Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
I kick back on the plush hotel bed, the city lights a dazzling spectacle outside the panoramic window. Gatomon is already fast asleep on the cloud-like mattress, a soft snore escaping her. BlackGatomon, ever the night owl, is perched on the edge of the bed, meticulously cleaning her claws. She's got that look in her eyes, the one that says she's plotting something, but I'm too tired to care. The mission was a success, we got the data, and now… now we get to relax.
A soft chime from my Digivice pulls me out of my daze. A message from the front desk.
Mr. Kepler, Mr. Stark would like to invite you to join him for dinner in the hotel's private dining area. Please come down at your earliest convenience.
"Tony wants us for dinner," I announce to the room.
BlackGatomon perks up, her ears twitching. "Dinner? About time. I'm starving." She leaps off the bed. "Lead the way, boss. Don't keep the good food waiting."
Gatomon stirs, blinking her sleepy blue eyes. "Dinner? Is there tuna?"
"Probably," I reply, standing up. "Let's go find out."
I grab my jacket and the Digivice, tucking it into my pocket. Gatomon and BlackGatomon hop onto my shoulders as we head out. The hotel staff seems to have cleared a path for us. No one bats an eye at the two Digimon perched on my shoulders, which is… convenient. I guess Stark's reputation precedes him.
We step out of the elevator onto a floor that feels even more opulent than the lobby. Soft jazz music drifts from somewhere down the hall, and the air smells faintly of roasted meats and something sweet. Happy Hogan is waiting for us by a set of double doors, looking as stoic as ever.
"Mr. Kepler," he greets me with a nod. "Mr. Stark is expecting you."
I nod back, and he pushes open the doors, revealing a room that looks more like a scene from a movie than a dining area. A long, polished table is laden with enough food to feed a small army. Platters overflow with roasted meats, mountains of seafood, bowls of vibrant salads, and baskets piled high with bread.
Peter and Gwen are already there, looking just as wide-eyed as I feel. Peter's practically vibrating with excitement, while Gwen looks a little overwhelmed, but also… radiant. She's changed out of her school clothes and is wearing a simple, elegant dress that makes her look like she stepped right off a magazine cover. Her usually neat hair is slightly tousled, as if she just ran her hands through it, and her eyes sparkle with a newfound confidence. Even Renamon, sitting primly beside her, seems to be observing Gwen with a flicker of something akin to curiosity in her icy blue gaze.
"Whoa," Peter breathes, looking from the table to Tony, who's already holding court at the head of the table. "Is all this… for us?"
Tony glances over, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, it's for all of us, kid. But yeah, I figured with… extra guests," he gestures vaguely towards Gatomon and BlackGatomon on my shoulders, "we might need a bit more than a couple of appetizers."
He winks. "Don't worry, we've got plenty. If you're still hungry after this, just say the word. Happy's always ready for a run to the kitchen." He turns to Happy, who stands near the entrance, looking unfazed. "Happy's pretty much my personal bodyguard and chauffeur all rolled into one. He's used to going above and beyond. Right, Happy?"
Happy gives a curt nod. "Whatever it takes, Mr. Stark."
"See?" Tony beams. "Now, sit down, everyone. Let's eat!"
I release Agumon, Gabumon, Cutemon, and Ballistamon from the Digivice. MailBirdramon is too big for the dining room, so I make a mental note to get him some food later. Agumon and Gabumon tumble out with excited yelps, their eyes practically glued to the feast. Cutemon hops out, looking around with wide, innocent eyes, and Ballistamon lumbers out, his metallic body gleaming under the soft lights.
The Digimon freeze for a moment, taking in the sheer abundance. Agumon's jaw practically hits the floor. "Whoa! Is all this… for us?"
Gabumon's tail wags nervously. "It's… it's a lot of food."
"Don't be shy!" Tony booms, gesturing expansively. "Dig in! It's all yours."
And just like that, the room fills with the happy sounds of feasting. Agumon and Gabumon dive headfirst into a mountain of chicken wings, their little dino jaws working overtime. Ballistamon, surprisingly delicate for his size, carefully picks up a roasted turkey leg, savoring every bite. Cutemon nibbles daintily on some fruit. Gatomon and BlackGatomon, having already polished off a plate of shrimp, eye the dessert table with keen interest. Renamon, ever composed, takes a few small bites of a salad, her movements precise and graceful. Even Tony seems to be enjoying the spectacle, a satisfied smirk on his face as he watches us. It's a weird scene, sure—a billionaire, some high schoolers, and a pack of Digimon tearing into a banquet—but for the first time in a long time, it feels… right. It feels like a family.
After what seems like an eternity of eating, Agumon and Gabumon finally slump back, their bellies comically distended. They look like little, overstuffed beanbags, letting out contented groans. Gatomon and BlackGatomon are already eyeing the dessert spread. Renamon has finished her salad and is now politely accepting a slice of cake from a stunned waiter. The atmosphere is light, almost giddy, a stark contrast to the danger we faced just hours ago. It's a moment of pure, unadulterated peace.
"Mr. Stark, thank you so much," Peter says, his voice filled with genuine gratitude as he pushes away his empty plate. "This was… this was incredible. I've never eaten so much in my life."
Gwen nods in agreement, her cheeks flushed. "Yes, thank you, Mr. Stark. It was… very generous of you. And delicious." She nudges Renamon gently, who gives a small, almost imperceptible nod.
Tony waves a dismissive hand, already reaching for a glass of champagne. "Please, call me Tony. And it's my pleasure. You kids deserve a break. Besides," he winks at Peter, "you never know when you'll need to call in a favor from the guy who bankrolled your little… field trip."
I just smile, a warm feeling spreading through me that has nothing to do with the food. It's nice to see Peter and Gwen relax for once. Even the Digimon seem to be enjoying themselves, Gatomon and BlackGatomon already halfway through a tower of pastries.
***
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