Chapter 1: Tactics of a Goddess's Seduction
The morning after the meeting, she woke up excited. She knew that the "warfare" they were about to unleash would be catastrophic, both for their enemies and for them. If they couldn't resolve their "little disputes" from the past, she was convinced they wouldn't be able to fight together. But as Minervamon had said: "It would be fun."
She herself had been the cause of many of those disputes, and even those who weren't involved always blamed her for them, but that was life. Dianamon had warned her many times not to use her charms in that way, but she didn't understand. Dianamon had enough dealing with Apollomon. So, she never paid attention to her.
She pulled back the silk sheets that covered her and got out of bed with a graceful movement. She looked out the window: it was a splendid day. The sun shone high in the sky, painting the sea with golden glimmers. A gentle sea breeze crept through the window, bringing with it the freshness of the ocean and the murmuring of the waves breaking on the shore. She was alone, which was the best part of it all. Vulcanusmon had already left for his forge, as usual.
She had never understood why she had married him. In a way, the rest of the Olympians had forced her. Their former leader had convinced her. He was to blame. And his wife and Dianamon, as it was they who proposed to unite them.
Everything had its advantages, it must be admitted. Vulcanusmon had a good hand for jewellery. And thanks to that, she now owned a few precious jewels. He worshipped her, as she deserved. She liked his treatment and his good manners. She felt affection for him. Also, some compassion. But not love... much less passion. She found him repulsive. At least his personality made up for it.
She quickly got ready and left her mansion with a light step. She wore an austere but beautiful white dress that gently waved with the sea breeze, highlighting her slim and elegant figure. She complemented her outfit with a golden apple-shaped necklace, which shimmered under the sunlight as if it were a celestial jewel. Her long blonde locks were wrapped in a long white ribbon, which waved behind her like a trail of grace and sophistication.
After the "fall" of the Gods, she had taken the liberty of creating her own paradise with meticulousness and elegance. She had only needed to pull a few strings, claim a few favors, and she had obtained the necessary permits to settle on that small paradise island. It couldn't compare to the domains she had previously owned, but it was a true treasure. The structure that rose majestically above the island was more than just a residence; it was an architectural masterpiece. It was a large stone house that emanated the greatness of an ancient temple. Its Greco-Latin style was evident in every detail: the roof was supported by thousands of columns with Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian capitals, which extended in an endless series towards the sky. The interior, equally impressive, was decorated with statues of herself in different poses, each capturing her divine majesty. The frescoes adorned the walls and ceilings of the different rooms, seven in total, narrating stories of gods and heroes in vibrant tones that came to life with each brushstroke. Every corner of that sanctuary was imbued with the essence of its creator, radiating an aura of power and beauty that took the breath away from those who had the privilege of beholding it.
She descended the stairs of the portico gracefully, letting her gaze wander to the horizon of the cliff surrounding her home. The sea breeze caressed her face as she absorbed the majesty of the landscape. Without wasting time, she took flight with elegance, as if she were climbing a staircase of clouds downward, descending with an ethereal grace until she reached the golden shore of the beach. What was once a barren and lifeless abrasion platform was now her private cove, transformed by her divine abilities into a coastal paradise. The fine white sand stretched out before her, bathed by the warm waters of the ocean that reflected the sunlight's glints. The waves gently broke on the coast, creating a relaxing melody that accompanied the soft rustle of the wind through the nearby palm trees. That corner of the island was her secret refuge, a place where she could find peace and serenity away from the tumult of the outside world.
She took a handful of sand, letting it fall gently between her fingers as she watched the wind play with the golden grains, dispersing them in swirling whirls. A mischievous smile played on her lips as she contemplated the effect of her action. With delicate steps, she ventured into the crystalline waters, meticulously avoiding spoiling her exquisite dress design. Every movement was an aquatic dance, her feet barely touching the seabed as she glided gracefully through the water, like a goddess in her underwater realm. The sun painted golden glints on the ocean's surface, illuminating her path with a magical glow as she headed toward her destination: she was going to pay a visit.
After a while, she had already reached solid ground. It had been quite some time since she last visited Bright Land, a place that resonated with a mystical aura and was somewhat challenging for her. Its lands, bathed in relentless sunlight, seemed to defy any attempt at life with its scorching heat and almost barren soil, where only the weeds bravely clung to the arid terrain. Despite its apparent hostility, the land of Bright Land emanated a peculiar and enigmatic energy that enchanted the goddess. The sun, in its unique splendor, cast golden glints that seemed to ignite the landscape with sparks of light, creating a dazzling and captivating spectacle.
