[center][h2][u][color=4acdff]Asher Shaw[/color][/u][/h2][/center]The flashlight on Asher’s cellphone helped him survey the ground, without stumbling over the fallen branches hidden in the overgrowth. While his wandering eyes briefly glanced at the late hour displayed at the top of his screen. Seeing a new weather notification for a ‘potential’ meteor shower in his area. [color=4acdff][i]“Maybe I should head inside so dad doesn’t start to worry about me.”[/i][/color] He thought with a sigh. Only to become distracted by the noises of a frantic squirrel that scampered across their backyard fence, as he watched it climb into the next-door neighbor’s giant oak tree. As his gut instinct made him stay idly by regardless. Realizing that nothing short of completely satisfying his curiosity would heed the continued investigation to find what he truly saw. 

Receiving an answer from on high, as Asher incidentally turned to witness the very creature who had already leaped off of his roof. Now careening toward him at a forty-five degree angle, and promptly crushing the grass underneath the impact of its two clawed feet. As it stood closely in front of the still calm teen, illuminated enough by the phone’s light to distinguish the black glossy sheen coming its volcanic stone body. [color=4acdff][i]“Is this really happening...”[/i][/color] Asher wondered, noting its uncanny resemblance to the dragon that he played as in the game. Observing the creature’s unmistakably aggressive stance, as its vibrant golden eyes glared directly at him. Feeling like he was standing beside a campfire, as many of its features gleamed crimson. From the stubby horns on its heads, or its underbite that highlighted a row of pointed teeth. To the three forward-facing spikes on each outstretched wing, soon wavering as the creature staggered a bit to its left before regaining its balance. Causing Asher to cautiously step away from it, as he spoke up softly. [color=4acdff]“Are you a — digimon?”[/color]

[color=a13535]“I’m Vorvomon!”[/color] He snapped in a hostile tone, as a flame built up within his maw. 

[color=4acdff]“Alright. Try to chill a little. I’m not your foe.”[/color] Asher replied, remaining incredibly cool-headed in spite of the sentient flamethrower being seconds from setting him ablaze. However, despite the creature not having any apparent wounds, Asher was certain in his conclusion. [color=4acdff][i]“He’s almost certainly too damaged to use that Petit Flame attack.”[/i][/color]

And it was just as Asher suspected, as the Vorvomon abruptly collapsed on his back. Producing a weak puff of fire into the air on his way down, which swiftly dissipated before it had the opportunity to singe a single blade of grass, and merely left a smoky smell in the aftermath. [color=4acdff]“I can’t believe this is real life…”[/color] Asher muttered, while rubbing under his nose. Quickly approaching and kneeling beside the unconscious and immobile Vorvomon, noticing the pupils had faded from his open eyes. As Asher’s hands reached out to touch the warm, rocky exterior of his chest. Trying to scoop up the fainted digimon and hold him in his arms. But lifting him up proved to be a challenge, as Asher stopped to ponder a bold alternative. [color=4acdff][i]“I’ll have to accept the risk. It’s my best chance I have to get him somewhere safe to rest...”[/i][/color] Asher assessed, hastily running back into the house. Where his dad was sitting on the living room couch, cocooned in a big heavy quilt blanket and holding a nearly empty bottle of rum. As he seemed to be both crying and happy at the sight.

[color=8196a9]“Asher! You came - [b]HIC[/b] - back to me!”[/color] 

[color=4acdff]“Sorry Dad, I was in the backyard.”[/color] Asher explained, going up to him.

[color=8196a9]“I’m so sorry...”[/color] He whimpered, dropping the liquor bottle onto the vacant couch cushion. As Asher shook his head, moving the bottle to the side table and out of his father's reach.

[color=4acdff]“You didn’t do anything wrong-”[/color] Asher began to assure.

[color=8196a9]“The pizza!”[/color] He clarified in distress, [color=8196a9]“They thought I ordered pick-up, so - [b]HIC[/b] - I told them to cancel it!”[/color] 

Asher sighed and hugged his father. [color=4acdff]“That’s probably for the best. It’s okay Dad, really...”[/color] Soon getting squeezed in return by his father’s bear-like grip. [color=4acdff]“Dad, I need your help and this blanket to carry something outside up to my room...please.”[/color] 

And without raising any questions, the father stood upright, allowing Asher to take the quilt and get outside with it before Dad could slip his shoes on. So when the Father stumbled into the backyard, he saw  the blanket rolled up on the ground to obscure what was within. [color=8196a9]“Just make sure to put this in the laundry hamper when you’re done with it.”[/color] He requested while rubbing his eyelids, then bending over to grab the blanket with both hands. Asher nodded with a kind smile, and got ready to pick up the other side. [color=8196a9]“On the count of 3 — 1...2...3.”[/color]

Suddenly, Asher recognized the weight had lessened significantly, as the two of them effortlessly carried it all the way into Asher’s cleanly and studious looking bedroom. Setting it carefully onto the carpeted floor, as Asher watched his father leaving. [color=4acdff]“Thank you for trusting me, Dad.”[/color] 

Making his Dad turn around and grin, holding his right index finger up. [color=8196a9]“I’ll always trust my number one son.”[/color] He replied, as Asher simply shook his head.

