Digimon Rangers Episode One

"A New Hero Arises"

*Greeley, Colorado 9:00 pm*

*One fateful evening, the Greeley City Orphanage was just closing up for the night. Staring through one of its glass windows, a young thirteen-year-old boy gazed toward the sky sadly. A tan-skinned young man with brown hair and green eyes, he wore a black T-Shirt, long blue jeans, white sports socks, and black-and-white tennis shoes. This was Ian Anderson who, though everyone else was dressed to sleep, felt too sad to change into his nightly garbs. He remembered the day all too well.*

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*Greeley City Orphanage 12 hours earlier*

*It all happened earlier, another day at the orphanage and another couple had arrived. Not much was known about them, or anything particular that stuck out, they were the basic typical American family. A mother and a father who, rather than experiencing the miracle of birth, had come to the Orphanage in hopes to adopt a child of their own.

As business was being conducted that day, Ian stood by the hall. Dressed in his best, Ian had hopes this would be the day they’d adopt him. The shadowy silhouettes, however, passed the young man, his expression changed from anticipation to confusion. When they returned, a smaller silhouette joined them and Ian’s disappointment came realizing another was chosen. The same as every other day in the life of Ian Anderson.*

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*A set of footsteps interrupted Ian’s memory, as the orphanage administrator, Mr. Dalton, entered the room. A forty-year-old man with a military-esque haircut, dressed in a white-button shirt, red neck tie, pressed pants, and brown loafers. He himself was just ready to turn in, when he noticed Ian sitting by the window. He released a sigh, as he approaches the boy, who had just noticed his presence.*

Mr. Dalton: It’s closing time, Ian. You should be in bed.

Ian: *Sighs* Sorry, Mr. Dalton…

Mr. Dalton: *Sighs* Ian, I know you’re still upset. Heck, it’s happened almost every week. You’ve been a good kid, ever since you were a baby. I don’t know why they wouldn’t pick you. But, you’ve got to get out of this funk. You’re already in this deeper than you should.

Ian: I know, sir… It just hurts…

Mr. Dalton: I’d take you in, if I could… But I’m not allowed. You will be adopted one day, Ian, and when that day finally comes you’ll know what it’s like to have a family. But right now, you need to rest. Okay?

Ian: *Nods* Yes sir. Good night… *Walks to bed*

Mr. Dalton: See you in the morning. *Leaves the room, closes the doors*

*Several hours later, Ian had dressed himself into a pair of pajamas and plopped onto the bed to sleep. As he struggles to sleep, twisting in the sheets and groaning, a girl, who slept in a bed next to him, turned to the boy. A year younger than Ian, she had long brown hair, a purple silk shirt and long white pajama pants. This was Sally Swanson, one of Ian’s closest friends in the orphanage, who peered toward her friend with concern.*

Sally: Ian, are you okay?

*Ian awakens from his attempt to sleep and turns to Sally.*

Ian: Sally. Did I wake you?

Sally: Kind’ve.

Ian: I’m sorry. I just can’t believe another family came in just to choose another kid instead of me.

*Having heard this story before, Sally pulls herself out from her bed and sits alongside Ian.*

Sally: Ian… I know it’s tough. But you can’t give up, you’ll get adopted someday.

Ian: I’m about ready to do that, Sally. I’ve been in this orphanage since I was a baby and no one even notices me. Like today and the day before, a family comes in, they consider choosing me, but they always change their minds at the last minute! *Sighs* Nobody wants me.

Sally: *Shocked* How can you say that?! You’re a good kid!

Ian: *Throws his arms in the air* I don’t know what that means anymore! Sally, you’ve been here for almost a year, while kids like me lived here their whole life. Aside from you and Mr. Dalton, I’ve never had any friends. I wish I knew who my parents were and if they had living relatives I could stay with. All I have of my past is my last name, but that doesn’t help. I don’t even have a family tree, Mr. Dalton said so.

Sally: Ian—

Ian: Sally… Please! Just let me go to sleep. *Pulls the covers over his head*

Sally: *Sighs* All right.

