Chapter 16: The Prisoner Is Left Alone
Ophanimon had just awakened after another dull night of reading. Apollomon had left her a small selection of books, ranging from philosophical treatises and military strategies to mythical stories and ancient poetry. Curiously, she had already read some of those books before her captivity, making the experience less exciting and more tedious. Determined to start the day, she headed to the kitchen, located on the ground floor as Apollomon had indicated. She descended the stairs connecting the second floor to the ground floor and walked towards it.
She still felt affected by Venusmon's visit the previous day but knowing that her situation was more or less secure, she felt somewhat calmer. However, the uncertainty of her future kept her in a constant state of alert. What plans did Apollomon and Venusmon have for her? What role would she play in their schemes? These thoughts accompanied her to the kitchen.
The kitchen was much more modern than Ophanimon had expected. The room, spacious and bright, maintained the same tone as the other rooms in the castle: a soft and elegant grey that contrasted with the antiquity of the structure. To the right was a large black marble table surrounded by sturdy chairs used as a dining area. To the left, an impressive array of modern appliances occupied the space, surrounding a large central island made of volcanic rock with a shiny grey granite countertop. Above the island, well-organized shelves and drawers hung from the ceiling, filled with kitchen utensils, exotic spices, and fresh ingredients, ready to be used.
"I wonder where everything is," Ophanimon thought out loud, ready to prepare breakfast.
She didn't know if Apollomon was still there with her or if he had left with Venusmon. She hesitated to prepare some breakfast for him. After all, despite being her "enemies," he had personally been kind to her. The freedom she had to go to the kitchen and eat whenever she wanted was something she hadn't expected at the beginning of her captivity. Apollomon made sure the kitchen was always well-stocked, as if he wanted to ensure she was not only safe but also comfortable. The situation, though strange, allowed her some normalcy amid her confinement.
"I'll have time to think about it later," she said to herself.
She began to explore the kitchen in search of what she needed. She still didn't know where things were, and whenever she had gone, Apollomon had left the food ready on the counter.
She walked to the right and opened the first drawer she found. Inside were all the cutlery, meticulously organized by category. She took out a knife, a fork, and a spoon for the coffee she planned to make and placed them on the marble island. The impeccable organization of the kitchen gave her a sense of normalcy, a welcome relief in her situation.
She grabbed some bread from a shelf. It was a baguette that looked freshly made. She placed it on a small cutting board and began slicing it into uniform pieces. As she did, her mind wandered, appreciating how Apollomon ensured there were always fresh, quality foods available to her. This attention to detail made her captivity more bearable.
She searched through all the drawers until she found a suitable plate to place the slices of bread she had cut. The kitchen was equipped with everything necessary, a testament to her host's organized and deliberate life.
She walked to the refrigerator. Opening it, the cold air caused a slight shiver. After a few moments of searching, she found the butter and jam and placed them on the volcanic marble countertop.
She put the bread in an elegant stainless steel toaster. It toasted quickly, filling the kitchen with the warm aroma of toasted bread. She placed the hot pieces on the plate and, with the same knife she had used to cut the bread, began generously spreading the butter and jam.
She sat on a stool next to the island. She was truly comfortable, enjoying the moment of tranquillity and the familiar routine of preparing breakfast, something that reminded her of times before her capture.
She took the first toast to her mouth. It tasted delicious, the crunch of the toasted bread combined with the sweetness of the jam and the creaminess of the butter. Sure, everything tastes good when you're hungry, but this was truly a small pleasure in the midst of her confinement.
"Good morning, Ophanimon," Apollomon greeted from the doorway. His deep voice resonated in the spacious kitchen.
Surprised, Ophanimon grabbed a napkin and wiped her lips, still stained with jam. She waited until her mouth was empty before responding:
"Good morning, Apollomon."
Apollomon approached her, grabbed a carved wooden stool, and sat down in front of her. His presence was imposing, but at that moment, he seemed more interested in a quiet conversation.
"Did you rest well?" the Olympian asked, his gaze a mix of concern and curiosity.
He knew that Ophanimon must be having a hard time; he had heard her crying the previous night. It was tough being captive there, but it was much better than being imprisoned in Hell's Field. And much better than death, of course.
"Yes," Ophanimon simply replied, her tone neutral. She preferred not to go into details. She was accustomed to the comforts of her castle, the freedom to move and act as she pleased, and that loss was hard to bear.
Moreover, Ophanimon missed her routine. If she weren't captive, after breakfast, she would visit Seraphimon, whose company always brought her comfort and wisdom. Then, she would attend various social meetings, where her opinions were valued, and her decisions influenced the well-being of many. After that, she would dedicate time to helping the less fortunate, a task that filled her heart and reminded her of her purpose. And finally, some paperwork, which she carried out diligently, before retiring to bed, satisfied with a day well spent.
