So I will make apologies now about this next section. This is going to very much a case of "Getting to know you" & "Character Development". Not alot of action to be had here just yet, however I hope you get a feel for where the plot intends to go, as well as what kind of character Snow is and some of the anxieties he has. He may come across as slightly introverted and low in self-esteem at first, but as with many characters I create this will be something which changes through experience and the trials he will inevitable come across during his adventures!

I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2

Reaching my apartment, I closed the door behind me, hearing the soft click of the catch as I leaned my back against it for a moment, taking a deep breath. It was a little after six and the last of the winter sun was beginning to set outside, casting its orange shadows across the room. Living on the 11th floor of an apartment building certainly had its advantages. The apartment itself was spacious, a long rectangular room, with large glass windows running down right, and far wall. In the far right was a small, corner balcony area, which housed a table and chair for those rare summer days it was warm enough to just sit outside. The room itself was a combined living, cooking and dining area with 3 doors along the left wall. One lead into the master bedroom, with an attached en-suite. The other two lead into a spare room which I used mainly for storage and an office, the other a spare bedroom used by friends when they stayed over, or if one was stuck and couldn't get home for the night, having an inner city home was useful at times.

Flipping the lights on, I threw down my jacket onto the chair by the door, and put my phone and keys down on the side table, picking out the device I had found earlier and holding that in my hand. Still limping along on my injured leg I crossed the short distance between the door leading inside, and the door leading out to the balcony. Unlocking it, I poked my head outside looking for any sign of Agunimon; however all I was greeted with was the sound of traffic below. Thinking he may still be catching up, I decided to close the door, but kept the lock off.

I made my way into the kitchen and got myself something to drink from the fridge, putting down the device next to me, then settled down on one of the bar stools at the breakfast counter. Carefully I rolled up my jeans leg and inspected the wounds which were inflicted upon me by the crazy bird creature – it looked as if they weren't too deep at least, and the bleeding had stopped too, that was a relief, though pain still shot through my nerves like fire when I applied any direct pressure…great.

At this point, I heard the door by the balcony open, looking over I saw Agunimon stood there, and moving towards where I was sat. For a moment I felt as if I should be standing and moving away, this was still slightly unreal for me. I held my ground though and he came to a stop at the corner of the counter, and for a moment we both simply looked and took the opportunity to really read the other for a moment.

Now the light was better I got a much clearer look at who my saviour had been, Agunimon, he was tall to be sure, at least a head more than myself, and I was a little over 6 foot. The armour he wore too wouldn't be too far a miss from a renaissance faire, with wild blonde hair running down his whole back. The most piercing part though was his eyes, pure, unbroken blue – It was like looking into still pools of water – clear, reflective and strong, but with a strong feeling of kindness.

"So...Agunimon?" I decided to break the silence, feeling alot calmer now we were somewhere less public, and nothing attacking us "What, is going on? Who or what are you? What was that thing that attacked us, and, what is this thing?" I reached down picking up the device from earlier, which since its rather dramatic reaction earlier had returned to a dormant state.

"First, before I answer those questions, I want to ask you something – Have you ever heard of 'digimon'?" he spoke clearly and without hesitation. Answering my question with a question? Helpful I thought...

"Digimon?" I repeated, to which he replied with a nod "I, know the term, I think? Some card game I thought? Yeah, apparently it's popular with high school students, I believe?" I remember it had been a thing just before I left. I was 22 now, and when I was in my final year it had only just started coming in, and since then had become quite the craze. It had died out a bit since but was still popular enough it made the internet news forums every so often.

"Digimon, or digital monsters are creatures from the 'digital world' which exists alongside this world, the 'real world'. I am a Digimon, and the creature which attacked you tonight was also one by the name of 'Harpymon'." He paused for a moment, and moved his hand to mine, picking up the device and holding it out over the counter "This is a digi-vice. Occasionally people from this world receive these and they are called 'Digi-Destined'. These people are chosen by the digital world to act as its saviours in time of great need. This device links a human and their partner digimon's strength together – our strength Snow, you and I are partners"

"I remember, the device said something about that back in the alley, when it went all crazy" the bright lights, and the very distinctive voice played through my head once more "Wait, this links our strength did you say?" he again nodded, and I leaned back a little and shook my head "From what I saw, you pretty much have that one down, I don't see how I can help? I'm not exactly a star athlete" looking down at myself, I had an average build but nothing special, nothing that would certainly stand out in a line up anyway! Agunimon then broke a faint smile, seeing the two sharp fangs from his upper lips become more prominent,

