Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
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The sharp scent of sweat and old leather hung heavy in the air as I stepped into the gym. Jessica and Luke Cage were in the center ring, a practiced rhythm flowing between them. Luke called out instructions, his voice a low rumble, while Jessica responded with a series of quick jabs.
I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my my arms over my chest, observing the scene with a casual curiosity. Jessica's posture held a new focus, a stark contrast to the slightly slumped demeanor she often displayed in the cafeteria. It was like watching a completely different person, all coiled energy and determination.
"She is certainly taking this seriously," Gatomon commented from within the Digivice. "Look at her footwork."
"Who knew our little Jessica had such a mean streak?" BlackGatomon chuckled, a hint of admiration in her tone. "I bet she is picturing my face on that punching bag."
"You wish, you little demon," I muttered, a small smile touching my lips. "She is probably just trying to work out her issues."
Luke ducked a punch, then moved back, his hands still up. "Alright, Campbell, keep that chin down!"
"I am trying," Jessica grunted, adjusting her stance. "You are fast."
"I have been doing this a minute," Luke replied, a slight smirk on his face. "Again, keep that guard up."
Jessica pivoted, aiming a high kick at Luke, who caught her foot effortlessly and steadied her. I decided I had seen enough and pushed off the wall. I strode across the gym floor, my footsteps echoing on the concrete.
"Hey there, fighting machines!" I called out, waving a hand.
The sound of my voice broke their concentration. They both turned, Luke dropping his stance and Jessica stumbling slightly as she regained her balance. The sparring session came to an abrupt halt.
"Ethan? What are you doing here?" Jessica asked, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. Her eyes narrowed a little, a mix of surprise and annoyance in her tone.
I shrugged, keeping my voice light. "Olivia stopped by my apartment, looking for you. Said she was worried because you have been coming home late with bruises and not explaining yourself." I kept my gaze steady, waiting for her reaction.
Jessica shifted her weight, a subtle movement that still caught my attention. She glanced at Luke, then back at me, her expression a careful blank slate.
"Luke invited me here a while back," she said, her voice even. "He offered to teach me some moves."
She paused, as if gathering her thoughts. "I figured it couldn't hurt to get some exercise, you know? And learn how to defend myself, especially after everything that's happened."
It was a simple explanation, focused on self-defense and fitness. She left out the late-night patrols, the gang wars, and the whole "Jewel" persona entirely. Smooth, Jessica. Real smooth.
Luke nodded in agreement, a deep rumble in his chest. "She's a natural, too," he added, a hint of pride in his voice. "Picks things up fast."
Jessica actually smiled at him then, a genuine, warm expression that made my stomach do a weird flip. I hadn't seen that particular smile directed at me in a long time. She reached out and playfully punched Luke's arm, a gesture that seemed a little too familiar for my liking.
"You're a good teacher," she said, her voice softer, almost sweet.
Then, she turned back to me, her smile lingering, but her eyes held a challenging glint, like she was daring me to call her out.
"Want to join us for a round, Ethan?" Jessica asked, moving closer to Luke, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. "Maybe you could learn a thing or two, too." Her tone was teasing, but there was an underlying edge to it, like she was challenging me. She rested a hand on Luke's shoulder, looking at me expectantly.
I just laughed, shaking my head. "Nah, I am good, thanks," I said, a grin on my face. "I prefer keeping my nose out of getting punched for fun."
"Suit yourself," Jessica said, shrugging her shoulders. She turned back to Luke. "Ready for another round?"
Luke nodded, a quiet agreement passing between them. "Always," he replied.
They resumed their sparring, and I leaned back against the wall, watching them. Jessica's movements became more fluid, more confident, as they continued. She was definitely getting stronger, her punches landing with a satisfying thwack against Luke's impenetrable skin. He was a patient teacher, guiding her, correcting her form with a soft word or a gentle repositioning of her arm.
Gatomon's voice, a soft whisper from the Digivice, broke through my thoughts. "She seems quite happy, Ethan."
"Yeah," BlackGatomon added, a rare softness in her tone. "It's good to see her smiling, even if she is still trying to hide things from you."
I watched Jessica as she ducked under a playful swing from Luke, then countered with a jab that made him chuckle. She seemed genuinely happy, a lightness in her step that had been missing for so long. She was finding her purpose, her own way to move forward, and I was glad to see it. That was what mattered.
"See you back at the apartment, Jess!" I called out, giving them a casual wave.
The heavy gym door swung shut behind me with a thud. I pushed open the street door, stepping out into the late afternoon sun, the sounds of grunts and impacts fading into the general city hum. It felt good to know Jessica was safe and doing her thing. She was finding her footing in this new, crazy world, which was a huge relief. Now, I could actually focus on my own stuff without feeling like I needed to babysit.
"Well, that was certainly enlightening," Gatomon commented, her voice a dry murmur from the Digivice. "She appears quite comfortable with him."
"Comfortable enough to throw punches, anyway," BlackGatomon snickered. "Maybe you should take some lessons, too, Ethan. You could use a few pointers on how to handle yourself in a real fight."
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, you two," I muttered, shaking my head. "I am perfectly capable, thank you very much."
My thoughts were already drifting toward my next big project: DataStream Dynamics and Project EDEN. Tony was expecting me at Stark Industries. It was time to build a virtual world and, more importantly, make a fortune.
***
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