Chapter 12

I groaned, my head pounding like a drum. Slowly, I peeled my eyes open, squinting against the dim lighting of the Fenton's basement.

"David-kun! You're awake!" Hestia's voice, laced with relief, reached my ears. I turned my head to see her kneeling beside me, Lunamon hovering anxiously nearby.

"Ugh, what happened?" I croaked, my throat dry. "Did it work?"

Hestia's brow furrowed with worry. "We're not sure. You passed out after activating the portal, and we've been trying to revive you."

Lunamon chimed in, her voice soft and soothing. "We were so worried. Are you feeling alright?"

I took a moment to assess myself, wiggling my fingers and toes. "I think so, but my head is killing me." I attempted a reassuring smile, but it came out more like a grimace.

Hestia's eyes narrowed, and she reached out to brush my forehead. "You're burning up. We need to get you out of here, David-kun."

Lunamon nodded in agreement, her ears drooping with concern. "Yes, let's get you somewhere safe."

I tried to sit up, but the world spun, and I had to lie back down. "Whoa, take it easy there. Maybe I overdid it a bit," I said with a sheepish chuckle.

Hestia's lips pursed, and she exchanged a worried glance with Lunamon. "Honestly, David-kun, what were you thinking? This was far too risky!"

I raised my hands in a placating gesture, wincing at the movement. "Hey, hey, don't worry, Kami-sama. I'm sure I'm fine. Just a little... ghost-powered, that's all."

Lunamon tilted her head, her large eyes filled with confusion. "Ghost-powered? I'm not sure I understand."

Hestia sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Neither do I, David-kun. But I think it's time we get you out of here before the Fentons return."

I nodded weakly, my eyelids growing heavy. "Sounds good to me. Lead the way, Kami-sama."

Hestia and Lunamon gently helped me to my feet, supporting me as we made our way out of the Fenton's basement. Each step was a struggle, and I couldn't help but wonder if my little experiment had backfired in the most spectacular way.

As we emerged into the living room, a familiar voice called out, "Hey, what's going on here?"

I winced, recognizing the tone of Jazz Fenton, the Fentons' responsible daughter. This was not going to be easy to explain.

I grimaced, feeling the weight of Jazz's suspicious gaze upon us. "Uh, hi there! I'm David, and this is Hestia. We were, uh, just, you know, taking a little tour of your, um, basement. Totally innocent, I swear!"

Hestia shot me a pointed look, then turned to Jazz with a disarming smile. "Please, forgive our intrusion. David wasn't feeling well, and we were simply trying to help him. We meant no harm, I assure you."

Jazz's eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "In our basement? That's a pretty lame excuse, don't you think?" She paused, her gaze flicking between us. "What were you really doing down there?"

That's when Jazz's eyes landed on Lunamon, who was hovering anxiously beside me. Her eyes widened, and she let out a startled gasp. "What is that? Another ghost?" Jazz exclaimed, her voice tinged with a hint of fear.

Jazz's eyes narrowed as she reached behind her, pulling out a large, bulky weapon. "Don't move!" she shouted, aiming the Fenton Bazooka at us.

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. "Whoa, easy there! No need to get trigger-happy. We're not here to cause any trouble, I swear."

Hestia stepped forward, her hands raised in a placating gesture. "Please, miss, we mean you no harm."

Lunamon, ever the peacemaker, chimed in with her soft, calming voice. "We don't want any trouble."

Jazz's grip on the bazooka tightened, her expression a mix of suspicion and fear. "That thing doesn't look like any human I've ever seen. What is it, and what are you doing in my house?"

I chuckled nervously, trying to defuse the tense situation. "Oh, Lunamon? She's just a, uh, special friend of ours. Totally harmless, I promise. As for what we were doing in your basement, well, you see, it's a funny story..."

Jazz's grip on the bazooka tightened, her expression a mix of suspicion and fear. "Save it, you three are coming with me."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing to find a way out of this predicament. "Whoa, whoa, let's not be too hasty here. I'm sure we can work something out, right, Kami-sama?" I glanced pleadingly at Hestia, hoping she had a brilliant plan up her sleeve.

Hestia stepped forward, her expression earnest. "Miss, we truly mean no harm. We were simply trying to help our friend. If you could just hear us out, I'm sure we could resolve this peacefully."