"Physical strength is not the key, it's what is here that counts" he closed the distance between us, and placed his hand over my heart "Spirit, a strong spirit is what we draw from, and you Snow have one that shines bright" I look down to his hand, speechless for a moment, before looking back up,

"And that, is what makes us partners?" he nodded his head once more, and moved back slightly, which brought me onto my next point "Ok, so we are partners? Against what?" his expression darkened slightly

"Against those who would threaten the digital world and the real world" he put the device back on the table, and took a seat across from me "There are those in both worlds, who wish to harm the other. Balance exists to keep those elements in check; however when an evil gains an advantage, the digital world responds by choosing those it knows can prevent that evil from succeeding". It was at this point my head began to spin

"Hang on, back that up a minute" I put my hands out in front of me, to further my statement "So, you are saying you, and me?" I pointed back to myself "Are to save not one world, a world I didn't even know existed five minutes ago, and my own, from evil?" it sounded ridiculous! I mean, when I think about the million, million people in the world who were fitter than me, smarter, more adventurous, I had to shake my head "Agunimon, I, I think you might have the wrong person – I'm no hero, I can barely make it to work on time in the morning!" I sighed and leaned back "If it was this device I picked up I must have been the wrong person – I'm sorry, I am wasting your time. If there is a threat like this out there, it must be someone else" I looked away a little embarrassed. All this time and it was in fact not for me. I felt my heart drop, for once I thought something good might happen to me.

"You are wrong" I looked back to Agunimon, who had now stood up and was walking around to where I was sat, and kneeled down in front of me "You are my partner Snow, the digi-vice does not lie, it was meant for you to find it." He put his hand once more over my heart "Close your eyes". I was a little apprehensive at first, however I did as he asked and slowly closed them. Feeling warmth from his hand over my heart, all I heard for a while was its beating, and my breathing. "Can you hear that, the beat of your heart?" I nodded my head softly "That is the heart of a warrior, it beats in time with my own" I felt him move his hand away from me as I continued to listen "Open your eyes". Again I did as he requested, and looked across to him, as his clear blue eyes stared into mine "Your eyes too, show determination and the need to be something more, something greater" he stood and moved away slightly "Just because you have never being a hero, doesn't mean you cannot be a hero"

"I.." I stuttered, not really having an argument back to that point

"With your help Snow, our enemies will never know what hit em! Have faith in me, and importantly, faith in yourself" he broke into a grin, and offered out his hand "What do you say, partner? Will you stand with me, and together save both of our worlds?" I looked down to his hand, still unsure however more confident after his pep talk. I extended my hand out, as we both shook, whilst our eyes both focused on the others.

"So, what does this mean, for me I mean? What is the next step I suppose I want to ask?" So I am meant to be a hero? Does that mean I got to dress in the same...unorthodox way he has? An image ran through my head for a moment which made me chuckle, stood there in shining red samurai armour.

"For now, rest, and tomorrow we will begin the journey to the digital world – I will locate a portal for us to use" He walked over to the windows, looking outside "This world is strange compared to my own, but also similar. The smells and sounds for the most part, but, one thing both worlds share is a lively energy" he turned to me with a smile "I can sense your apprehension in regards to all this, but there are others in the digital world like you, waiting to meet you – other digi-destined who have the same fate as you"

"Others, like me?" so did that mean, I wouldn't be alone, in a strange new world? That was reassuring at least. That holiday of mine has been well timed it seems! I was just planning on lazing around and sleeping in a bit, guess that's all going to change now. "I assume im not going to need my passport?" I chuckled, asking rhetorically as I stood and walked over to where he was. Agunimon glanced a gaze down to me as I also looked outside "You were right about one thing" I turned to look at him "I suppose I have always been a little restless with the same ol' and the fear of being…average" taking a deep breath, I sighed and pressed my hands on the counter and pressed my weight down "But, will we have to fight more of those…Harpymon?"

