A/N: This story is somewhat symbolic of the story in the Talmud. After more development I realized that the song "The Garden" by Mirah perfectly fit the story as well. Lilithmon is one of my favourite digimon and I think she should have more exposure and exploration. Her depiction in Xros Wars isn't what I had hoped for after hearing she was going to appear. I pictured her being fiercer, but in this season she is the equivalent of 02's Arukenimon - strong to hold her own but not special beyond that. That aside, I do not own Digimon or Mirah's song which has added another dimension to this story. Thanks for reading!
Lilith of the Garden
01
Lilithmon breathed in the beauty of the Garden of Zion. The air was fresh and every sort of flower and shrub surrounded her. It was breath-taking.
"Lilithmon," a voice said behind her. "I thought I might find you out here."
Lilithmon turned around and smiled, "Seraphimon, you've returned."
The armour-clad angel nodded, "Yes, I have been busy. It seems demons are intent on invading Zion no matter how vain it seems. We keep destroying them, but more arrive to take their place. This war won't end anytime soon, I'm afraid."
"It's okay," Lilithmon said looking up at her lover. "As long as we have you, we will never lose."
Seraphimon chuckled, "On the contrary, if it weren't for you we might have already been overrun."
"What do you mean?" Lilithmon asked, blushing.
"Your beauty keeps the troops' morale up. Your kindness and generosity reminds them what they're fighting to protect. You are everything our land stands for, a pure picture of the Garden."
Lilithmon blushed. What Seraphimon said was true. She was the fairest, most beautiful digimon to ever grace the Digital World. Her luscious black hair, flawless skin and extravagant white wings were all admired and envied across the lands. Her white robes carried the golden mark of the crest of Light, much like Seraphimon bore the crest of Hope. The Garden was her sanctuary and as such become a very sacred, holy realm. It was hard to tell which held more importance - the Castle or Garden of Zion.
"I better head back," Seraphimon said.
"So soon?" Lilithmon asked. "But you just got here. How about a quick stroll to the gazebo before you take off?"
"I wish I could but I can't," Seraphimon said softly, sensing her disappointment. "I came by only to tell you what's going on, and to tell you not to worry. There's no reason to worry for Darkness shall never near the threshold."
As disappointed as she was, Lilithmon understood, "I'll be here when you return."
"Before I go," Seraphimon said revealing a single flower in his hand, "I wanted to give you this."
Lilithmon's eyes widened in joy at the flower. It was her favourite - a red rose.
"Oh Seraphimon, thank you!"
"Anything for you, my love."
Lilithmon embraced Seraphimon, "I love you. I love you more than you could ever know."
"I love you too, my dear," Seraphimon said. "Now I really must be off. I will return tonight, perhaps we could gaze at the stars by the pond?"
"That would be lovely," Lilithmon smiled. "Then be off, I will being waiting."
"Until tonight," Seraphimon said, and took off into the air towards the Castle.
Lilithmon stared at the beautiful rose as she made her way to the gazebo. Of all the wondrous, exotic flowers that existed in the Garden, this particular type fascinated her most of all. It was by far the most beautiful flower without competition. Beyond that though, every rose had thorns. She used to think it peculiar that such a pretty flower would need protection. Her answer why came not in nature but in her own life. Lilithmon was a powerful mega-level digimon, at the height of digivolution. Not many digimon ever rose past the champion-level, yet she exceeded past even ultimate-levels which were rare occurrences in themselves. Despite her power and ability to wield the cleansing power of Light, Lilithmon was constantly turned away when offering to help. At first she thought it was Seraphimon was respecting her and found his chivalry cute. But then she noticed even Angewomon were called to arms. Seraphimon, and even others like Dominimon and Cherubimon, assured her it was only because they were at the ultimate-level. It was the only reason they were allowed to fight.
The gazebo floated in the air instead of sitting on the ground. Lilithmon flew a few meters in the air to reach it. Her eight white wings stretched out to allow her ascension. She smiled. Flying made Lilithmon feel alive. The Castle was barely visible from Lilithmon's vantage point. She sighed and relaxed in the shade.
It was odd that Seraphimon never invited her to accompany him to the Castle. It's too boring, he says. The only thing they do is discuss politics and war strategies. If she brought the troops morale like he said, wouldn't it be worth Lilithmon gracing their presence? Perhaps the sight of her would help the wounded strive to get better, or surge hope for those who feel down. All these thoughts and more crossed Lilithmon's mind, making her restless by the minute. If only she had someone to talk to….
Rose in hand, Lilithmon left the Garden and flew upwards to Eternity Mountain. She found the cave entrance to her old friends' home.
"Hello? Is anyone here?" Lilithmon called out. "It is I, Lilithmon. I wish to talk."
Lilithmon ventured further into the cave until she came to an opening.
"Hello there, dear," a warm, gentle voice said.
Lilithmon looked up to see the forms of Magnadramon and Goldramon coming down to meet her.
"You disturbed my nap," Goldramon stated.
"I'm sorry, I didn't been to bother you," Lilithmon apologised.
"Oh don't mind him, dear," Magnadramon said. "These days he is always sleeping."
"I was wondering if you thought if it was wrong for me to want to help all of Zion against the evil trying to enter," Lilithmon said. "Seraphimon wants me taking no part but I can't help but feel like I could be of some use."
Magnadramon said, "It isn't wrong at all, dear."
"I want…to fight alongside Seraphimon," Lilithmon said.
"Nonsense!" Goldramon roared. "You mean to tell me those kids down there are allowing their women to fight in this war?"