[color=4acdff]“Goodnight.”[/color] Asher stated, as he went to shut the bedroom door. Pressing his back against it, as he waited for a moment. [color=4acdff][i]“You couldn’t have devolved a little earlier?”[/i][/color] He sighed, approaching to reveal the slumped over fireball inside the cover. Thankfully, not burning anything in his slumber. [color=4acdff][i]“DemiMeramon. So it’s real...I have an honest-to-god digimon that fell from the sky...”[/i][/color] Asher then paused, to immediately draw a mostly correct hypothesis. [color=4acdff][i]“What if the meteor shower — brought more of them here?”[/i][/color][hr]
[center][h2][u][color=f26522]Kate Beckham[/color][/u][/h2][/center]The dragon’s scarlet eyes were focused on her fiercely barking German shepherd, albeit while gazing at the silver medal on its collar. Raising his claws up like a boxer ready to brawl. [color=2fff81]“Well if you’re looking for a fight Mr.Tough guy — you’ve come to the right Dracomon.”[/color] He declared with a cocky grin, in a pitch that was higher than he was, at about half of her height. And though there hadn’t been any physical contact between them yet, she was undoubtedly facing a precarious situation that risked injuring Roger or worse. But the only jabs getting thrown happened to be another snarky comment by the bizarre creature, who proceeded to stick the tip of his tail in the side of his maw, as he began to gnaw on it. [color=2fff81]“Sorry, but I don’t speak the language of inferior species.”[/color]

Not knowing how much time she had to flee or negotiate before it got ugly, Kate chose to do neither of those things. [color=f26522]”Roger, sit.”[/color] Kate ordered, as Roger quieted down and sat. Causing Dracomon to look confused and turn his attention toward her pointing at him. [color=f26522]“Hey Ouroboros! My dog doesn’t want to fight you, so quit taunting him!”[/color] She berated. As Dracomon’s expression showed clear disappointment and bewilderment, as his arms dropped slowly and his little red wings twitched.

[color=2fff81]”Huh? Why not?”[/color] He muttered sheepishly, still chewing on his tail. Soon grinning and posing pompously, with a claw placed on his chest. [color=2fff81]”Very well. Fortunately for you, a dragon’s code spares those who are weak.”[/color] He pridefully stated. As Kate responded with a glare.

[color=f26522][i]“I need a concealed carry permit.”[/i][/color] She wishfully pondered. Suddenly, interrupted by the loud gurgling sound coming from the dragon’s stomach. Surprisingly followed by him huffing and turning his back to her, beginning to amble along the sidewalk.

[color=2fff81]“I guess I’m going to search for a challenging opponent.”[/color] He uttered. Giving Kate every chance to escape with Roger, and forgo making this her problem to solve. And yet, she couldn’t just allow this thing to destroy others' property or harm anybody. So she stepped forward, holding her open palm in front of Roger to get him to stay put.

[color=f26522]“Hold on!”[/color] Kate exclaimed, approaching the dragon who swiftly turned to face the girl with a wide smile.

[color=2fff81]“Oh! Do you wish to challenge me instead?”[/color] He asked, with a hopeful gaze. As Kate firmly shook her head.

[color=f26522]“I’m asking if you’re hungry.”[/color] Kate clarified, taking her gamble. [color=f26522]“Because you’re trying to eat your own tail.”[/color] As Dracomon seemed surprised by this statement, as he glanced at his maw and quickly spit it out.

[color=2fff81]“T-thank you, lass. Yes, it’s an unconscious habit of mine when I’m starving.”[/color] He replied in a less abrasive tone, swishing his tail. [color=2fff81]“You wouldn’t happen to know where I could acquire some hot peppers, do you?”[/color]

[color=f26522]“My name is Kate.”[/color] She corrected. [color=f26522]“And I have plenty of them at my place. So I’d be more than willing to give you some-”[/color] Words that made Dracomon’s eyes sparkle.

[color=2fff81]“You would? For free?”[/color] He said leaning in and fluttering his wings.

[color=f26522][i]“Looks like I’ve baited his interest...now to pull him in.”[/i][/color] She schemed, slyly smiling. [color=f26522]“Yes. But you have to follow my orders-”[/color] Kate cautioned.