Silence briefly settled between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Both knew their positions were complicated, and a simple "good morning" couldn't erase the reality of their situation. However, the act of sharing a space and a moment of morning routine added a layer of humanity to their interaction.
"Tell me, what can be done here?" Ophanimon asked, desperate to find something to occupy her mind and hands.
"I can provide you with more books if you wish. And... well, I usually practice archery. I've set up a small shooting range. It's on the other side of the moat, in the fields surrounding the castle."
"Fields" wasn't the right word to describe what surrounded Apollomon's castle. They were just barren, flaming, sulfur-laden lands where no plant grew, a harsh landscape that reflected the severity of her captivity.
"Perhaps I'll try it," Ophanimon responded with an attempt at enthusiasm. "Any other activities?"
Apollomon sighed, his gaze momentarily lost in distant memories.
"I don't know what to tell you. It's been a long time since this place was fun."
Apollomon couldn't help but remember how, when the Olympians ruled, this was a place full of life, with lush gardens and halls filled with laughter and festivities. Now, however, only the echo of that past grandeur remained, and that was what tormented the god the most, the loss of the vitality that once infused his home.
For her part, the contrast between the vibrant life Ophanimon remembered and the current desolation was painfully palpable. Both shared a nostalgia for better times, although their current circumstances forced them to confront it in very different ways.
"Is Venusmon coming to visit me?" Ophanimon asked, with a mix of curiosity and caution. "She said she would see me again soon."
"I'm afraid not," Apollomon replied, a slight shadow of apology in his voice. "Venusmon has other plans for today."
Ophanimon wondered if those plans would also involve Apollomon. She resisted the urge to ask directly, trying to elicit information from the Olympian subtly. She had learned it was better to be subtle and patient, waiting for the right moment to get what she needed to know.
"And what are your plans for today?" she inquired, trying to keep the conversation light but inquisitive.
"For now, breakfast," Apollomon replied as he rose with a fluid and elegant movement to pour himself a cup of coffee.
It had been a good way to dodge the question. Ophanimon noticed but decided not to press further, at least for now. Sometimes, the most valuable information came when one least expected it.
The conversation ended in an almost comfortable silence. Ophanimon finished her toast, enjoying the last bite, while Apollomon sat down again, holding his steaming coffee cup, the warm aroma filling the kitchen. Each sip seemed to give him a moment of reflection, and Ophanimon realized that even the most powerful needed moments of simple calm and routine.
When they had finished breakfast, Ophanimon decided to take advantage of the moment to gather more information.
"Well?" she asked, with an inquisitive look.
"Well, what?" responded Apollomon, somewhat distracted.
"My question from earlier. Now that you've had breakfast, what are you going to do?" Ophanimon insisted, maintaining a casual but persuasive tone.
"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about," said Apollomon, straightening up a bit in his seat. He had been waiting for the right moment to tell her, not wanting to be abrupt and bring it up first thing in the morning.
"I'm all ears," said Ophanimon, leaning slightly forward, showing her interest.
"Well, in a little while, I'll be leaving for the Palace of Mirrors," revealed Apollomon, watching Ophanimon's reaction closely.
Ophanimon knew that place was the abode of Mercurymon. She intuited what was going to happen but needed confirmation.
"So, will all the Olympians be meeting?" she asked, trying to sound casual though her mind was racing.
"All of us who are left," Apollomon replied with a sigh.
It was true. Only eight of the original twelve were present. When the Three Great Angels had risen to power, the disappearance of those Olympians was no longer talked about. The truth was that Ophanimon had no idea of their whereabouts; she didn't know if they were alive or dead, although Cherubimon and Seraphimon did have some information. However, she never asked her companions, respecting their silence on a topic that seemed so delicate.
While reflecting on this, Apollomon continued speaking, his words resonating in the silent kitchen.
"Today's meeting is crucial," Apollomon said. "Mercurymon has summoned all the Olympians to discuss the future of our world and our strategy in light of recent events. It's important that we are all informed and aligned in our goals."
Ophanimon nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. She knew that any information she could obtain would be valuable for her own plans and for better understanding her captors.
"I understand," she finally said. "I hope the meeting is fruitful."
Apollomon gave her a look of gratitude, though tinged with concern.
"Thank you. I hope the same. This is a crucial moment for all of us," Apollomon said, standing up and preparing to leave.
Ophanimon watched him as he headed towards the exit, her mind full of unanswered questions and a growing sense of urgency to learn more about the Olympians' plans.
"And what do you plan to do?" she asked again, trying to remain calm while her mind evaluated every possible response. Any information she could extract would be useful for better understanding her situation and possible escapes.
"I don't know. It's Mercurymon who organizes these kinds of events," Apollomon replied, shrugging with a slight smile.
