Let's reach 200 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
Greymon roars triumphantly, shaking the last bits of mangled metal from his jaws. Stane is done. Like, completely and utterly wrecked. He's not moving, not even groaning anymore. I'm pretty sure he's got more than a few broken bones under that pulverized armor.
"Good job, big guy," I say, patting Greymon's leg. "You really showed him who's boss."
Right as she says those words, the Digivice screen lights up, and the System voice booms in my head.
[Mission Complete! Reward: Supply Boxes x20, Digi-Boots Acquired!]
Tony, still looking a bit dazed, pushes himself up to a sitting position, his armor battered but mostly intact. He eyes Greymon warily. "Well, uh… thanks," he says, his voice still slightly distorted by the suit. "I appreciate the assist… even if it was bought and paid for." He shoots me a look that says he's not entirely sure what to make of me, or Greymon. I can't say I blame him.
I hop off Behemoth, striding over to Tony with a casual swagger. "Call me Cipher," I say with a grin. "And don't worry, I was planning on saving your butt from the get-go. It was just too hilarious to pass up when you and Stane both thought I was working for the other guy."
"…"
I clap my hands together, rubbing them in anticipation. "So, about that compensation… 5% of Stark Industries, right? Just want to make sure we're still good on that."
A flicker of amusement crosses Tony's face. "Don't worry, Cipher, I'm a man of my word. You did save my life, after all. Paperwork will be drawn up. Just expect a few calls from legal to confirm you are not a supervillain or related to Obadiah."
He glances up at Greymon, his expression shifting to one of curiosity mixed with apprehension. "So, uh… that dinosaur. Is it, like, your pet?"
Greymon bristles at the word "pet," his eyes narrowing. "I am no one's pet, human!"
Tony's jaw drops. "It can talk?!"
"He's my partner," I explain, gesturing to Greymon. "We're a team."
Tony stares at me, then at Greymon, then back at me. "Right…" He rubs his temples.
Suddenly, I hear hurried footsteps. A blur of strawberry blonde hair comes into view, and Pepper slams to a halt, her eyes wide with worry. She takes one look at Stane's ruined suit, then at Tony, and finally fixes on Greymon. She wants to rush to Tony but hesitates, clearly unsure about approaching the giant dinosaur.
"It's okay, Pepper," Tony assures her, waving her closer. "He's...friendly. Ish."
Pepper edges forward, her gaze never leaving Greymon. "Tony? Are you alright? What happened?" She finally reaches him, dropping to her knees and running her hands over his face, checking for injuries.
"Just a little dust-up with Stane," Tony says, managing a weak smile. "Nothing I couldn't handle... with a little help from our new friend here."
Pepper's relief is palpable. She throws her arms around Tony, hugging him tightly. "I was so worried. When I saw what was happening..."
"Hey, hey, I'm fine," Tony says, returning the embrace. "See? Good as new. Well, almost." He glances down at his damaged suit with a grimace. "Maybe a few dents."
Okay, this is getting a bit much. Watching them gaze into each other's eyes, all lovey-dovey and grateful to be alive, is starting to feel like I'm eating bad tofu. You know, that bland, slightly slimy stuff that leaves a weird aftertaste? Yeah, that's what this whole scene tastes like.
They are completely lost in their own world, murmuring reassurances and sweet nothings. I clear my throat loudly. "Ahem. So, about that paperwork..." I remind him again about the 5%.
Tony breaks away from Pepper, though he keeps a hand on her arm. "Right, Cipher. We'll get that sorted ASAP." He looks at Pepper. "Pep, this is Cipher. He and his, uh, partner saved my life."
Pepper steps forward, her blue eyes locking onto mine. "Thank you," she says, her voice laced with genuine gratitude. "You saved Tony. I don't know what we would have done..."
"No problem," I shrug, trying to act all cool and nonchalant.
Suddenly, there's a flash of light, and the giant, imposing Greymon shrinks down, morphing back into the much smaller and less intimidating Agumon. Tony and Pepper stare, mouths agape.
Agumon looks up at me, his tummy rumbling. "Ethan, I'm hungry."
I pat his head, smiling reassuringly. "I know, buddy. We'll get you some grub as soon as we get back to the Digi-Home. How about some of those extra-large burgers?"
Agumon's eyes light up. "Yes! Burgers!"
I turn back to Tony and Pepper, who are still clearly trying to process what they just saw. Time to get down to business. "So," I begin, trying to sound casual, "about that 5% of Stark Industries… I'm guessing you're gonna need some kind of account or something, right?"
Pepper nods, regaining her composure. "Yes, we will. We'll need your legal name, social security number, bank account information… the usual."
I inwardly groan. This is where things get tricky. Revealing all that info means blowing my cover. My secret identity, such as it is, will be toast. But that 5% is just too damn tempting. I need those Digi-Coins for Supply Boxes, and Agumon and the others aren't exactly cheap to feed. Plus, if I play my cards right, this could be just the first of many lucrative opportunities.
"Alright," I say, making a split-second decision. "But you guys gotta promise me something. This stays between us, okay? No one else can know who I am, got it?"
Tony raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why the secrecy?"
"Let's just say I have my reasons," I reply, giving them my best mysterious look.
I pull up my Digi-Goggles, letting them see my face clearly for the first time. "Ethan Kepler,"
Tony and Pepper exchange surprised glances. "You're just a kid," Pepper says, her voice filled with disbelief.
"Yeah, well, don't let the age fool you," I retort, trying to sound tough. "I can handle myself."
"We understand, Ethan," Tony says, nodding slowly. "Your secret's safe with us. But why didn't you tell us you were so young? We wouldn't have offered a 5% to a kid."
"Money is money. No one is going to refuse that offer," I say with a shrug. "Besides, I earned it."
I rattle off my banking info, plus the other deets. Pepper gives me that "I'll process this in a few days" spiel. As if I'm some kind of rube who doesn't know how things work. Whatever. The money will come, and I'll be ready to spend it.
"Well, I'm gonna get going. Agumon's hungry, and I promised him burgers. Later, guys," I say, turning to leave.
"Hey, wait up, Cipher," Tony calls out.
I stop, turning back to face him. "What's up?"
I notice him looking at Behemoth again. The sun glints off the crimson edges. He seems fascinated by it.
"That bike… It's something else. You know, I've got a garage full of custom rides, but that thing…" He trails off, shaking his head in admiration. "Seriously, name your price. I'll double whatever you're thinking."
I hop on Behemoth, getting comfortable. Agumon perches in front of me, like a kid riding with his dad. "Sorry, Tony," I say, revving the engine. "This baby's not for sale. At any price. It's one of a kind, priceless, and frankly, irreplaceable."
The look on his face is priceless. Tony "I Can Buy Anything" Stark can't buy something.
"Alright, alright," he says, throwing his hands up in the air. "Just figured I'd ask."
I nod, twisting the throttle. "See ya around, Stark," I yell over the roar of the engine. "And thanks for the investment opportunity."
I ride off into the sunset. With Agumon and Behemoth at my side, I feel like I can take on anything.
***
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