[color=2fff81]“Sure!”[/color] He half-shouted joyously, with fluttering wings. Much to Kate’s startled surprise. [color=f26522][i]“Well that was almost too easy…”[/i][/color] She thought, rubbing the back of her neck. Before clapping her hands twice, and having Roger return to her right side. But perplexingly, Dracomon mimicked the dog’s actions on the left. As Kate observed Roger and the dragon both quietly staring up at her, which felt quite strange indeed. [color=f26522][i]“Why do I get the feeling that he’s competing with him?”[/i][/color] A thought that was interrupted by Dracomon's peculiar question.

[color=2fff81]“Can I have a shiny name coin too?”[/color] He asked, which was somehow understood by Kate, as she covered up an involuntary laugh with her hand. Which had him naively tilting his head. [color=2fff81]“Did I say something funny, Kate?”[/color] 

[color=f26522]“Maybe.”[/color] She replied in an amused tone, shifting the hair that obscured her vision. [color=f26522]“But I have to know your name first, Ouro-”[/color]

[color=2fff81]“Ouro!”[/color] Dracomon interjected loudly with sparkly eyes, as Kate sighed slightly and subsequently shrugged her shoulders. 

[color=f26522][i]“Maybe he isn’t so dangerous to anything but my eardrums…”[/i][/color] Kate concluded, her pinky massaging the ear closest to the loudspeaker. As she looked around for a moment to see nobody else around. [color=f26522][i]“But I should probably be extra sure…especially if I’m hiding him in my house.”[/i][/color] She rationalized. Though really it was an eventual consequence of giving any teenager power. [color=f26522]“Alright, Ouro. Let’s see how you follow my orders…”[/color] She stated, taking a few steps back with her open palm stuck out. As Dracomon stood by attentively, clearly eager to prove himself. [color=f26522]“Sit.”[/color] She instructed, watching Roger sit, followed by Dracomon plopping his rump down on the sidewalk. [color=f26522]“Belly.”[/color] She added, observing him looking over to copy what was being done. Now lying flat on his back, without a hint of hesitation nor complaint. [color=f26522]“...now, bark?”[/color] She uttered falteringly, receiving Dracomon’s best mimicked ‘Ruff’. Confirming her desire to keep a close eye on him, as she went over to pet Roger and pick up his leash. 

[color=2fff81]“So do I win?”[/color] Dracomon inquired, swiftly jumping upright. As Kate looked at him and unconsciously twirled her hair.

[color=f26522]“Yeah. You’ll get your hot peppers…”[/color] Kate answered, motioning him over with her hand, before she started walking back home. [color=f26522]“Come on, Ouro.”[/color] 

As Dracomon grinned in response and hurriedly along beside her, allowing the silent peace to resume. However, Kate couldn’t help but feel the pressure building, like she got wrapped up in something insane. [color=f26522][i]“I get in trouble for bringing boys home from class in the afternoon. And now I’m sneaking in a talking dragon past midnight...but what else was I supposed to do? And what if a criminal found somebody this willing to obey commands just for food?”[/i][/color] She wondered amidst her stride. Yet these lingering concerns would have to wait...as her own stomach soon unleashed a famished roar from underneath the starlit sky.[hr]
[center][h2][u][color=Gold]Izabel Ivanowski[/color][/u][/h2][/center]Izabel tapped her fingers against the doorframe, as she quietly observed the bright orange tropical bird nervously swaying his wings and wiggling his pudgy belly. As he eventually froze in place and blinked his emerald eyes at her, shedding a few more tears in the process. [color=f49400]“Y-you won’t attack me now.”[/color] He gently stated, wiping his damp cheeks. As Izabel then reached out with her hand, causing him to hastily recoil into a shivering feathery ball. [color=f49400]“Eh? No, wait I surrender! Please don’t hurt me!”[/color] He whimpered.

[color=Gold]“You don’t have to be such a crybaby Muchomon. I only want to know why you came to my house.”[/color] She said matter-of-factly. As he peaked up through his wing at her. 

[color=f49400]“I-I’m sorry. Have we introduced ourselves before?”[/color] He asked, sounding as if he was attempting to recall. She shook her head and stepped away from the closet. 

[color=Gold]“No, but I play you in a game.”[/color] She responded, scratching her head. [color=Gold]“At least — you’re a game in my world.”[/color]

[color=f49400]“I-I’m afraid I don’t understand…”[/color] He uttered sniffling, slowly appearing less fearful, as he cautiously crept into her brother’s room. [color=f49400]“I really didn't mean to frighten the child…I was just trying to find somewhere warmer and out of the rain.”[/color] He explained remorsefully, tapping his wings together, flinching at the thunder booming outside as the lightning flashed in the nearby window. 

