Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
-Gwen-
I sat on our living room couch, absently petting Renamon's soft, golden fur. She was curled up beside me, a comfortable weight against my leg, her eyes closed in peaceful meditation. My mom, Helen, walked in from the kitchen, holding a plate of her famous chocolate chip cookies, still warm from the oven. The smell alone was enough to make my mouth water.
"Anyone want a cookie?" she asked, her voice calm and sweet. She offered the plate to me first, and then to Renamon.
Renamon's nose twitched, and she opened one eye, giving a soft hmpf before taking a small, perfect bite. It was funny how she had become such a normal part of our home. Even my little brothers, Mike and Tim, had completely embraced her. They loved trying to play with her, throwing balls and attempting to get her to chase them around the yard. Renamon, however, preferred a quieter life. She usually just watched them, occasionally batting a stray toy back with her tail, always looking a little put out by their boundless energy.
My two younger brothers, Mike and Tim, suddenly barreled into the room, their energy radiating like tiny suns. Mike, with his messy brown hair, made a beeline for Renamon.
"Renamon, wanna play catch?!" he asked, holding up a bright red tennis ball.
Tim, not to be outdone, quickly joined in. "No, play with me! I have my new action figure!"
Renamon shifted uncomfortably against my leg, her tail giving a nervous twitch. She wasn't exactly thrilled with their brand of boisterous fun, even though she tolerated them. Mom, bless her heart, stepped in before Renamon could make a quick exit.
"Have you two finished your homework?" she asked, a gentle but firm tone in her voice.
Mike and Tim exchanged a look, suddenly finding the floor incredibly interesting. They couldn't even look her in the eye, which was a clear sign they hadn't.
"Go on," Mom said, pointing towards their room. "Homework first, then maybe some quiet playtime."
They grumbled a bit but knew better than to argue with Mom. They shuffled off to their room, leaving a slightly relieved quiet in their wake. Renamon looked up at Mom, giving a small, appreciative nod. It was nice to have someone on her side against the chaos sometimes.
A few minutes later, the front door opened with a familiar creak. Dad walked in, his shoulders slumped, his usually sharp eyes looking tired.
"Hey, Dad!" I said, trying to sound cheerful. "Rough day?"
Mom was already moving, heading to the kitchen to start the coffee machine. "Looks like you could use a break, George," she said, her voice gentle.
"Long one," he mumbled, loosening his tie. "Just got off a triple shift."
I looked at him, feeling that familiar knot of worry tighten in my stomach. He carried so much on his shoulders. "Anything… unusual happening at the precinct?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light. I really hoped it wasn't another Digimon incident. Those always hit him hardest.
"No, actually it's getting… stranger," Dad said, rubbing his temples. "Got a few reports from the park. A kid, they said, was running around setting off little bursts of fire. Nothing serious, just enough to make people jump."
I frowned, thinking it sounded like a really annoying prank. Kids could be so ridiculous.
"I thought it was just some delinquent at first," Dad continued, accepting the coffee Mom handed him. He took a long sip, then sighed. "But the descriptions kept getting more specific. Pointed ears, a tail, purple skin. Sounded less like a kid and more like… something else."
My heart skipped a beat. Purple skin?
"You mean like a Digimon, Dad?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even.
He nodded slowly. "Exactly. And the name that kept coming up on our… unusual incident board? Impmon."
Impmon? I had not heard that name before, and a shiver ran down my spine. I turned to Renamon, who was now sitting up, her ears swiveling slightly.
"Renamon, do you know anything about an Impmon?" I asked her, my voice low.
Renamon's icy blue eyes opened fully, and she met my gaze. "I have heard the name in the Digital World. He is known for mischief and pranks, and has some elemental abilities, but I do not know him personally. He is a Rookie, but not to be underestimated." She paused, her tail flicking gently. "He tends to make trouble."
That definitely sounded like a Digimon, alright. My stomach dropped. This was not going to be a quiet night, I could already tell.
"So, do you want me to go take care of this Impmon, Dad?" I asked, trying to sound helpful.
He paused, swirling the coffee in his mug. I could see the wheels turning in his head, the conflict playing out on his face. He trusted me, I knew that, but the worry for my safety was always there, a thick cloud around him. He probably figured a Digimon that just set off little fires wasn't much of a threat, that the regular cops could handle it. It was typical Dad, always trying to protect me.
"It sounds like a minor disturbance, Gwen," he said, his voice measured. "Nothing the local precinct can't handle for now. We don't want to cause a panic over what sounds like a glorified prankster."
I shook my head, my patience wearing thin. "Dad, you really shouldn't underestimate any Digimon. Ever. Even if this Impmon is just playing pranks right now, if it gets serious, its abilities could do some real damage." I wasn't even sure how strong Impmon really was, but I knew enough about Digimon to know they all had the potential to be incredibly dangerous. "We can't just wait around until someone gets hurt for real."
My dad sighed again, a long, weary sound that echoed the one in my own head. I knew this was tough for him, having to rely on me and Renamon for stuff the NYPD usually handled. It was a whole new world, and he was doing his best to keep up.
"Alright, Gwen," he said, finally looking at me, his eyes tired but firm. "If you think you can handle it, then… take care of this Impmon. Just… be careful."
"I will, Dad. I promise," I told him, a rush of determination going through me. I exchanged a quick look with Renamon, who gave a small, confident nod. This was what we did. This was why we were partners. There was no way I would let some mischievous Digimon cause a panic in my city. We had a job to do, and we were going to get it done.
"Where exactly is this Impmon, Dad?" I asked.
"Mostly sighted in Central Park," he replied, pointing a finger in the general direction. "Near the Bethesda Terrace, from what the reports say."
"Got it," I said, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Thanks, Dad."
"Just be safe, Gwen."
"Always am!" I called back, already pulling on my Digi-Camo. I gave Mom a quick hug as Renamon and I headed out the door. My heart pounded a little faster. Central Park, here we come!
***
Donate Power Stones to support this novel
Advance chapters in patreon.com/Najicablitz