*Sally prepares to return to bed, when Ian lifts the sheets briefly.*

Ian: Sally…

*Sally stops and turns her attention back to Ian. They stare silently for a moment, till he breaks the silence.*

Ian: Thanks for trying to cheer me up.

Sally: *Smiles* You’re welcome. *Yawns, falls asleep*

*Ian rests his head on his pillow, trying to get some sleep. Just then, something from outside caught Ian’s eye causing him to turn to the window. Lifting himself on his knees for a better look, he sees a bright blue shooting star racing across the evening sky.*

Ian: *Sighs* I can’t believe I’m doing this…

*Closing his eyes, Ian claps his hands together and makes a silent prayer toward the star.*

Ian: *Quietly* If you can hear me, somewhere out there, I wish for someone to come for me. Very soon, if possible… Please. All I want is a family.

*As Ian continues his silent prayer, he fails to notice that the star had begun to alter its course. Beyond all reason, it drifts toward the ground at great speed. In an instant, it crashed through a section of the forest, not too far from the city. Through the dust and smoke, a shadowy figure emerges through a small crater left by the star. As quickly as it appeared, it vanished through the tree tops leaving the remains of the crash behind.*

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*The next morning, all the orphan kids were up-and-about eating their breakfast. Having risen at the same time as the others, Sally was about to join the other kids. But then, she noticed Ian staring out the window in a separate table. He peered across the basketball court, set just across the street, where several children were playing under the watchful eye of their parents.*

Sally: Ian?

Ian: *Turns to Sally* Hey…

Sally: Aren’t you coming to breakfast?

Ian: In a minute, I just need some time alone.

Sally: *Nods understandingly* Okay… *Walks away*

Ian: *Turns back to the kids, sighs* I hope I didn’t make that wish for nothing… *Walks away*

*As Ian approached the table, as all the children were eating their breakfast, Mr. Dalton entered the room.*

Mr. Dalton: *Calls out* Listen up, everyone. I just got five calls today, from families who are coming for adoption. Hopefully, more than one of you lucky kids will be picked.

Ian: *To himself* I hope one of them is me…

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*Greeley City Orphanage 1:15 pm*

*Later that day, all the children lined up in single file. All looking their best with hopes that they would get adopted. Among the kids, Ian and Sally stood side-by-side at the end of the line.*

Sally: *To Ian* I hope we both find good homes.

Ian: *Nods* Me too.

*Soon enough, the first family had arrived. A husband and wife, whom had never had children had now come to the decision of adopting a child or two. They looked at all the children, until they eventually chose a young blonde girl and a red-haired boy, who was a year younger than the former. Mr. Dalton waved goodbye before turning to the other children.*

Mr. Dalton: One family down, four to go.

*Later, a single mother arrived with a seven-year-old daughter holding her hand. They arrived because the mother sought a younger brother or an older sister for her daughter, so she would not be lonely. After looking carefully, the little girl pointed to a brunette girl, who was around ten years old. The mother nods to Mr. Dalton, who notes that a decision has been made. This made Ian very nervous as he watched.*

Ian: *Sighs* Please let one of the next families pick me…

*Two families had come since then and to Ian it was all the same. They’d come in, took a glance at the line of kids, and when a decision had been made they had left with the children of their choice. And as before, Ian stood with the rest of the kids in line his hopes of being adopted dwindling. Finally, the last family had arrived: A husband and wife with a young boy. The boy, around Ian’s age, had straight blond hair, a solid white shirt, with black dress pants and matching solid black shoes. They passed several children in line, until they approached Ian and Sally. Sweat poured steadily down Ian’s brow, the boy praying silently to be chosen. Sally, on the other hand, tried her best to stay calm as the parents looked over both kids. For this family, their decision did not take long.*

Husband: *To Mr. Dalton* We choose her. *Points to Sally*

Sally: *Gasps with joy* Me?