She quickly made her way, trying not to be seen by the few Digimon that inhabited the area, directly to the Castle of Apollomon.
It was an imposing structure, although compared to the majesty of her own home, it seemed to lack refinement and elegance. This castle, of medieval style, stood proudly on the landscape, erect like a vigilant guardian of the region. Its walls, made of volcanic stone, emanated a sense of solidity and power. Surrounded by a moat of fiery lava, the castle commanded respect and clearly marked its dominion over the surrounding land.
From the ground, two huge columns rose toward the sky, flanking the main entrance and giving it an imposing and majestic appearance. These columns, carved with intricate details, seemed to bear the weight of the history that unfolded within the castle walls. Higher up, a smaller structure rose above the portico, offering a balcony from which the entire surrounding territory could be contemplated. It was in this place where meetings between Venusmon and Apollomon took place, a strategic meeting point that offered panoramic views of the land and sea stretching beyond the castle's limits.
She flew over the moat and knocked on the door. There was no immediate response, but the Olympian didn't take long to receive her.
With that radiant light, Apollomon's long lion's mane acquired thousands of fire-colored reflections, impossible to capture under other circumstances. He gestured for her to enter. In response, the goddess reached out her hand. He grabbed it firmly and led her to the balcony.
The views were as impressive as she remembered.
"Tell me... What brings about this unexpected visit?" Apollomon asked with an inquisitive look as Venusmon approached slowly.
"Simply, I wanted to greet you after yesterday's council..." Venusmon said with a charming smile, each step bringing her closer to the Olympian.
Little by little, the distance between them decreased, and Apollomon felt the irresistible attraction emanating from the goddess. He tried to resist, but he knew it was useless, as if he were ensnared in an impenetrable spell.
"Does Vulcanusmon know you're here?" Apollomon asked, trying to maintain his composure in the face of Venusmon's closeness.
"He neither knows nor will he know. Or at least I hope not. He's at the forge now," Venusmon replied with a sparkling laugh, not taking her eyes off Apollomon's, radiating captivating confidence.
"You should go," Apollomon insisted, feeling the tension in the air as he struggled to contain his emotions.
"You say it with a small mouth. If it were up to you, I would be here imprisoned for life. Besides, even if you tell me that, you know I won't leave," Venusmon replied with barely disguised determination, challenging yet seductive.
The silence that followed was dense and tense, charged with unspoken emotions and repressed desires, as both faced off in a game of wills and hidden desires.
"Before, it wasn't like this, what has changed?" the goddess asked, with an inquisitive look searching for answers in Apollomon's eyes.
"Me," Apollomon replied honestly, revealing a mixture of determination and vulnerability in his voice. "My dear Venus..." was all he could articulate, interrupted by the intensity of the moment and the emotions rising between them.
Then, in a moment of reflection, he wondered why he always fell into the same trap, why he was inevitably drawn to her. She was like poison, a sweet poison that intoxicated him with her beauty and charm, coming from the world's most beautiful flower...
He began to wander in his thoughts, trying to push away those emotions momentarily, aware that succumbing to her influence could lead him to dangerous places.
"At least until she leaves," he reminded himself, trying to stay firm in his determination.
He tried to look into her eyes, but when he encountered the white ribbon covering them, he remembered that many of the Olympians didn't show their eyes, and he was one of the few who did. That physical barrier between them added a layer of mystery to their encounter.
He turned to contemplate the landscape, letting the natural beauty of the surroundings mingle with Venusmon's presence by his side, creating a unique and special atmosphere that they shared only in that moment.
"If Mercurymon's plan goes well, you could bring some life to this place," she suggested hopefully, interrupting Apollomon's thoughts.
The Olympian frowned, confused by the proposal. "What do you mean?" he asked, seeking clarity in her words.
"Imagine a rebirth, a resurgence of this place. Digimon running through the meadows, flowers sprouting between the cracks of the rocks, palpable life in every corner," Venusmon replied, with a dreamy expression on her face. "Even more flowers..." she added to tease him: she knew he didn't like them.
Upon hearing her description, Apollomon nodded slowly, beginning to glimpse the vision she shared. "You were right about that. The area is quite deserted after the last battle fought here. There are barely a couple of Flarelizardmon and some Salamandemon lurking around here. Before, there were many Digimon living here peacefully. Not to mention my army." He laughed. "You know perfectly well that I don't get along with flowers, but yes. You're right," he admitted, acknowledging the validity of her idea and setting aside his own personal reservations.
He stood on tiptoe to be able to look her in the eyes, although even so, the height difference between them was notable. Venusmon, with her imposing stature, struggled to match her gaze with Apollomon's. Despite the discrepancy, her presence remained dominant, her imposing figure standing out in the landscape.