Lunamon chimed in, her voice soothing. "Please, we just want to be on our way."

Jazz's brow furrowed, her grip on the bazooka unwavering. "I'm not buying it. You're all coming with me, and we're going to get to the bottom of this." She jerked her head towards the front door. "Now move it, before I have to use this thing."

I gulped, my mind racing as Jazz refused to back down. This was not how I expected my little experiment to turn out. I had to think fast and get us out of this mess.

Suddenly, I felt a surge of energy coursing through me, and I knew exactly what to do. A glowing ring appeared around my waist, splitting into two and traveling up and down my body. In a flash, my clothes transformed into a striking black and white ensemble, and my hair turned a brilliant, ghostly white. Even my eyes glowed with an otherworldly light.

"Whoa, what the-?" Jazz exclaimed, her grip on the bazooka wavering for a moment.

Taking advantage of her surprise, I swiftly kicked the weapon out of her hands, sending it clattering to the floor.

"What the-?" Jazz cried out, her eyes wide with shock.

Beside me, Hestia gasped, her expression a mix of awe and wonder. "David-kun, you're... amazing!" she breathed, her voice filled with reverence.

I didn't have time to revel in Hestia's praise, however, as I knew I had to act quickly. Lunging forward, I tackled Jazz to the ground, pinning her arms to her sides.

"Let me go!" Jazz shouted, struggling against my grip. "How did you do that? What are you?"

I held her firmly, my ghostly eyes boring into hers. "Jazz, please, just listen to me. We don't want any trouble."

Jazz's brow furrowed, her expression a mix of fear and confusion. "How do you know my name?" she demanded.

I offered a sheepish chuckle. "It's a long story, Jazz. One I'd be happy to explain, if you'd just hear us out."

Jazz's eyes narrowed, and she suddenly kicked her leg up, catching me in the stomach. The force of the blow sent me reeling backwards, and I released my grip on her.

"Not a chance!" Jazz growled, scrambling to her feet. She quickly snatched up the Fenton Ghost Peeler, and with a press of a button, the device unfolded, covering her body in a bulky, mechanical suit of armor.

I winced, raising my hands in a placating gesture. "Ah, shit."

Jazz leveled the Ghost Peeler's cannon at me, her eyes filled with determination. "Alright, ghost, start talking. What are you doing in my house, and how do you know my name?"

I chuckled nervously, trying to buy some time. "Look, Jazz, I know this seems crazy, but I promise we're not here to cause any trouble."

Hestia stepped forward, her expression earnest. "Please, miss, if you could just give us a moment to explain-"

"Enough talk!" Jazz interrupted, her finger tightening on the trigger. "You're all coming with me, one way or another."

I braced myself, knowing that I was about to be on the receiving end of a very unpleasant experience. "Well, this is just great. Just freaking great."

I dodged to the side as Jazz fired a blast from the Ghost Peeler, the powerful beam scorching the floor where I had just been standing. "Whoa, take it easy there, Jazz!" I cried, still not quite used to this new ghostly body of mine.

Hestia and Lunamon watched anxiously as I weaved and ducked, trying to avoid Jazz's relentless attacks. "David-kun, be careful!" Hestia shouted, her eyes wide with concern.

Seeing an opening, I raised my hand and concentrated, feeling a surge of energy building. With a quick flick of my wrist, I fired a ghost ray, the glowing green blast slamming into Jazz's chest and knocking her back a few steps.

"Oof!" she grunted, the force of the impact causing her to stagger. "What the-?" Her eyes narrowed as she regained her footing, leveling the Ghost Peeler's cannon at me once more.

I couldn't help but let out a nervous chuckle. "Heh, looks like these new powers of mine are coming in handy, huh?" I quipped, trying to lighten the mood. "Though I gotta say, I'm still getting the hang of this whole 'being a ghost' thing."

Jazz's expression remained stoic, her grip on the weapon unwavering. "Enough games, ghost. Tell me what you're doing here, and how you know my name."

Glancing over at Lunamon, I called out, "Hey, Lunamon! I could use a little help here. But don't hurt Jazz, okay? I just want to get out of this without anyone getting seriously injured."