*Ian’s eyes widen in fear, once again his worst fears had come true. No words could describe how he felt, the same routine before except now… It was worse.*

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*A few minutes later, Mr. Dalton sat in his desk as the husband and wife signed the adoption papers in his office. Outside, sitting on a bench in a corner, Sally and Ian sat together for the last time.*

Sally: I guess this is it; I finally have a family.

Ian: *Nods* I am happy for you, Sally…

Sally: *Pause* Ian?

Ian: Yeah?

Sally: *Turns to Ian, holds out her hand* This isn’t goodbye.

Ian: *Grabs her hand* I hope you’re right… *Shakes hands*

*Once Mr. Dalton added a stamp to the documents, he turns the papers to the couple.*

Mr. Dalton: She’s all yours; be kind to her.

Wife: *Nods* We shall love her, always.

Husband: *To Sally* C’mon, let’s go to your new home.

Sally: *Turns to Ian, hugs him* See you later, Ian… *Walks away*

Ian: *Eyes water* Remember me…

*Ian stands watch, seeing Sally leave the orphanage with her new family. Once they passed through the doors, vanishing from sight, Ian slowly turned back to his room and walked away with his head lowered.*

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*That evening, at closing hour, Ian sat in his bed. He turned to the bed next to him, taking note of where Sally once slept. But now it was an empty, even though another child will eventually take over. Yet all it would do was make Ian lonelier and sadder than before. As he sits, pondering his situation, Mr. Dalton approached him.*

Mr. Dalton: *To Ian* Are you alright?

Ian: *Sighs, shakes his head* No. Now I’m truly alone…

Mr. Dalton: *Concerned* You still got me.

Ian: *Stands up, frustrated* Just say it, Mr. Dalton! No one’s adopting me; they never will!!

Mr. Dalton: Ian…

Ian: I don’t deserve this kind of life! Why won’t anyone adopt me!? Why!?

Mr. Dalton: I DON’T KNOW!!

*The two were silent after that outburst. Mr. Dalton took the moment to calm down, seeing the stunned expression on Ian’s face. He had known better than to shout at the boy, especially when the other children were trying to sleep.*

Mr. Dalton: *Sighs* I don’t know…

Ian: *Lowers his head, sighs sadly* That’s what I thought… *Pause* What is my purpose?

Mr. Dalton: What?

Ian: My purpose. Why am I here? If I’m not wanted, what am I supposed to do?

Mr. Dalton: I’m not sure. But whatever it is, it will reveal itself in time. By then, you’ll live a happy life with a family who loves you.

Ian: Whatever… *Turns away*

Mr. Dalton: *Lowers his eyebrows, sighs* Night, Ian. *Leaves the room*

*When Ian felt he was alone, he turned back to the sky, a black blanket of night covered in stars. He just frowned at the sight, as if they were mocking him.*

Ian: *To himself* I never should’ve wished on that star. Mr. Dalton was wrong… My purpose is to be alone for the rest of my life, then so be it. I trick myself thinking I was ever wanted; what a joke… *Closes his eyes*

*Elsewhere, on the other side of town, a group of dogs fought each other for territory in the Greeley Junkyard. Suddenly, a bright light flashed before the group. The dogs turned to see something large emerged, a strange creature growling furiously, bearing its fangs. The other dogs whimpered and ran away as the creature howled in the night.*

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*The next day, the children were all together in the playground outside the orphanage. Ian strolled around the yard, trying to find some way to have fun. As he looked around, he noticed some kids drawing on the floor with chalk. Ian approached a nine-year-old girl, who was coloring a picture with a piece of blue chalk.*

Ian: *To the girl* Excuse me. Would you mind if I borrow some chalk?

Girl: Sure. *Passes the bucket*

Ian: *Smiles weakly* Thanks.

