shouts of pain and anger. He walked into the room and would've laughed, if the situation wasn't so serious.

The two sisters were squabbling over who's shoe it was, while their mother squawked at them both to behave. Prince Gabu just stood there, gawking at the mayhem.-

Goma- "Sheesh! All this for a shoe! Can't wait to see what happens when they actually try it on!"

Gabu(staring)- "That's the funny thing. They already did. It fits neither."

Goma(incredulous)- "You're kidding me!"

Pata- "It's your fault! You must have stretched it out with your big feet!"

Gato- "It's made of glass, stupid! How could I have stretched it out?!"

-The prince shook his head and they both cringed as the slipper nearly broke twice.-

Goma(ear twitching)- "Huh?"

-He turned and listened carefully, blocking out the girls' high-pitched accusations. Tap-tap-tap. He walked towards it. A large, heavy wooden door blocked the way. He tested the handle-it was locked tight. Tap-tap-tap. The young squire pressed his ear to the wood and could just make out a faint 'Hello?' from the other side. Eyes wide with surprise, he turned towards the widow-

Goma(accusing)- "I thought you said you only had two daughters!"

Biyo(flustered)- "I-I do!"

Goma- "Then who or what is behind that locked door?"

Pata- " That's just.."

Biyo- "...The family pet!"

Goma- "A talking pet?"

Biyo(nervous) "Um, yes..You see, it's...it's a...miniature parrotmon! We keep him locked in there because he can be very nervous around strangers."

Gabu(interested)- "A male miniature parrotmon? I haven't seen one in years. May I have a look at the fellow? We have a female back at the castle aviary that could use some company."

Biyo(panicking)- "NO! ...Um, that is....he...he's..."

Gato- "He's not looking his best right now. Molting, you see."

Gabu(concerned)- "Molting? At this time of year? That's not a good sign. Better let me have a look then. Maybe I can help figure out why he's molting."

-The widow grew more and more panicked with each step he took towards the door. If he found she was lying about the parrot....-

Biyo- "Um, yes...yes...good idea....(patting around her waist). Well, what do you know. I seem to have lost the key.....Well I'm sure I'll find it later. (talking quickly) Well I'm sure you must have plenty of traveling to do. I'm sorry you didn't find your bride here, but good luck and safe journey!"

-She held the door open, desperate for them to leave. Oh, how she was going to thrash that girl's behind when they were gone!

Prince Gabu was staring intently at the lock, oblivious to the widow's discomfiture.-

Gabu- "Key's not a problem. I can fix that....BLUE BLASTER!!"

Digi- "Yeeow!!!"

-Everyone jumped as the door crashed inwards, burned off it's hinges, and barely missed Digi-rella. A glint caught Goma's eye. Craning his neck, his eyes widened as he saw the object. He said nothing, but smiled secretly to himself.-

Goma- "Parrotmon, huh? A little large, dontcha think, your majesty?"

-Prince Gabu just stared in stunned amazement.-

Digi- "You-your Majesty? Oh, please excuse my appearance, sire! I-I did not know you were coming...."

-The prince turned angrily to the widow, who was now cowering by the door.-

Gabu(accusingly)- "You said you only had two daughters!"

Digi- "She does! I'm only a step-daughter. Pata and Gato are her own flesh and blood. She spoke the truth sire, please don't hurt her!"

Gabu- "Step-daughter? You look more like the maid!"

Digi- "Yes sire. I was finishing my chores, but as I did not know you were coming, I fell asleep before I could get cleaned up."

Goma- "Then why was the door locked?"

Biyo- 'Um, well, see...."

Digi- "I'm sure she just wanted no one to disturb me."

-Widow Biyo stared in shock at the sincere words coming from her step-daughters mouth. After all the cruel things she'd said and done to the little weed, she was still defending her! But why? Her cold heart said there must be an angle for her, perhaps she thought she'd be better treated? Well, maybe she'd give her a blanket for her mattress...-

Gabu- "Then would you do me a great favor?"

Digi- "Why of course your majesty. Whatever is in my power."

