Extra Chapter
Let's reach 600 Power Stones for an extra chapter
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-Ethan Kepler-
A day later, I'm sprawled on a king-size bed in a swanky hotel in Porto Verde, Brazil. Yeah, I'm living large these days, thanks to Tony's generosity. After spending weeks roughing it, I want to take advantage of what my rewards have to offer. And what better way to do that than a luxury vacation?
Gatomon, BlackGatomon, Agumon, Gabumon, and Cutemon are all crashed out next to me, snoring softly. I'd invited MailBirdramon to join the slumber party, but he's too big to fit in the room.
I stretch, feeling the soft Egyptian cotton sheets against my skin. It's a far cry from my dingy apartment in Queens, that's for sure. For now, I need the Digimon to relax.
Time to satisfy these bottomless pits. I snag the hotel phone and dial room service, going full send on the local cuisine. Feijoada? Check. Moqueca? Double-check. Pão de Queijo? You bet your sweet bippy. I figure I order enough to feed a small army.
A little later, a timid knock on the door signals the arrival of the feast. I swing it open, flashing a charming smile at the bellhop. He's got a cart piled high with steaming dishes, his eyebrows practically touching his hairline.
"Uh, senhor Kepler?" he asks, glancing from the mountain of food to my scrawny frame. "Is this…all for you?"
I shrug, grabbing the cart. "Yep! Big appetite. Thanks, pal!"
I wheel the cart into the room, not bothering to explain that I'm not planning to eat it all myself. I tip him generously. As soon as the door clicks shut, the scent of savory stew and freshly baked bread does its work.
"Food!" Agumon shouts, shooting up from the bed like a rocket.
Gabumon's eyes snap open, and Cutemon hops with excitement. Even Gatomon and BlackGatomon stretch luxuriously before sauntering over, their noses twitching.
"Took you long enough!" BlackGatomon purrs, eyeing the spread.
We gather around the cart, ready to demolish this culinary masterpiece. The bellhop would definitely be even more confused seeing my partners. I pile plates high with feijoada, the black bean stew rich and hearty. Moqueca, a seafood stew with coconut milk, is next, its aroma filling the room. We dig in, forks flying, as conversation takes a backseat to pure, unadulterated bliss.
Agumon inhales a plate of Pão de Queijo, the cheesy bread practically disappearing in one bite. "Ethan, this is the best!" he manages between mouthfuls.
I pat his head, "Don't stop now, buddy. We got a Rogue Digimon to hunt here in the city when we're done."
Agumon's eyes widen, a mix of excitement and determination flickering in them. "A real hunt? Awesome!"
A little while later, after everyone's stuffed to the gills, I'm hitting the streets. Porto Verde is popping with color, music spilling from every doorway, and the scent of spices hanging thick in the air. It would be an amazing place to chill, if not for the job.
Digivice in hand, I follow the little red arrow, weaving through the crowds, past street vendors hawking their wares, and dodging overly enthusiastic tourists. Gatomon and BlackGatomon are tucked safely away. I don't need to attract attention, and Agumon and Gabumon are here to play muscle.
The Digivice keeps beeping, the arrow unwavering, as I walk. According to this thing, I'm right on top of it. The problem? I'm smack-dab in the middle of a crowded plaza, with nothing but cobblestones and a few swaying palm trees.
"Seriously?" I mutter, scanning the area. "Where the heck is it?"
Agumon tilts his head, sniffing the air. "Something feels weird here, Ethan. Like...hidden."
Gabumon nods, his ears twitching. "Yeah, I sense it too. It's like it's there, but not really."
I activate my Digi-Goggles, hoping for some clarity, but all I see are the usual digital signatures of the city, nothing out of the ordinary. I narrow my eyes, taking a slow spin, trying to spot anything that seems off.
Alright, Sherlock, time to put on my thinking cap. The verticality of the is a big help in situations like this! I glance at the, seeing only horizontal measurements. Well, that narrows it down.
"Okay, team," I say, my gaze fixed, "I'm betting this thing is underground."
Agumon and Gabumon exchange looks.
"Underground, huh?" Agumon muses, tapping his chin. "Like a sewer or something?"
"Or maybe a basement?" Gabumon suggests, his ears perked.
I shrug. "Only one way to find out."
My eyes scan for a manhole.
Bingo! A slightly corroded manhole cover sits innocuously at the edge of the plaza. With a grunt, I heave it open, revealing a dark, dank abyss. The smell that wafts up is...unpleasant, a cocktail of stale water, something vaguely rotten, and a hint of whatever the heck people flush down here.
Agumon and Gabumon recoil, wrinkling their noses.
"Whoa," Agumon says, taking a step back. "That's...ripe."
"Yeah," Gabumon adds, fanning the air with a paw. "I think my fur just absorbed some of that smell."
I peer down into the darkness. "Alright, who's up for a little subterranean adventure? I'm guessing our Rogue Digimon isn't exactly sunbathing."
Agumon and Gabumon exchange glances again, clearly unimpressed with my suggestion.
"Uh, no offense, Ethan," Agumon says, "but I'm not really feeling the whole sewer thing. It's kinda stinky."
"Yeah," Gabumon chimes in, "and what if there are rats? Big ones?"
"Come on, guys," I plead, "it's a mission! Besides, I can't exactly squeeze through that tiny hole. I'm too big."
Before anyone can volunteer, a familiar voice cuts through the air. "I'll do it."
A surge of light and Gatomon emerges from my Digivice.
"Gatomon!" I exclaim. "What are you doing here?"
She fixes me with a determined look. "Someone has to do the dirty work, and as one of your first partners, I feel it's my responsibility. Plus, let's be honest, I'm the only one small and agile enough to navigate those tunnels."
"But Gatomon," I protest, "it's gross down there!"
"I'll manage," she says, flicking her tail dismissively. "Just promise me you'll make it up to me with extra head scratches and maybe a new catnip toy."
I grin. "Deal! Thanks, Gatomon. You're the best."
With a final glance at us, Gatomon leaps down the manhole.
***
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