*Generously taking a piece of chalk from the bucket, Ian proceeded to draw a picture. If one thing could keep him distracted of all the tragedies in his life, drawing pictures certainly helped. But just as Ian was getting into it, a presence zoomed out of the sky at lightning speed plucking the boy off the pavement. All that remained was the piece of chalk that dropped alongside the unfinished drawing.*

*Up in the sky, Ian screamed loud with fright as he kicked his legs in mid-air. He turns up and his eyes widen when he realizes what took him. A female humanoid creature, dressed in skimpy thistle colored armor, exposing her midsection. A purple mouth mask covered her mouth, while silver plating covered her shoulders and arms. She had talons on each hand, a long black scarf wrapped around her neck, blue hair with matching wings on her head and large brown wings sprouting from her back. She was the like of which Ian had never seen until now, as he noticed she was carrying him by her feet.*

Ian: OH MY GOD! HELP!!! SOMEBODY-

???: *Interrupts* Pipe down, kid. I’m not going to hurt you! I’ll explain everything in a bit, once we land!

*No sooner than expected, the winged humanoid landed gracefully on a nearby roof releasing Ian. The boy jumped away from her by a few feet, clutching his heart and panting while attempting to catch his breath.*

Ian: I don’t know who or what you are. But please don’t hurt me!

???: Calm down, human. I’ve already made it clear that I won’t.

Ian: Excuse me if I’m not falling for that!

*Ian runs across the roof, attempting to escape. The winged woman flew up and landed in front of Ian, who stopped in his tracks.*

???: If you’d just stand still, I can explain myself.

Ian: I'd rather go back to the orphanage! It’ll be a worse day for me when the cafeteria runs out of chocolate-covered doughnuts!

*Ian’s eyes spot the door leading inside the building and once more he makes a dash for it. The winged woman, however, was slightly faster and once again landed in front of the boy, blocking his escape.*

Ian: Get out of my way! I want to go ba—

*Before he can finish, the winged woman placed a talon on his lips and the boy was quiet instantly.*

???: I’ll remove my grip, if you just hear me out.

*Seeing no choice, Ian nodded nervously and the winged woman slowly removed her talon from his lips. The boy stood silently, keeping his word to hear what she has to say.*

???: Before I begin, let me introduce myself. My name is Zephyrmon, I’m a Digimon.

Ian: *Confused* Digi-what?

Zephyrmon: *Sighs* Kid, I’m a bird-winged woman made of computer data. That’s all you need to know for now.

Ian: What do you want with me?

Zephyrmon: I’m getting to that!

Ian: *Nervously* O-Okay, okay. Go on.

Zephyrmon: It’s hard to describe, so bear with me. In my homeland, the Digital World, I was flying my usual routes over the mountains. Suddenly, I saw an orb of light appear from the sky and when I caught it, it turned into this…

*Zephyrmon holds out her talon, revealing a small golden device in a triangular shape. A screen stood in its center, which to Ian the device appeared to easily attach to his wrist.*

Ian: What is it?

Zephyrmon: It’s a digivice.

Ian: *Pause* I’m sorry, but a pimped-out wristwatch doesn’t exactly answer the question of WHY YOU KIDNAPPED ME!

Zephyrmon: *Frustrated* I’M GETTING TO THAT!!! *Takes a deep breath* Anyways, after the sphere changed form, a voice echoed through my mind. It told me: ‘Go to the Human World and find the one who shall wield this Digivice. With it, he or she shall do our wonders’. I soon departed from the Digital World, transporting toward this city in the dark of night. As for the human the voice spoke of, I suspect him here or else I wouldn’t have come.

Ian: You think that human you’re looking for… Is me??

Zephyrmon: In a way… Yes.

Ian: *Pause* Take me back. Now!

Zephyrmon: Didn’t you hear what I just said!? This digivice chooses its master and it chose you to be my partner, whether you like it or not!

Ian: *Stubbornly* Take… Me… BACK!!!

*Ian and Zephyrmon look to each other, eye-to-eye, in deep silence.*

Zephyrmon: *Slightly disappointed* Fine.

*Zephyrmon lifts Ian in her talons and proceeds to fly back to the orphanage. Two minutes passed until Zephyrmon arrived dropping him off in the empty playground. Ian slowly approaches the doors, only to stop and turn back to Zephyrmon. She hovered in place, staring at the young boy with an upset look in her eyes.*

Ian: *Sighs* I’m sorry, I really want to help. I truly do. But I’m not a chosen golden child. I’m only Ian Anderson, the orphan.

