Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
The air in the SHIELD interrogation room hums with a low, electronic thrum, the sterile white walls amplifying the tension. Ethan sits between Peter and Gwen, his Digimon companions flanking them. Gatomon's usual composure is replaced by a watchful stillness, BlackGatomon's tail twitches with an barely contained energy, and Renamon maintains a stoic, watchful posture. Peter fidgets, his eyes darting around the room, clearly picturing himself in a prison cell. Gwen, though outwardly composed, repeatedly glances towards the door, her brow furrowed with worry for her father, Captain Stacy. She can already imagine his anger towards SHIELD for dragging them into this.
"Relax, guys," Ethan says, trying to sound more confident than he feels. "We'll be fine. Worst-case scenario, we'll just break out."
BlackGatomon smirks, a flash of her usual recklessness. "Yeah, kid. If anyone lays a hand on us, we'll just bust some bones and make a scenic exit."
"BlackGatomon!" Gatomon scolds, though a hint of amusement flickers in her eyes. "That's not helpful."
"Hey, if they try to lock us up, a little 'unpleasantness' might be necessary," BlackGatomon retorts.
"You can't just joke about this!" Gwen exclaims, her voice sharp with anxiety. "Being reckless like that will only make things worse. My dad is already furious with SHIELD for taking us in."
Peter nods in agreement, his voice strained. "Gwen's right. We need to be smart about this, not… loud."
Ethan sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I get it. But we stick together. Nobody messes with my crew." He glances at Gatomon, BlackGatomon, and Renamon. "And if anyone tries anything, they'll have to go through them first."
Gatomon's gaze hardens. "If anyone harms Ethan, they'll regret it," she states, her voice calm but firm.
Renamon remains silent, her icy blue eyes scanning the room, a silent promise of protection radiating from her. The sterile silence of the room presses in, the weight of their unknown future hanging heavy in the air.
The heavy metal door hisses open, admitting Nick Fury. He walks with a deliberate, imposing stride, his single eye scanning the room, taking in Ethan, Peter, Gwen, and their Digimon companions. Behind him, Black Widow and Hawkeye stand like shadows, their presence a silent testament to SHIELD's reach.
Fury stops a few feet from the table, his gaze settling on Ethan. The air in the room thickens, palpable with unspoken power.
"Ethan Kepler," Fury states, his voice a low rumble that cuts through the silence. It's not a question. "Or should I call you Cipher? The kid who plays with digital monsters and causes quite a stir."
Ethan shifts in his seat, a flicker of defiance in his eyes. Gatomon's tail twitches, and BlackGatomon's claws extend slightly. Renamon's posture stiffens, a silent, predatory readiness.
Fury's gaze shifts, sweeping over Peter and Gwen. "And you two," he continues, his tone unwavering, "Peter Parker. And Gwen Stacy. Quite the collection of secrets you've all been keeping."
Peter swallows hard, his face paling. Gwen's hand tightens on her lap, her knuckles white. The Digimon grow visibly tense, their eyes fixed on Fury, ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation. The unspoken threat hangs heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the sterile environment. Fury's knowledge hangs over them like a storm cloud, the implications of his words sinking in.
"Cut the crap, Fury," Ethan says, his voice laced with a familiar, biting sarcasm. "We know you're not here to slap cuffs on us. So, stop with the whole 'intimidating superhero' act and just tell us what you want." He leans back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "If you wanted us in a cell, you'd have done it already. And trust me, you don't want to see me get mad."
The air in the room crackles with renewed tension. Black Widow and Hawkeye shift their weight, their hands subtly moving towards their weapons. Gatomon, BlackGatomon, and Renamon tense, their eyes narrowing as they assess the agents. Peter and Gwen visibly sweat, their eyes wide with apprehension.
Fury remains impassive, his gaze unwavering as he recalls the raw, untamed power of SkullGreymon, a creature born of unchecked rage and digital corruption. He remembers the sheer devastation it wrought before it was contained.