Calling these meetings "events" was a very elegant, perhaps too elegant, way to describe them. Although Apollomon saw them this way; he liked seeing his whole "family" together, if they could be called that. In his mind, these meetings were more than just war councils; they were moments of connection and camaraderie, memories of a more harmonious time.
Ophanimon, however, wondered if the Olympian was playing dumb to avoid giving her information or if he genuinely didn't know. The uncertainty about his intentions kept her on alert.
"Will you decide my future at this meeting?" she asked, pretending to be alarmed. Playing the victim a little wouldn't hurt to win Apollomon's trust, or so she hoped.
"Not at all," the Olympian replied, looking her directly in the eyes. "I already told you what your role in all this will be."
Ophanimon saw that she could not obtain more information. She had chosen the most appropriate questions and used her best acting. Cherubimon would have been proud of her strategy, although he would have likely been able to gather much more useful data with his innate conversational skills.
For his part, Apollomon felt tense. He didn't know how much information he should share with Ophanimon, and her presence made him uncomfortable. Except for the occasional visits from Venusmon to his castle, no Digimon had ever resided with him. Not even Venusmon had spent an entire night there.
The truth was that Venusmon had never crossed the line with him and had remained faithful to her husband, contrary to what Ophanimon might think. However, Apollomon couldn't help but desire her and admire her beauty. She made him feel different, more alive, in a way he couldn't explain.
The goddess had already told him days ago to treat Ophanimon as well as he could. Her exact words had been: "As if she were me." The Olympian had asked what she meant by that, and the goddess had responded: "We're not so different as it seems."
Then it dawned on him. Apollomon realized the similarities between his platonic lover and his temporary housemate. Venusmon had already mentioned they were alike, but he hadn't realized to what extent.
Venusmon always radiated, aside from that exuberant beauty, a great aura of mystery. She loved to leave things half-said and torment him, trying to solve the enigmas she herself posed. Venusmon herself was an enigma. Ophanimon was also beautiful and, to him, enigmatic. Never before had he dealt with her up close. She also exuded an aura of sweetness and generosity, even in these strange circumstances.
Apollomon wondered if that sweetness and generosity were genuine or a facade that Ophanimon maintained to gain his trust. The situation was complicated. Every time he saw Ophanimon, he couldn't help but think of Venusmon and the connection he felt with both, despite the evident differences in their circumstances.
Reflecting on Venusmon's words, Apollomon realized that treating Ophanimon well was not only a matter of strategy but also of humanity. Venusmon was right: deep down, they were not so different. Both were complex beings caught in a web of loyalties and betrayals, seeking to survive in a world full of conflicts.
With a sigh, Apollomon prepared for his departure, still feeling the tension between his duties as a guardian and his empathy for Ophanimon. He knew he had to keep his guard up and be stern, but he also had to remember the shared humanity between all of them, even in the midst of war and distrust.
"I should leave now," Apollomon said, trying to evade those toxic thoughts. "The Palace of Mirrors is far away."
"I understand."
"One last warning," Apollomon's tone turned more serious. "Do not try to escape. Even if I'm not watching you, your escape would not only put you in danger but also Venusmon and me."
He was right. Ophanimon had not considered that possibility; she was still intimidated by Venusmon's previous threat. She had reflected on it and seemed to have discovered what the goddess could do to torment her: use Seraphimon against her.
"And those you care about the most," Apollomon continued, just when Ophanimon thought the warning was over. "The Olympians do not mess around: Venusmon and I have always been more benevolent than the rest."
That threat caused even greater shock. If she escaped, the Olympians could start committing atrocities. She would have to be careful in what she did.
"I'm leaving now. I'll be back by nightfall," he said without further ado as he left the kitchen. The fierce Apollomon who had invaded her castle and participated in her abduction now re-emerged, far from Venusmon's influence.
Ophanimon watched him as he headed for the entrance, opened the door, and left.
Apollomon walked along the volcanic rock path that led out of the castle. His thoughts oscillated between worry and determination. He knew that the lack of vigilance left his prisoner with an opportunity, but he also trusted that the fear of the consequences would keep her in place. In a way, the god had no idea what might happen in his absence. Venusmon had assured him to give Ophanimon a vote of confidence. He hoped he hadn't made a mistake.
Meanwhile, Ophanimon was left alone in the kitchen. She watched the door close behind Apollomon and allowed herself a moment of reflection. Apollomon's words echoed in her mind, reminding her of the precarious situation she was in. She had to be astute, careful, and patient. Any false move could trigger a series of events that would endanger not only her life but also that of Seraphimon and others she cared about.
With a sigh, she decided it would be best to keep herself occupied and not be carried away by desperate thoughts. She looked for something to do in the castle to pass the time and keep her mind off the unease. While Apollomon was away, her only option was to adapt to the situation and wait for the right moment for any future action.