Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
INT. GWEN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
I push open my bedroom door, the soft lamplight spilling across posters of bands and my neatly made bed. Exhaustion hits hard. I peel off the Digi-Camo halfway, letting it hang loose, and slump onto the bed's edge. A heavy sigh escapes me. My shoulders sag, eyes drop to the floor, fists clench tight. That soldier and Apemon slipped away. I failed.
Renamon materializes from my Digivice in a shimmer of data, landing gracefully beside me. She sits close, nudges my side with her head—soft, reassuring. Her icy blue eyes lock on mine, full of quiet understanding.
"We got everyone out, Gwen," she says, voice steady, calm. "No lives lost. That's what counts."
I shake my head, frustration bubbling up.
"Doesn't feel like it. They escaped. What if that soldier's part of something bigger? I should've pinned Apemon down."
Renamon head-butts my side again, firmer this time, her fur warm against my arm. She leans in, posture relaxed but solid, like an anchor.
"You called the shots right, and your actions saved those people. Ethan trained you for this—build on wins, not dwell on slips."
Her words sink in. I nod, reluctant at first. A spark of pride flickers through the doubt, easing the knot in my chest. She's right. We did pull civilians from the rubble, got them clear before the roof caved.
"Thanks, Renamon."
My Digivice chimes softly on the bed. I snatch it up, screen glowing with Ethan's text.
Ethan: Heard about the warehouse explosion. You good? Need backup? I'm on my way.
Thumb hovers over the keys. Jaw tightens. No way I'm calling for a rescue after one slip. I sit straighter, shoulders back, fingers fly across the screen.
Gwen: All clear. Got everyone out safe. Renamon and I handled it. No need for backup.
I hit send with a sharp tap. Exhale slow. Part of me wants his help—doubt nags at the edges—but resolve wins. Gotta prove I can stand on my own.
Ethan: You sure? That soldier sounded shady. Apemon too strong for Rookie level?
Fingers grip tighter. I lean forward, typing fast.
Gwen: Positive. Used Speed Plug-In and Boost Chip. They're gone, but we'll track 'em. Don't worry.
Ethan: Alright, tough guy. But call if it heats up. Team's got your back.
Gwen: Appreciate it. Talk tomorrow?
Ethan: Bet. Night.
Screen dims. I set the Digivice down, chest lighter, but that inner tug lingers.
A firm knock rattles the door. I jolt upright, heart slamming. Renamon tenses beside me, ears perking sharp.
"Come in," I call, voice steady despite the knot in my gut.
Dad pushes the door open. His NYPD captain uniform looks crisp, but lines etch his face deep with worry. He steps inside, eyes scanning every inch.
My face falls. He knows. Police channels. Guilt hits like a wave—I shrink back on the bed, bracing.
He takes in the Digi-Camo draped over the chair, then locks on Renamon. His posture stiffens, protective instinct kicking in hard. Intense eyes pin me.
"Gwen, what happened at that warehouse?" His voice carries frustration edged with fear. "And where was Ethan? You went in alone?"
I straighten, chin lifting defensive. Hands gesture wide as heat rises in my chest.
"I handled it, Dad. Renamon and I got everyone out safe. I wanted to prove I could do this solo—no hand-holding from Ethan every time."
His brow furrows deeper. Hands rise helpless, palms up, worry carving sharper lines.
"That's the point, Gwen. Without Ethan or his team, risks skyrocket. Explosions, that beast—you could've been hurt. Or worse."
Tension thickens the air. I flare up, standing abrupt, arms crossing tight over my chest. Eyes flash hot.
"I do not need constant protection! I'm not a kid anymore. Ethan's not my babysitter, and neither are you. I make my own calls now."
He steps closer, voice dropping low but firm, laced with raw fear.
"This isn't about trust—it's your life. One wrong move without backup, and I lose you. Promise me next time you call him. Please."
I hold his gaze, defiance warring with the ache in my throat. Renamon shifts silent beside me, blue eyes steady on us both.
"Fine," I mutter, arms uncrossing slow. "But I can handle myself."
He nods, relief flickering brief before exhaustion settles. Pulls me into a quick hug—stiff at first, then tight.
I watch Dad deflate with a deep sigh, his hand rubbing his temples. His stern captain face softens, shoulders dropping like the weight of the day hits all at once.
"Tell me everything, Gwen," he says, leaning forward, eyes locked on mine. "From the start."
I pace a few steps, hands waving as the words tumble out. "Renamon and I tracked the signal to a warehouse. Then boom—explosion everywhere. People screaming, trapped under beams. We pulled them out, but this huge ape-thing, Apemon, bursts in swinging a bone club. Smashed pillars like toothpicks. And this soldier guy in full military gear—he commanded it, Dad. Like it was his pet. Red eyes on the monkey, total rage. They vanished in smoke before we could finish."
Dad nods slow, grave, his cop brain kicking in. Eyes narrow sharp at the control part. He processes every word, chin resting on his fist.
"I'm deploying my team to the scene first thing," he says, voice steady, confident. "Forensics, witnesses—we'll ID that soldier, track his gear. You're not facing this alone."
I raise my brows, skeptical. "NYPD against a Digimon-taming soldier? What if he's got more backup?"
He stands, hand firm on my shoulder, pride lighting his eyes. "We handle abnormal threats now. My people are the best—trained, smart. We got this together."
Gratitude wells up, stinging my eyes. Tension melts away. I step forward on impulse.
I wrap him in a tight hug, face buried in his shoulder, all the fear spilling out. He hugs back strong, protective, patting my back gentle.
He pulls away a bit, smile warm, lingering. Gestures to the door.
"Come on downstairs," he says, tone light now. "Dinner's waiting. Mom made lasagna. Renamon, you too."
Renamon inclines her head gracious. "I would be honored."
I nod bright, grabbing his arm. We link up, family solid, heading out together—hope buzzing in the air.
***
Donate Power Stones to support this novel
Advance chapters in patreon.com/Najicablitz