Zephyrmon: *Rolls her eyes* I expected more out of you, but whatever. Farewell, Ian Anderson…

*Ian watched as Zephrymon flew away, disappearing into the sky. Looking down, Ian felt slightly shaken by what transpired. But still he turned and walked back inside the orphanage. As he approached his room, Mr. Dalton spotted him and dashed toward the boy.*

Mr. Dalton: Ian!! Thank god, when the other children said you were kidnapped I almost called the police! What happened?!

Ian: I ‘was’ kidnapped, but I don’t want to talk about it.

Mr. Dalton: Are you sure? They didn’t hurt you?

Ian: Strange as it is, no. But like I said, I don’t feel like talking… I want to be alone.

Mr. Dalton: *Concerned* Okay. If you want to talk about it, you know where I am. *Walks down the halls*

*In the office, Dalton’s wife, Jessica, was in her seat typing in a computer. She wore a long blue sweat shirt, long black jeans with matching heels and had short curvy red hair. She was completing a set of files when her husband arrived shortly.*

Mrs. Dalton: Is everything all right?

Mr. Dalton: Actually, no. I’m concerned with the children, specifically Ian Anderson.

Mrs. Dalton: Why’s that?

Mr. Dalton: I’m worried for his well being. He’s been in this orphanage since he was a baby and yet hasn’t been adopted. Now that Sally Swanson’s gone, he’s more depressed than ever. Worse than that, he was kidnapped today yet he's returned unharmed. I can only imagine the experience has affected him in some way.

Mrs. Dalton: *Concerned* Maybe one of us should talk to him.

Mr. Dalton: *Shakes his head* Not yet, Jessica. We should let him be for a while. His heart is already filled with enough sadness and anger; I can already imagine what he’s going through right now…

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*Greeley City Orphanage 6:35 pm*

*In his room, watching the sun set in the sky, Ian sat alone in his room. Not in anger or in sadness, but rather the boy was confused. All day he couldn’t stop thinking of his encounter with Zephyrmon, the one that has drifted in his thoughts the most.*

Ian: *To himself* Why am I still thinking about what she said? I can’t possibly help her, what good would I be? I’m no hero, just an orphan waiting to be adopted like everyone else… *Sighs* So why can’t I stop thinking about it? Did all of that even happen? Was I really abducted by a bird lady? *Shakes his head* It was just my imagination carrying me away or maybe I haven’t been feeling so good. Low blood sugar, empty stomach, something…

*Suddenly, as Ian attempted to fall asleep, his eyes widen at a car flying past his window before exploding in a blazing ball of flames.*

Ian: What the--!?

*Ian peers through the window, seeing a group of people running past the orphanage. They screamed in terror as if something awful has occurred.*

Ian: What’s going on?!

*Suddenly, to his horror, a large dog-like beast pounced onto the streets. A creature of purple fur, with large wing-like metal on its back, and silver plating on its legs, it just appeared below the orphanage sniffing the grounds from behind the building. This was Garurumon X.*

Ian: *Eyes widen* WHOA!!!

Garurumon X: RAAAAWWWWRRRR!!!!

*Garurumon X stomps through the city streets, clutching empty cars and various objects in his path with his jagged claws. Hurling them everywhere, sending them crashing through buildings and sliding along the roads, Garurumon X had the whole town scattering everywhere and ducking for cover. He catches a nearby scent and turns to a frightened mother, keeping her equally scared child close to her. Seeing they had no place to run or hide, the creature slowly stalked the helpless pair, his jaws bearing his fangs as he crouched low preparing to pounce.*

???: Hurricane Gale!!

*Suddenly, from out of nowhere, pink energy shards slashed Garurumon X square in the back. As the beast roared in pain, the mother and child ran the first chance they could. But it’s attention was no longer on the pair, but rather on its attacker: Zephyrmon, hovering above Garurumon X, her talons glowing after the assault. And Ian Anderson was witnessing everything from behind his window.*

Ian: *Eyes widened* Okay, so I wasn’t imagining things after all…

Zephyrmon: *To Garurumon X* It’s time to put you down for good! Plasma Pods!!