Gabu- "Try on this shoe."

-Digi felt sick as she saw it. It was the one she'd lost the night of the ball! So the handsome mon she'd danced the night away with, the one who's heart she broke was none other than the crown prince of File Island?! If she put it on, he'd find her out and ask for her hand again. But she'd given her word, and she couldn't back out now. With a sigh, she sat on a stool and allowed him to slip it on.-

Gabu(whispering)- "It fits! (Louder) It fits!! I knew I'd find you!! At last!"

Goma(knowingly)- "I figured."

All- "You did?!"

Goma- "Yup! See?"

-He reached into the darkened room and pulled out the matching slipper. Gabu eagerly took it and put it on Digi-rella. Grinning madly, he pulled her to her feet, overwhelmed with joy. She looked at the ground sadly.-

Gabu- "Finally! We can be wed! I promise you'll never want for nothing, love."

Digi(softly)- 'I told you before. I cannot marry you, my prince."

Gato- "What?! Are you crazy? He's a prince! He's rich! He's a hunk! What reason can you have for not wanting to marry him?!"

-Digi-rella pulled away from the prince and moved to the window, not meeting anyone's eyes, not wanting anyone to see her tears.-

Digi- "Because my heart belongs to another."

-A long silence endured. Then, Prince Gabu quietly walked next to her. He stared at her softly a moment longer, then reached into his pocket. He opened his hand in front of her to reveal several coins and an apple.-

Digi- "What-?"

Gabu(softly)- "I believe this makes us even from that day in the market, Digi-rella."

-Digi-rella stared in amazement, first at the objects, then to him, not quite grasping what he was saying.-

Digi- "You...?"

Gabu- "I was looking for a bit of fun, but instead I found my reason for living. I thought I'd never see you again, but then you showed up at the ball and made me remember happiness, a feeling I thought I'd never truly feel again since my mother's death. When you denied me and left, I despaired. But my resolve to find you also grew stronger, because I knew you truly loved me for who I was behind the crown. Sweet Digi-rella, I've loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. I promise I will love you even more tomorrow, and more the day after that. Please, say you'll be my bride and life-mate. I swear I'll never let you regret it."

Digi- "I-I love you too. I will marry you, my lord."

Gabu(chuckling softly)- "Just call me Gabu, sweet Digi-rella."

Biyo- "Palmon."

-All turned in surprise towards her. The widow tried to look dignified even in her defeat.-

Biyo- "Her name is Palmon, sire. Of the...house...of Ishita. She is of noble blood..."

-She wandered over to the couple, for once finding it difficult to talk.-

Biyo- "She has a good dowry....she is a hard worker...fairly decent cook, although you'd probably have no need for that at the castle....."

Gabu- "She'll be well-taken care of, Madam."

-She nodded contritely. She glanced over at her daughters and glared. They jumped guiltily and curtsied to their new in-law. With a kiss on her hand, Prince Gabu moved to the door.-

Gabu- "I had to leave so soon after finally finding you, love, but I must return to tell my father the news and prepare for the wedding as soon as possible."

Goma- "So get cleaned up and get some rest, we'll send a coach for you in the morning."

-As he walked out behind the prince, he couldn't resist one little jab.-

Goma(smirking)- "Goodnight....princess!"

-And so it came to pass that the two lovermon were wed at the end of the month. Prince Gabu convinced King Agu to hold it in the market square, and allow the locals to watch them exchange vows. The apple vendor had a special seat, and he bragged to those beside him that it was he who had played match-maker. Palmon's step-sisters were the bridesmaids, and Goma was of course the only choice for best man. Her step-mother wept as they kissed, happy for the first time. Palmon's Fairy Tentomon hovered above the happy couple, sprinkling rice as they laughingly as they ran to the bridal coach to their honeymoon. Palmon paused before she got in, turned, and threw her bouquet behind her. After some mild struggle, Pata yanked herself free, revealing herself as the lucky catcher. The rest of the crowd waved and shouted goodbye as the coach started off, it's occupants fully prepared to live happily ever after.-

~Fin~

lGo On!