Lunamon nodded, her large eyes filled with understanding. "Understood, David-kun."

The small Digimon stepped forward, raising her hands as a soft, soothing glow emanated from them. "Lunar Charm!" she called out, the calming energy washing over Jazz and causing her to falter, the Ghost Peeler's cannon wavering.

I seized the opportunity, quickly darting forward and grabbing the weapon, wrenching it from Jazz's grasp. "Sorry about this, Jazz," I said, my voice laced with regret.

I possessed Jazz's body with a surge of ghostly energy, my consciousness flowing into her physical form. Suddenly, I found myself looking out through her eyes, her limbs moving at my command.

"Whoa, this is trippy," I said, my voice coming out in Jazz's smooth tones. I quickly deactivated the Ghost Peeler, the bulky armor folding back into a compact weapon. "There, that's better. No more trigger-happy antics, Jazz."

I sighed, my voice still coming out in Jazz's tone. "Alright, Kami-sama, Lunamon, you're going to have to tie me up. We can't have Jazz running around trying to blast us again."

Hestia's brow furrowed, but she nodded in understanding. "Very well, David-kun. I trust your judgment." She turned to Lunamon. "Lunamon, please help me find something to restrain Jazz's body."

Lunamon's ears drooped slightly, but she too nodded.

The two of them began searching the Fenton household, looking for anything suitable to tie up Jazz's body. I stood still, trying my best to keep Jazz's form from struggling against the impending restraints.

After a few moments, Hestia returned with a length of rope, and Lunamon carried some spare electrical cords. "This should do the trick," Hestia said, her expression serious.

Gently, they bound my wrists and ankles, ensuring the restraints were secure but not too tight. I winced slightly, the unfamiliar sensations of being tied up in someone else's body unsettling.

"There, all done," Lunamon said, her voice soft. "I'm sorry we had to do this, David-kun."

I offered a reassuring smile, or at least tried to. "Don't worry, you two. This is for the best. I don't want Jazz to hurt herself - or us - anymore."

I released my hold on Jazz's body, feeling my ghostly energy flow back into my own form. Instantly, Jazz's eyes snapped open, and she began cursing up a storm.

"What the hell?! You can't do this to me!" she shouted, struggling against the restraints. "Let me go, you... you ghost freak!"

I winced, raising my hands in a placating gesture. "Easy there, Jazz. I'm really sorry about this, but it's for your own safety - and ours."

Hestia stepped forward, her expression apologetic. "We truly mean no harm, miss. We simply need to ensure you don't try to attack us again."

Lunamon chimed in, her voice soft and soothing. "Please, try to understand."

Jazz glared at us, her eyes burning with fury. "Help? By possessing my body and tying me up? That's some messed up idea of help, you creeps!"

I sighed, running a hand through my now ghostly white hair. "Look, Jazz, I know this is crazy, but I promise we're not the bad guys here. We're just trying to figure things out, and we don't want anyone to get hurt in the process."

Hestia placed a hand on my shoulder, her gaze filled with concern. "David-kun, I think it's time we made our exit. The longer we linger, the more trouble we risk."

I nodded reluctantly, casting one last apologetic look at Jazz. "Sorry about this, Jazz. I hope you can forgive us someday."

With that, Hestia, Lunamon, and I quickly made our way out of the Fenton household, leaving a furious Jazz behind. As we hurried down the street, I could hear her distant screams echoing after us.

"You'll pay for this! Just wait until my parents get home!"

I grimaced as Jazz's furious shouts faded in the distance. "Yeah, she sounds really mad," I admitted, glancing at Hestia and Lunamon.

Hestia's brow was furrowed with concern. "We can't exactly tell her the truth, can we? That would just make everything more confusing."

I shook my head, running a hand through my now ghostly white hair. "No, we can't. She'd never believe us if we said we're from another world." I let out a frustrated sigh. "I wish we could just explain everything, but I don't think that's an option right now."

Lunamon's ears drooped slightly. "I don't like the idea of leaving Jazz tied up like that. But I understand why we had to do it."

"Me neither, Lunamon," I admitted. "But we didn't have much choice. Jazz was ready to blast us with that thing, and I couldn't risk her or us getting hurt." I paused, glancing back towards the Fenton household. "I just hope she can forgive us, eventually."