*Red energy forms along her hands and feet. She fires toward Garurumon X, the energy explodes along his head.*

Garurumon X: *Hit* AWOOOO!!!!

Ian: *Amazed* Whoa…

*Garurumon X growls in anger, lunging towards Zephyrmon, who narrowly dodges an oncoming attack.*

Zephyrmon: HYAH!!!!

*Zephyrmon tornado kicks Garurumon X on his left metal wing, causing part of it to break. She takes off into the air and dives bombs toward her opponent. Garurumon X, anticipating the attack, swipes his tail toward her hurtling Zephyrmon into a nearby wall.*

Zephyrmon: GAH!!! That does it! *Leaps up* Hurricane Gale!!

*Zephyrmon throws blades of pink energy toward Garurumon X. The beast dodges all except for one, which slashed across his left eye. Garurumon X howls in pain, covering his eye with a paw. Growling furiously toward Zephyrmon, he starts slashing at her from out of the blue. Zephyrmon dodged as best as she could, but soon Garurumon X made contact hurtling her toward a flag pole near a building. The impact broke the pole in half, sending it hurtling down and impaling her left wing, trapping the formidable foe.*

Zephyrmon: *Recoils in pain* AAAHHH!!! My wing!!

*Ian’s eyes widen, seeing her trapped and unable to escape. Checking to see no one looking, he shifts the locks on the window and opens it slightly. Ian soon climbs out the window, leaving his room.*

Ian: *Mutters* I can’t believe I’m doing this!!!

*Meanwhile, Garurumon X slowly stalked Zephyrmon, snarling as drool dripped from his mouth. The beast prepared to devour the winged humanoid, when he heard a shout.*

Ian: HEY!! *Whistles*

*Garurumon X turned around to find Ian standing behind the creature.*

Garurumon X: *Brow rose* Hmm…

Ian: Get back from her! SIT!!!

*Garurumon X snarled, licking his shops, as he approached Ian. The boy backs away slowly, searching for a means of defense from the monster. He soon notices a shard of glass from a destroyed car and a plan unfolds.*

Ian: *Eyeing the beast* That’s right, big guy. Come on… Come on…

*As Zephyrmon tries to free herself, she notices Garurumon X had cornered Ian his jaws widen and prepared to consume the boy.*

Zephyrmon: *Eyes widen* Are you nuts, kid!? Get out of there!!!

*Ian ignores the command, however, slowly picking the glass shard off the ground.*

Ian: That’s right, a little closer…

*Closer and closer Garurumon X approached, until his fangs were above Ian’s head. Then, with all his might, Ian rammed the shard through the top of Garurumon X’s jaws. The beast roared in pain, trying to back away. In the process, he tripped over his own feet and lands on his back. By now, Zephyrmon pulled the flagpole out of her wing and freed herself.*

Zephyrmon: *Prepares to attack* P-Plasma Pod!!!

*The attack struck Garurumon X square on the chest. The beast roared out in anguish, before dissolving into a stream of date. Ian watches in amazement, as Zephyrmon absorbs Garurumon X’s date healing the wound on her wing.*

Zephyrmon: *Sighs in relief* Well, now that’s taken care of.

*Zephyrmon soon turned her attention to Ian, who stood like a statue amazed upon what she had done. Despite her injured wing, she stood against her adversary and ultimately won the battle. For a good few minutes, they just stared at each other’s eyes not once saying a word. Zephyrmon turns away and flew straight into the night sky, as Ian looked on.*

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*Ian climbed back into his room by the open window, sitting himself on his bed. He turns around and proceeds to shut the window when he heard a voice.*

Mr. Dalton’s voice: Hello, Ian.

*Ian turns around startled, seeing Mr. Dalton stand by the open doorway.*

Ian: Oh, hey… Mr. Dalton, I was just…

Mr. Dalton: *Interrupts* I don’t need to hear it. You’ve had me worried enough today.