"Many enemies will likely stand in our way, but also as many allies will be willing to stand by our side!" That was what I was afraid of. I wasn't a fighter at all, I always believed a problem could be resolved by talking your way out of it, either through the use of enough BS, or through charm and wit. The idea of combat didn't sit well with me…Agunimon must have picked up on that too, as he put his hand on my shoulder. "I will be here to protect you Snow, all you need to do is be there, as my partner – I can take care of the fighting"

"Thanks…partner" it felt strange saying at first, but thinking about it, it might be nice to have someone loyal like Agunimon with me. For the longest time I had struggled with making new friends. I moved out to the big city a year ago and haven't really gotten to know anyone. I knew my neighbours, and of course my colleagues at work but I didn't really socialise with them, and they didn't really know who I was…just, present really. I had been lonely for a fair while – I mean my family are helpful, they help fund this swanky apartment and it allows me a certain amount of affluence…but what good is it really when you don't have someone to share it with?

"Well, let's talk specifics then Agunimon!" he smiled and we moved to sit on the sofa, and for the next few of hours we went through more of what I would need to know, and what the plan was. Two other digi-destined with partners were waiting for us in a designated location somewhere safe for us to gather. We would set off early morning, and for the most part I would pack light – apparently we would be travelling a lot and having a heavy bag with you was counter-productive, especially if we needed to move rapidly.

Agunimon also shared with me some more information about who he was, and what he represented. Apparently he was a 'Legendary' Warrior. The first one ever to be paired with another human. He also told me about some of his past and that he for the longest time had been training in seclusion, waiting for the day he would be able to join me, and we would begin our adventure. He had been told many years ago I was his partner – however due to me not having my digi-vice he had not been able to join me in the human world, as the device acted as a beacon for him and a source of power for him to exist…as since he was technically data he couldn't exist in this world without some form of tether back to the digital world. However this had not stopped him from keeping an eye on me and learning more about who I was, what I was like and generally doing what he could from his side to keep my out of trouble!

He regaled me with the time I had nearly walked headlong into the tracks of the station on my first day in the city, nigh on crushing myself under the oncoming train. He had however managed to manipulate the security gates to activate just in time to prevent that – I had thought I had just got lucky, but in fact Agunimon had been looking out for me, and for a very long time. It was nice to think I had a guardian angel in a way looking over me, making sure I stayed out of trouble - I was pretty good at finding it for the most part!

After sometime, I realised it was getting late, around eleven in the evening to be precise and with the busy day ahead of us tomorrow Agunimon suggested we had best get some shut eye. I could not say I disagreed, it had been a long week for me, and knowing that it was only going to get more insane I thought it might be best to get my head down too.

"Well, I suppose I shall see you in the morning? The spare room is all yours if you like, I think the bed should be large enough for someone of your stature" I chuckled, and pointed to the door nearest the end of the room "If you need anything, let me know, ok?" he nodded in acknowledgement.

"Good night Snow, sleep well – I shall see you in the morning" he waved me off and with that I went into my room, and got changed, jumping into bed. As I pulled the covers over myself and rested my head against the pillow, I was beginning to absorb the gravity of what was happening around me and apprehension entered into my mind. What if I wasn't strong enough? What if in the end I failed Agunimon, or the others? The idea of saving the world began to sink in, and sink in hard.

I turned onto my other side as those thoughts continued to run through my mind, of self-doubt and fear of failure…

I watched Snow leave into his room, and once I heard no further noise from his room, I walked out onto the balcony of his apartment. Once more looking out to the city I crossed my arms over my chest "He is nervous…I can't say I blame him, he's still just a kid at heart"

Looking back behind me, I wondered just how the others would react to him. I would be with him, and these digi-destined, whilst not veterans were used to the digital world and had been there several times. No doubt they would want Snow to be the leader of the group, but would Snow want that responsibility?

I had trained all those years for this moment, tried to steer Snow in the right direction and prepare him best I can…then why I hesitate now? Was it Snow? I could sense his apprehension through the link the digi-vice had formed between us – I could feel his emotions, and sense his mental state. Was it because he was nervous, because he hesitated?

Either way, tomorrow we would find out. I had faith in my partner, once he had experienced what the digital world had to offer, not just the bad but all the good too – he would come around and become the warrior that the prophecy foretold he would.

I had decided to omit that part for now, he had enough on his mind – if I suddenly landed on him that he was just no normal digi-destined, but one prophesied to arrive and save the digital world from the Dark Lords, he would likely have been a lot more reluctant to come out as quick as I was asking. It was necessary though, we had no time to waste. Between them and the humans damaging our world we had little time.

Taking a few minutes longer to simply admire this world, I finally decided I too would retire for the night. I would get up early and begin searching for the portal back to the digital world. I knew one was in this city somewhere; I could sense it even from here.

And then our adventure would begin!