Hestia placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I'm sure she will, David-kun. For now, we need to focus on getting you to safety and figuring out what's happening to you."

I nodded, steeling my resolve. "You're right, Kami-sama. Let's get out of here before the Fentons come home and we have an even bigger mess to deal with."

With that, we hurried away, leaving the Fenton household and a furious Jazz behind.

We hurried down the street, leaving the Fenton household and a furious Jazz behind. As we turned the corner, I glanced around, searching for a secluded spot.

"This way," I said, leading Hestia and Lunamon into a quiet alleyway. Taking a deep breath, I focused my energy and raised my hand, conjuring a shimmering portal. "Alright, let's get out of here."

Hestia and Lunamon followed me as we stepped through the portal, the familiar surroundings of my apartment coming into view. I let out a relieved sigh, sagging against the wall.

"Finally, we made it," I said, running a hand through my now ghostly white hair. "I was starting to think we'd never get out of there."

Hestia placed a hand on my shoulder, her expression filled with concern. "David-kun, are you alright? That was quite an ordeal."

I nodded, offering her a weary smile. "Yeah, I'm okay, Hestia. Just a little shaken up, that's all." I glanced down at my hands, still marveling at the ghostly transformation. "I can't believe this is happening."

I let out a relieved laugh, giddy with excitement. "Can you believe it, Hestia? I've got ghost powers!" I held up my hands, marveling at the faint glow emanating from them.

Hestia's eyes widened, and she reached out to gently touch my arm. "David-kun, this is incredible!" She turned to Lunamon, who was hovering nearby, her ears perked up with interest. "Did you see how he transformed? And the way he fought off Jazz - it was simply amazing!"

Lunamon nodded, a small smile gracing her features. "I've never seen anything like it. Your new abilities are quite remarkable, David-kun."

I grinned, feeling a surge of pride. "I know, right? I'm still getting the hang of it, but just wait until you see what else I can do!" I flexed my fingers, the ghostly energy crackling between them.

Hestia's face lit up with excitement. "David-kun, this is amazing! We must celebrate your new abilities." She clasped her hands together, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Let's have a party to commemorate your success!"

Lunamon's ears perked up, and she nodded eagerly. "That sounds wonderful, Hestia. We should make it a special occasion."

I couldn't help but chuckle at their enthusiasm. "A party, huh? Sounds like a great idea, Hestia. I'm in!"

I couldn't stop the giddy grin from spreading across my face as Hestia and Lunamon bustled around my apartment, preparing for our impromptu party. After the crazy events at the Fenton household, I was more than ready to celebrate my newfound ghost powers.

"Alright, Hestia, what's the plan?" I asked, leaning back against the wall and watching as Hestia rummaged through my fridge.

"Well, David-kun," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "I think we should order some of those delightful 'take-out' meals you told me about. And of course, we must have something to toast your success!" She emerged from the fridge holding a bottle of champagne, a triumphant smile on her face.

Lunamon hovered nearby, her ears perked up with interest. "Take-out? Is that similar to the food you prepared for us earlier?" she asked, her voice soft and curious.

I chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, that's right, Lunamon. It's food that's delivered right to your door, so you don't have to cook it yourself." I gestured to the phone on the coffee table. "Why don't you give it a try? Just dial the number on that paper and tell them what you'd like."

Lunamon's eyes widened, and she eagerly floated over to the phone, her small paws fumbling with the buttons. I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm – it was refreshing to see someone so excited about the simple joys of modern technology.

Hestia, meanwhile, had located some clean glasses and was carefully pouring the champagne, her brow furrowed in concentration. "David-kun, do you have any special instructions for this 'take-out' ordering process?" she asked, glancing up at me.

I shook my head, pushing myself off the wall and moving to join her. "Nah, Hestia, it's pretty straightforward. Just tell them what you want, and they'll bring it right to us."

She nodded, her gaze shifting to the phone as Lunamon continued her attempts to place the order. "Excellent. I can't wait to try this 'take-out' and celebrate your new abilities."

Just then, Lunamon let out a triumphant cry. "I've done it! The food is on its way," she announced, her ears perking up proudly.

Hestia clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with a bright smile. "Wonderful, Lunamon! Now, let us toast to David-kun's success!"