[color=Gold]“Well you can’t stay here.”[/color] Izabel said bluntly, seeming to give him the cold shoulder as she moved for the door. Making him nod sorrowfully, with a guilty look on his face.

[color=f49400]“I-I understand. P-please pardon my intrusion.”[/color] He replied, trembling a bit. Beginning to approach the wall and pull himself up the same window he entered, only to quickly fall backward and hit his head with an audible thud. Turning her attention back to the fallen Muchomon, who began rubbing his head. [color=f49400]“Oww…”[/color]

[color=Gold]“I meant not in my brother’s room.”[/color] She clarified, walking up to him and offering him her hand. [color=Gold]“You come sleep in our basement until the rain stops in the morning.”[/color] 

[color=f49400]“R-really? I’d be so grateful-”[/color] Munchomon said, suddenly brightening up with a gentle smile. As Izabel felt the softness and warmth of his feathers, as his wing trustfully touched her fingertips. Helping Muchomon stand up then letting him go, as she stared at him inquisitively. Watching while he folded a wing and gracefully bowed. [color=f49400]“Allow me to properly introduce myself ⁠— I’m Muchomon.”[/color] He spoke softly, albeit upbeat. [color=f49400]“M-may I have your name, Seronttia?”[/color]

[color=Gold]“You can call me Izzy ⁠— but we can talk after we get downstairs.” [/color] Izabel noted, as she started to lead him out. The bird anxiously waddled like a penguin up to the door, and timidly looked both ways. [color=Gold]“You’ll be fine.”[/color] She assured, nonchalantly pacing backwards toward the dead-end of her hallway to the farthest door on the left. As she stopped with her arms folded casually behind her head. 

[color=f49400]“I-I won’t scare anyone else?”[/color] Muchomon questioned in concern. Carefully approaching her, so he wouldn’t bump into anything on either side. As she raised her finger to politely shush him. Opening the basement door, and flipping on the light switch that illuminated the long set of wooden stairs and railing.  

[color=Gold]“Nobody comes down here but me.”[/color] She answered in a hushed tone, as Muchomon reluctantly gazed down there.

[color=f49400]“W-why is that?”[/color] Muchomon inquired shyly, as he watched her descend the first several steps.

[color=Gold]“My parents are always too busy working.”[/color] She explained, reaching her hand out again. [color=Gold]“Come on — there’s no reason to be scared.”[/color] As Muchomon restlessly nodded, independently heading downstairs along beside her. As Izabel abruptly leapt past the bottom four steps onto the ground, sticking the landing with bent knees. While Muchomon appeared to gawk in awe, both impressed at her feat and that the interior was actually nice. A billiards room with a pool table and foosball, with leather couches and big bean bag chairs sitting in a semi-circle around a flatscreen T.V. But most notably for him was the wide hanging strings of ceiling lights, and the plush carpet which was incredibly soft on his feet. And there was another thing that caught his eye...as he waddled up to a large mirror on the wall. 

[color=f49400]“I like it.”[/color] Muchomon said, gazing at his reflection with a smile. As Izabel observed him while sitting on the three seat couch, pushing the middle throw pillow onto the floor and continuously moving it side to side with her foot. Before he turned around and happily approached her, suddenly tripping flat on his face. As Izabel reflexively reached out, and though she was too late...at least it was a softer fall.

[color=Gold]“You’re a bit of klutz.”[/color] She commented while rubbing her eyes, as Muchomon blushed upon sitting up.

[color=f49400]“I-I know.”[/color] Muchomon muttered, eyes shifting away. [color=f49400]“I’ve been told I was born with two left flippers…but they look different to me.”[/color] He lamented, wiggling his feet. As they shared in an awkward pause, before he gazed up at her relaxed posture. [color=f49400]“I truly am in your debt for being so kind to me…”[/color] She replied with a yawn, promptly laying back on the cushion. 

[color=Gold]“I’m not that kind.”[/color] She inaudibly mumbled, making him stand upright. 

[color=f49400]“A-are you sleeping here too?”[/color] Muchomon questioned shyly.

[color=Gold]“No. I’m going to my room…”[/color] She muttered sleepily, curling up on her side and falling asleep shortly after. Muchomon blinked at her and reluctantly nudged her leg with his wing to no avail. He opened his beak to speak, but no words came out. 

[color=f49400][i]“W-wait…oh...oh no...[/i][/color] Muchomon pondered nervously. Ruffling the feathers by rubbing his head in embarrassment. [color=f49400][i]“...w-what was her name again?[/i]”[/color] A question that would haunt the digimon until the following morning, where the new tamers would discover that they were not alone...