Extra Chaptet
Let's reach 750 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
I grip MailBirdramon's neck as we haul ass out of Harlem. The scene below is something straight out of a nightmare. Wrecked buildings, fires blazing, and a general sense of doom hanging in the air.
What a clusterfuck. The Abyssal Abomination...Shademon...whatever you want to call it, almost wiped the floor with us. If SkullGreymon hadn't gone full kamikaze, things could've been a lot worse. And what's with all these monsters showing up? The Hulk, the Abomination, and now Shademon. I can barely catch a break.
Suddenly, a spark of light flares in front of us. MailBirdramon screeches to a halt, nearly sending me flying off his back.
"What the hell?" I mutter, squinting.
The spark grows, widening into a swirling portal of golden energy.
MailBirdramon is uneasy. "Ethan, I sense great power from this portal."
Out steps a woman who looks like she belongs in a Renaissance painting. She is bald, with piercing blue eyes. She wears loose, flowing golden and saffron monk-like robes. Her expression is calm, enlightened, and enigmatic.
It is the Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme, leader of the Masters of the Mystic Arts. I recognize her from the Doctor Strange movies.
"Ethan Kepler," she says, her voice serene and knowing. "I have been expecting you."
"Uh...hi," I stammer, completely caught off guard. "I'm Ethan, and this is MailBirdramon. I guess you know that already."
"Indeed," the Ancient One replies with a gentle smile. "I must admit, I did not foresee a mechanical bird. Though, I've seen stranger things."
"Care for some tea?" she asks.
Tea? After everything that just happened? But who am I to say no to a sorceress who probably knows more about what's going on than I do?
"Sure, why not?" I say, trying to sound casual. "Lead the way."
I turn to MailBirdramon. "Follow her, big guy. And try not to break anything."
MailBirdramon nods and follows the Ancient One through the portal, which shimmers and closes behind us.
We emerge into a completely different world. Gone are the chaotic streets of Harlem. Instead, we're in the Himalayas, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a breathtaking view.
"Holy crap," I breathe, taking in the scenery.
Below us is Kamar-Taj, a hidden sanctuary nestled in the mountains. It is a place of training, where students in orange robes practice martial arts and magic in tranquil courtyards.
MailBirdramon lands gently on a stone platform, and I slide off his back. Students stop their training to stare at us with wide eyes. A guy riding a mechanical bird probably isn't something they see every day.
"Alright, big guy, you can head back," I say, patting MailBirdramon's side. "I'll call you if I need a ride."
I tap the Digivice, and MailBirdramon dematerializes into data, returning to the Digital World.
I turn to the Ancient One, who is already walking towards a set of ornate wooden doors. I follow her, trying to look like I know what I am doing.
As we approach the doors, a stern-looking man with a shaved head steps forward. He wears similar robes to the Ancient One, but his are a darker shade of green.
"Master," he says, bowing slightly. "Welcome back. I trust your journey was...enlightening?"
"Indeed, Mordo," the Ancient One replies. "This is Ethan Kepler. Ethan, this is Baron Mordo."
"Pleasure," I say, offering a nod. Mordo eyes me with suspicion, but doesn't say anything.
The Ancient One gestures for me to follow her, and we walk through the doors into a serene courtyard.
She leads me through a maze of corridors and into a private room filled with ancient scrolls, mystical artifacts, and the smell of incense.
"Please, have a seat," the Ancient One says, gesturing to a cushion on the floor.
I sit down awkwardly, trying to maintain some semblance of decorum.
The Ancient One produces two small teacups and a steaming teapot. She pours the tea, handing one cup to me.
"Thank you," I say, taking a sip. The tea is surprisingly delicious, with a subtle, earthy flavor. "This is really good."
"I am glad you enjoy it," the Ancient One replies with a smile. "So, Ethan, tell me about yourself."
"Well, there isn't much to tell," I say, trying to keep the conversation light. "I'm just a regular guy from Queens who somehow got mixed up with Digimon. You know, the usual."
The Ancient One chuckles. "There is nothing 'usual' about you, Ethan. You are a Tamer, a protector of balance."
"Hehe..thanks. By the way, you teach magic here, right? Do you think I can learn magic too."
"It is possible," the Ancient One replies.
My heart leaps. "Really? That would be awesome!"
"However," she continues, "it would take you a hundred years to master even the basics."
My enthusiasm deflates like a punctured balloon. "A hundred years? Yeah, never mind. I'm good."
The Ancient One smiles. "I thought you might say that. Now, let us talk about the real reason I brought you here."
She sets down her teacup, her gaze becoming intense. "The appearance of these Digimon on your world is causing disruptions in the timeline."
"Disruptions?" I ask, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I can no longer see the future freely with the Eye of Agamotto," she explains. "The threads of time are becoming tangled, uncertain."
"So, it's the Digimon's fault?"
"In part, yes," she says. "But there is a greater darkness at play."
She closes her eyes, and a faint glow emanates from her hands. "I have seen glimpses of what is to come. Seven fearsome Digimon, beings of immense power, who will bring destruction to your world."
Seven fearsome Digimon? The Demon Lords? That can't be good.
She opens her eyes, her gaze locking onto mine. "But I have also seen you, Ethan. You, along with other children, standing against this darkness."
Other children? "What do you mean, other children?"
"There are others like you, Ethan," she says. "Chosen Children, destined to protect both your world and the Digital World."
Other Chosen Children... are there others like me? I thought I was the only one. "Do you know them? I thought I was the only one."
"Unfortunately, no, but I'm sure fate will bring you all together. I am offering you my assistance," the Ancient One replies. "Knowledge, guidance, whatever you require."
"I...I don't know what to say," I stammer, my mind racing. This is way bigger than I thought. "This is a lot to take in."
Could those seven Digimon really be the Demon Lords? And are there really other kids like me running around with Digimon partners? The thought is both terrifying and strangely exciting.
The Ancient One stands and walks over to a desk, and she writes something down on a piece of paper. She hands it to me.
"My phone number," she says with a wry smile. "Do not hesitate to call if you need anything."
I stare at the number, completely dumbfounded. "You have a phone?"
"Of course," she replies, her eyes twinkling. "Just because I am ancient doesn't mean I don't keep up with the times."
I chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief. "Thanks," I say, tucking the paper into my pocket. "I really appreciate it."
"You are welcome, Ethan," she says. "Now, I believe it is time for you to return home."
She raises her hands, and a golden portal opens behind me. "Farewell, Ethan Kepler. Our paths will cross again."
With a final nod, I step through the portal, finding myself back in my crummy apartment in Queens.
What the hell did I just get myself into?
***
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