She handed me a glass of champagne, the bubbles dancing within. Raising my own glass, I grinned at the two of them. "To new adventures and unexpected powers," I said, feeling a surge of excitement.

Hestia and Lunamon echoed my toast, their glasses clinking against mine. We each took a sip, the bubbly liquid tickling my tongue. As I savored the taste, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and anticipation for what the future held.

With my newfound ghost powers and the support of my goddess and Digimon companions, I knew that anything was possible. This was just the beginning of our incredible journey, and I couldn't wait to see what other surprises were in store.

...

I blinked my eyes open, the early morning light filtering in through the curtains. Glancing around, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight before me.

Hestia and Lunamon were sprawled out on the floor, empty bottles and glasses scattered around them. The two had clearly indulged a bit too much in the champagne and other libations from last night's celebration.

Lunamon's ears twitched slightly as she let out a soft snore, her small body curled up in a ball. Hestia, on the other hand, was sprawled out on her back, one arm flung over her eyes as if to block out the sun.

I shook my head fondly, carefully maneuvering around them to make my way to the kitchen. As much as I wanted to let them sleep in, I figured they'd appreciate some coffee and a hearty breakfast to help ease their hangovers.

Quietly, I set about brewing a fresh pot of coffee, the familiar aroma soon filling the apartment. I couldn't help but glance back over at Hestia and Lunamon, a warm smile tugging at my lips.

It was a heartwarming sight, seeing them so relaxed and at peace. After all the craziness we'd been through, from traversing different worlds to battling fearsome creatures, it was nice to have a moment of simple, domestic bliss.

As the coffee finished brewing, I poured two mugs, adding a generous amount of sugar to Hestia's. Carefully, I made my way back to the living room, crouching down next to the two sleeping figures.

"Hestia, Lunamon," I said softly, gently shaking their shoulders. "Time to wake up. I've got some coffee for you."

Hestia stirred first, her brow furrowing as she blinked her eyes open. "Mmm, David-kun?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

I chuckled, holding the mug of coffee out to her. "Good morning, Hestia. How's the hangover?"

Hestia sat up slowly, accepting the coffee with a grateful smile. "Ugh, I feel like I've been hit by a Minotaur," she groaned, taking a sip of the steaming liquid.

Lunamon followed suit, her large eyes blinking owlishly as she too accepted a mug of coffee. "Thank you, David-kun," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

I settled down on the floor beside them, taking a sip of my own coffee. "No need to thank me. I figured you two could use a little pick-me-up after last night's festivities."

Hestia chuckled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Yes, well, we may have indulged a bit too much," she admitted, glancing around at the mess.

I couldn't help but grin. "That's an understatement," I teased, earning a playful nudge from Hestia.

As we sat there, sipping our coffee and slowly coming back to life.

I leaned back against the couch, sipping my coffee thoughtfully. "Well, Hestia, Lunamon, I think today's the day we take on the Dungeon."

Hestia's eyes widened, a mixture of excitement and concern. "You and Lunamon are going to the Dungeon? But are you both ready?" She glanced over at Lunamon, who nodded with determination.

"I believe we are, Hestia," I said, a grin spreading across my face. "With my new powers and Lunamon by my side, I'm confident we can make it to the deeper floors."

Hestia chewed on her lip, her brow furrowed. "I know you're eager to prove yourself, David-kun, but the Dungeon can be so dangerous. Please, promise me you'll be careful."

I reached over and gently squeezed her hand. "I promise, Kami-sama. Lunamon and I will watch out for each other. And you know I'll always come back to you."

Hestia's expression softened, and she returned my squeeze. "Alright, I trust you. Just..." She paused, her eyes shining with emotion. "Just be safe, okay?"

I nodded, my heart swelling with affection for the goddess. "We will, Kami-sama. I won't let you down."

Lunamon spoke up, her voice soft but determined. "I'll protect David-kun with everything I have. We'll make you proud, Hestia-sama."

Hestia smiled and reached over to pat Lunamon's head. "I know you will, my dear. I'm counting on you both."

I gave a grateful nod and took another sip of my coffee, relishing the rich, bold flavor. Hestia and Lunamon did the same, the tension slowly easing from their shoulders as we sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the tranquility of the morning.

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