*Ian doesn’t say a word as Mr. Dalton approaches him. He takes note of a cut Ian received on his right hand, possibly from the shard he used.*

Mr. Dalton: Come with me.

<>

*In Dalton's office, he made for the medicine cabinet and pulls out some supplies,while Ian sat in one of the chairs waiting. Mr. Dalton proceeds to nurture the wound on Ian’s hand while he sat quietly for some time.*

Ian: You knew?

Mr. Dalton: All the children could hear the destruction going on; my wife had to calm them so as not to arouse a panic. But I’m more concerned for you. How are you?

Ian: A part from the cut, I’m feeling better. It’s just… I’m feeling sad and confused at the same time.

Mr. Dalton: *Looks up* About what?

Ian: It’s hard to describe. When I was kidnapped today, she told me that I was destined for something.

Mr. Dalton: She?

*Ian nods his head in response.*

Mr. Dalton: What did she mean?

Ian: *Pause* She said I’m supposed to save someone or something. I might become someone who could actually be something worthwhile, in her own words.

Mr. Dalton: And yet you are still sad.

Ian: For two reasons. The first is that Sally is gone and I really miss her. She was my best friend… And I don’t know if I’ll ever see her again. The other being that my kidnapper actually tried to help me…. But I turned her down and I’ve been feeling guilty ever since. *Sighs* If I ever see her again, I’ll try to make it up to her…

Mr. Dalton: *Smiles* I’m proud of you, Ian.

Ian: *Turns to Mr. Dalton* How come?

Mr. Dalton: You’re becoming a man, slowing realizing that you indeed have a purpose in life. And who knows? Perhaps you may see Sally again someday.

Ian: *Smiles* Thanks, Mr. Dalton.

*By the time their conversation was over, Dalton had finished wrapping bandages around the cut on his hand.*

Mr. Dalton: Now seriously, it’s time for you to rest. Tomorrow’s a brand new day.

Ian: *Nods* You’re right. Good night, sir.

Mr. Dalton: *Smiles* Good night, Ian.

*After leaving Mr. Dalton's office, Ian returned to his room and propped himself to sleep lying comfortably on his bed. Unbeknownst to either one, Zephyrmon had been listening in on the entire conversation standing by the window. Not saying a word, she once more takes off into the night before risking being seen.*

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*The next morning, Ian was in the dining hall finishing his breakfast with the other kids. Just then, Mr. Dalton comes in drawing everyone’s attention.*

Mr. Dalton: *Calls out* Listen up, everyone. I just received a call from a lovely lady who’s come to adopt. Specifically, she’s looking for a boy.

*The announcement caused the children to talk amongst themselves, when Jessica walked in.*

Jessica: *To Mr. Dalton* She’s here.

Mr. Dalton: *Nods, turns back* All right boys, front and center.

*All the boys, including Ian, proceeded to line up by the main lobby of the orphanage. Before long, a woman walked into the lobby, the likes of which they hardly see come to this orphanage. She arrived garbed in a long brown trench coat, with red wool gloves, a dark green beret, black heel boots red tinted, and a purple scarf wrapped around her neck hiding her nose and mouth.*

Mr. Dalton: Welcome to the Greeley City Orphanage. How may we help you, Ms….?

Woman: Monroe, Zoe Monroe. I just moved from Detroit seeking a job as a landscape artist, I’m very good with paints.

Mr. Dalton: Detroit? I have family there. Uh, anyway, how can we help you?

Ms. Monroe: As I requested, I’d like to adopt a boy. You see… *Looks around, whispers to Dalton’s ear* Sadly, I’m sterile. I am unable to have children of my own, so I’d like to adopt one instead.

Mr. Dalton: *Smiles* We’d be happy to help you, ma’am. And don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. *To the children* Boys, please take a step forward to Ms. Monroe, if you please.