Apollomon contemplated her, captivated by the elegance she exuded. Her blonde hair, an ancient canon of Greek beauty, waved softly in the breeze, while her skin, smooth and flawless, reflected the sunlight with a natural glow.
Their faces were about to meet in a kiss when Venusmon placed one of her fingers, a palm away from his lips, separating them with an unexpected determination. The air, charged with palpable tension, seemed to stop at that moment, as if the universe itself were expectant of what might happen. Apollomon's eyes reflected a mixture of surprise and disappointment, his heart beating strongly in his chest, longing for the contact that had been abruptly interrupted. Frustration overcame him, a torrent of conflicting emotions fought within him as he tried to understand the sudden change of course in that intimate scene.
He knew it was wrong. Venusmon was married, a fact he couldn't ignore. However, the burning desire he felt for her eclipsed any sense of guilt or remorse. Every fiber of his being longed to be closer to her, to break down the barriers that separated them and succumb to the passion that threatened to consume them both. Nevertheless, an inner voice constantly reminded him of the consequences of yielding to those forbidden impulses.
"Let's not spoil the moment," the goddess whispered as she left, her voice barely a whisper in the tension-filled air. Each step she took was slow and deliberate, as if every movement were carefully calculated to maintain intrigue and uncertainty. Apollomon watched her leave with a mix of frustration and desire, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to contain the impulses threatening to overflow.
Her walk, though slow, radiated a serene confidence, as if she were completely sure of herself and her actions. Each step resonated in the silence of the balcony, prolonging the moment when their gazes met, charged with meaning and unspoken promises.
Despite Apollomon's apparent resistance, Venusmon knew she had left an indelible mark on his heart. Her lips curved into a satisfied smile as she walked away, knowing she had accomplished her mission. "Mission accomplished," she thought to herself, knowing that that encounter was only the beginning of a dangerous game they were destined to play.
The goddess opened the portico with an elegant and fluid movement, as if dancing in the air. Floating, she glided through it with a grace that defied gravity: her figure was wrapped in a halo of mystery and seduction. Before closing it completely, she turned slowly, as if wanting to engrave in her mind the image of Apollomon's face, every line and expression.
Apollomon's eyes followed her intensely, as if trying to decipher the secrets hidden in her gestures and words. Every movement of the goddess was an enigma that kept him captive, trapped in a world of forbidden desires and irresistible temptations.
Then, without warning, she blew him a stolen kiss, a gesture loaded with promises and danger. The air was filled with electricity as the kiss crossed the space that separated them, like a spark that ignited the fire of passion. And with one last meaningful glance, the goddess finally left, leaving Apollomon with a racing heart and a mind full of fantasies of forbidden love.
As Apollomon watched her, he couldn't help but notice the gleam of the pendant around Venusmon's neck. It was a dazzling piece, an exquisite detail that highlighted the goddess's elegance and natural charm. The ruby set in the shape of an apple shone brightly, as if it contained within it the very fire of Olympus.
A mixture of turbulent emotions surged in Apollomon's chest as he observed the pendant. On the one hand, admiration for the beauty of the jewel and for the goddess wearing it, courtesy of Vulcanusmon. On the other hand, a sense of bitterness and resignation at recognizing that once again he had fallen under Venusmon's spell.
"Once again, I have fallen," he thought with a resigned sigh. He knew that his attraction to Venusmon was like a flame that never extinguished, no matter how much he tried to put it out. And although he promised himself that it would be the last time, deep down he knew that that promise was destined to be broken time and time again.
Once Venusmon returned to her island, she found Vulcanusmon waiting for her in the main hall of the imposing residence. Their eyes met in an instant, and a smile spread across the goddess's lips as she saw her husband.
"Good afternoon," Venusmon greeted warmly as she approached him gracefully. "How was work today?"
"Exhausting," Vulcanusmon replied with a sigh, reflecting the fatigue in his voice. "Where have you been?" he asked curiously, although he knew she often disappeared without giving too many explanations.
"With Neptunemon's wife. She's a charming woman," Venusmon lied with a calm smile, knowing it was better to keep certain details hidden.
"Very well. I just came to see how you were. I'm going back to the forge. See you later," Vulcanusmon announced as he headed towards the exit.
Venusmon watched as her husband walked away with determined steps. Despite the long hours he spent at the forge, she knew it was part of his nature and his duty as the god of fire. However, a spark of excitement ignited within her as she remembered the surprise Vulcanusmon had promised her. She wondered what it would be, and anticipation filled her with expectations. She promised herself to wait patiently until the time came to discover it.