Lilithmon shook her head, "No, that's just it. I am not allowed to fight, but any Angewomon willing can. I don't see how it is fair to allow these young ones to fight when I, with so much life experience, am denied."
"Hmmm," Goldramon mumbled, annoyed at the thought. "I feel as though ever since Magnadramon and I have retired to these mountains, everything has fallen apart. But you say it is Seraphimon who will not let you fight?"
Lilithmon nodded.
Goldramon nodded in approval, "He at least has some sense. A true man would never allow his loved ones to enter harm's way."
"But how else can I help? He says I mean a lot to the troops - that I boost their morale at the very thought of me! Please tell me there is a way I can somehow repay them for endangering their lives," Lilithmon pleaded.
"There is a way," Magnadramon said softly. "Stay safe. Enjoy the Garden and all of Zion. And be grateful for the sacrifices being made. If you mean as much as Seraphimon says, then the thought of you being happy helps them."
Lilithmon absorbed the information. She looked at her friends and said, "Thank you. I just know I could be doing more. This submissive role I play makes me very restless."
"That's understandable," Magnadramon said. "There were many times when I felt like I could contribute, and Goldramon would always say no. You know what he said? He said, ' Coming home to see that you are still perfect and safe helps me know I'm doing my job right'. That helped ease my jitters; however, there were still times I longed to join him in battle."
"You're so sweet," Lilithmon said, thinking that this must be how Seraphimon feels.
Goldramon blushed.
"Thank you again," Lilithmon said.
"Not to worry," Magnadramon said. "Stop by anytime. I always do enjoy our chats."
Lilithmon smiled and nodded, "Farewell!"
That evening Lilithmon arrived at the pond and sat near an oak tree. The stars were out and the moon was full. Seraphimon appeared not long after.
"Good evening, Lilithmon," Seraphimon greeted. "It's a lovely evening, isn't it?"
Lilithmon smiled, "It is beautiful."
Seraphimon sat beside her, "It's been a busy day at the Castle. We have a new advantage over the enemy."
"Oh, and what is it?" Lilithmon asked.
"Digivolution has been granted to an Angewomon," Seraphimon said, not hiding his enthusiasm. "Her new form, Ophanimon, will be a great asset for the battles to come."
Confusion spread across Lilithmon's face, "Wait, you are allowing this Ophanimon to fight alongside you in battle?"
Not understanding, Seraphimon said, "Why of course. There are so few of us mega-level digimon, every one counts. Her power could turn the tables."
"I see," Lilithmon said, jealousy and anger rising within her. "So she is allowed to fight but I must remain in the Garden."
"Now, Lilithmon," Seraphimon sighed, "we've talked about this. You are like a goddess in this world. Your safety is paramount. If you were ever to be harmed, our morale would sink considerably."
Lilithmon stood and walked to the edge of the water, "I, too, am a mega-level digimon. My powers exceed this…Ophanimon. Have you ever thought that maybe my powers could shift the war's favour to our side?"
"They could, yes," Seraphimon said, following her. "The truth is, I couldn't bear if anything happened to you. I love you more than this world. I want you to live in paradise. The Garden is that paradise, and I want it to shield you from the horrors of war."
Lilithmon gazed at the moon's reflection. She tried to repress her anger, though it was proving difficult to do so. She turned to face Seraphimon, "You think I'm weak."
"No of course not," Seraphimon said, taken aback. "I just said that I'm trying to protect you."
"Then why are you allowing this new one fight?"
"She doesn't posses your grace. As an Angewomon she was already part of our forces. She's used to battle and she is strong; not to say you are not strong, only that it would be a waste to pull her out when she shows promise in turning the tides for us."
Lilithmon nodded, she understood. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of uselessness. Hardly anyone visited, per Seraphimon's orders. Apparently , the others were prone to talk of war much too often for Seraphimon's tastes. His controlling nature never bothered her before, but now even despite his reasoning she felt too constricted.
"The moon is beautiful tonight," Seraphimon noted.
Lilithmon nodded, "It's full. I love it when the moon is full. It looks like a huge pearl."
"Well…" Seraphimon began to say, before Lilithmon shushed him.
She put a finger against his helmet, "Stay the night with me. My bed is big enough for the two of us."
"I can't…"
"Please," Lilithmon said a little more urgently.
Seraphimon removed her finger and held her hand, "Not tonight. I must return to the Castle."
"But you must sleep sometime!" Lilithmon said, pleading with her eyes.
"I will sleep at the Castle, when I have the chance."
Lilithmon resigned her attempts to sway her lover's mind, "Walk me to the Tree?"
"Of course," Seraphimon said.
The two walked hand in hand to Lilithmon's Tree. Seraphimon would prefer if they flew, but she always insisted on walking. To Lilithmon, every second with Seraphimon meant the world. Her time with him seemed to lessen with every day. When they arrived at the Tree - a giant sequoia tree that housed Lilithmon - she felt disappointment with how close it was to the pond.
"Here we are," Seraphimon said.
"Are you sure you don't want to come in?" Lilithmon asked. "Have some tea or wine, maybe eat a snack before returning to the Castle? You must want some sot of refreshment."
"That's alright, my dear," Seraphimon said. "You're the only refreshment I need."
Lilithmon smiled, though she felt his avoidance was unfair, "Then I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Of course, my dear," Seraphimon said and pulled out another flower. "Before I depart take this."
He handed Lilithmon the flower and he took to the air. She watched him go and looked at her flower. Mixed feelings of gratitude, confusion and hurt swept across her all at once.
In her hand she held a thorn-less, white rose.