*All the boys, including Ian, stepped forward so the woman could have a better look.*

Mr. Dalton: Alright, Ms. Monroe. These are all the boys we have, so I’d like you to go over each and everyone one of them until you see which—

Ms. Monroe: Him! *Points to Ian* I want to adopt him!

*Ian’s eyes widen, as he looked side-to-side expecting her to pick someone else named Ian. Everyone in line, even Mr. Dalton and Jessica, gasped with joy.*

Ian: *Points to himself* M-M-Me…?

Mr. Dalton: *Smiles* Ms. Monroe, you couldn’t have picked a better boy to be your son. I’ll have the adoption papers ready.

Ms. Monroe: *Nods* Thank you, Mr. Dalton.

Mr. Dalton: No, thank 'you'.

<>

*A few minutes later, Ms. Monroe and Ian were in the Mr. Dalton’s office. Monroe had just finished signing the adoption papers, leaving Dalton to leave his own signature.*

Mr. Dalton: He’s all yours, Ms. Monroe.

Ms. Monroe: Thank you, I shall take good care of him. *To Ian* Come along, Ian. I’ll take you to your new home.

Ian: Okay, miss.

*Ian and Ms. Monroe wave goodbye to Mr. Dalton and his wife, as they leave the orphanage. All the other kids waved to them, sad that he was going away and yet happy that Ian had at last found a family.*

Ms. Monroe: *To Ian* I don’t have a car yet, so we’re going to have to walk home. Okay?

Ian: *Nods*

*Thirty minutes of walking and at last Ms. Monroe led Ian to a small, yet comfy looking apartment building.*

Ian: This is where you live?

Ms. Monroe: For now… Let’s go inside.

*Walking into the building, Ian and Ms. Monroe enter their room. As Monroe proceeded to change out of her coat, Ian looked around his new home. To his surprise, there was hardly any furniture to be seen in the entire room, as if it hadn’t been set up. The room was just simply entirely bare.*

Ian: Hey, what’s going on? *Turns to Monroe* Are you poor or something?

*When Ian turned around, another surprise came to his eyes. Having removed her beret, her sunglasses and her scarf, Ms. Monroe’s true identity was revealed: Zephyrmon in disguise.*

Ian: *Eyes widen* You!

Zephyrmon: Sorry for the disguise, kid. It was the only way to get you out of there.

Ian: *Pause* You adopt me just to get me out of the orphanage??

Zephyrmon: After that crazy stunt I saw you pull yesterday, I had to. Someone has to make sure you don’t get into too much trouble.

Ian: *Pause, sighs* I guess I’m stuck with you. I can’t go back to the orphanage and I won’t last one day on the streets.

Zephyrmon: And I adopted you. But don’t start calling me your “Mom”. I’m a Digimon, being a mother isn’t in my nature. However, I can still be called your partner. *Holds out the device* If you want, that is.

*Ian is silent for a moment, eyeing the digivice that glistened in the sunlight through a window. He then turns looks up to her eyes.*

Ian: I guess I owe you. I saved you and you adopted me. So, I guess we’re partners.

Zephyrmon: Good. *Pause* Now don’t worry about furniture, I’ll get a job in order to provide for both of us.

Ian: *Looks around* I guess it could be worse.

*Ian turns back to the digivice held in Zephyrmon’s hand. Hesitant at first, he reaches out and takes the device in his own hand.*

Ian: How does this thing work?

Zephyrmon: Put it near your wrist, and watch what happens.

*As instructed, Ian carefully placed the device by his wrist. Instantly, it attached itself much to his amazement.*

Ian: Whoa!! Okay, I admit that was cool!

Zephyrmon: *Chuckles* It’s good to see you’ve warmed up to your digivice so quickly.

Ian: *Chuckles* Yeah. But now, we’ve got to find a job for you, 'partner'.

Zephyrmon: Know where I should check?

Ian: We’ll take a look in the Greeley Tribune business section, see what we can find.

Zephyrmon: All right, then.

*So it was that Ian and Zephyrmon got settled into their new home, a new chapter in their lives together as partners. But little did Ian know, his greatest adventure to date had only just begun.*

To be continued…