"You can escape, Ethan," Fury states, his voice devoid of emotion. "I have no doubt about that. But can Peter and Gwen? Even if one of them is a metahuman, SHIELD can still apprehend them."
Ethan narrows his eyes.
"SHIELD has concerns, Ethan. The Digimon appearing on Earth with increasing frequency is not a matter we can ignore. We need answers. We need to know where they're coming from, why they're here, and what kind of threat they pose."
Ethan leans forward, his bravado softening slightly as he understands the gravity of Fury's words. He looks at Peter and Gwen, then back at Fury.
"Alright, fine," Ethan concedes, a sigh escaping his lips. "Digimon. They're… digital lifeforms. Born in a parallel dimension called the Digital World. They're not programs, not just AI. They have lives, feelings, and they can evolve."
Ethan continues to explain what he knows about Digimon and the Digital World.
"As for why there are more of them showing up here now… I have some ideas, but nothing solid. It's like something's… pushing them through."
Fury's gaze sharpens. "Someone or something is behind this?" he asks, his voice low and steady. "Is there a particular Digimon, or perhaps a person, orchestrating these… incursions?"
Ethan leans back, considering. He thinks about the chaos at the bridge, the way Jokermon had directed the attack with a chilling amusement. "It's possible," Ethan admits, choosing his words carefully. "The guy on the bridge, the clown-like Digimon… he seemed like the likely suspect." He pauses, then adds, "But whether he's working alone or with a bigger group, I honestly don't know. He was pretty cagey."
Gwen shifts uncomfortably, her gaze flicking between Ethan and Fury. Peter fiddles with his web shooters, his mind clearly racing. The Digimon remain silent, watchful sentinels. The air hangs heavy with unspoken questions, the weight of this new reality settling upon them. Fury, ever the pragmatist, considers Ethan's words, his mind already working through the implications. The possibility of a coordinated effort, of a larger threat, is a grim one.
The interrogation room door bursts open with a resounding bang, admitting Tony Stark, a whirlwind of expensive fabric and barely contained energy. Happy Hogan trails behind him, his expression a mixture of grim determination and weary resignation. Stark, looking impeccably dressed despite the apparent urgency, surveys the scene with a proprietary air, his eyes locking onto Ethan and his Digimon.
Fury's single eye narrows, his voice losing none of its steely edge. "Stark. What in God's name do you think you're doing here?"
Stark waves a dismissive hand, his gaze sweeping over Fury, then settling on Ethan. "Relax, Fury. Just here to collect my… associates. And if you're thinking about holding them, or their frankly adorable monster pets, you'll have to deal with my army of reporters. And trust me, they're way more persistent than your little SHIELD goons."
Fury's jaw tightens, a vein throbbing in his temple. "Stark, this is a matter of national security. These… Digimon… are an unknown variable, a potential threat."
"Threat? Please," Stark scoffs, stepping further into the room. "They're more likely to help than harm. Besides," he winks at Ethan, "this kid's got a good head on his shoulders. And if anyone knows how to handle a little bit of the extraordinary, it's me. So, let's wrap this up before the paparazzi get any brighter ideas."
Hawkeye and Black Widow exchange a look, their hands still hovering near their weapons, assessing the sudden shift in the room's dynamic. Peter and Gwen look between Stark and Fury, a mix of relief and confusion on their faces. The Digimon, sensing the shift, relax their defensive postures slightly, though their eyes remain watchful.
"You have no idea what you're meddling in, Stark," Fury warns, his voice low.
"Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea," Stark retorts, clapping Happy on the shoulder. "Happy, make sure our ride is ready. Ethan, gang, let's go. Time for a much-needed burger and an explanation of why you shouldn't let SHIELD corner you."
Happy nods, already turning to leave. Ethan exchanges a look with his Digimon, a silent understanding passing between them. He stands, a newfound confidence radiating from him.
"See you around, Fury," Ethan says, a smirk returning to his face. "And if you ever need help with Digimon… you know where to find me."
***
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