Chapter 18: Plans and Suspicions

Mercurymon observed Venusmon with a mix of complacency and incredulity. The idea of a plan to take down Seraphimon was enticing, but the source of such a strategy made him skeptical. Venusmon rarely took charge of devising plans. Her role among the Olympians was more trivial, focusing on maintaining balance and diplomacy among their allies. Normally, Minervamon was the chief strategist, with her sharp mind and relentless tactics. Occasionally, Marsmon or he himself would take on the role of schemer. Nevertheless, any idea deserved to be heard, especially in such critical times.

"Don't think it's an immediate victory. It's a long-term plan that will not only neutralize Seraphimon but also gather valuable information," Venusmon clarified with a mysterious smile. To her, Mercurymon had too simple a mind. His plans mainly involved infiltrating the angels' abodes and fighting them head-on. He had had some successes, like the map where he had carefully marked strategic targets, but little else.

"What kind of information are you thinking of?" he asked, still confused. He thought Venusmon would get straight to the point, but the goddess seemed to enjoy prolonging the conversation. However, her tone and posture indicated she had a solid plan.

"Use your imagination, Mercurymon. What kind of information might interest us?"

The Olympian reflected for a while but came up with nothing. He was drawing a blank, blocked by the tension of the moment and the pressure of the conversation. Meetings caused him great mental exhaustion, especially when it came to such delicate matters.

"For example, locations of our own family members, if Seraphimon knows any. With Ceresmon's arrival, it's very likely he does."

"So, what's your brilliant plan?" said Mercurymon, anxious and on the verge of losing patience.

"I intend, with your permission, to meet with him here." Mercurymon looked at her incredulously. "In private," Venusmon added, her voice calm but firm.

"And how do you plan to bring him here, Venusmon?" Mercurymon thought she was crazy.

"I'll send him a letter in your name. It will explain that if he wants to recover Ophanimon, he must come here. Seraphimon will know it's a trap, but he will come anyway."

"And then what? Seraphimon arrives here, and we all attack him at once and defeat him, right?" Mercurymon couldn't see any other option.

"How do you expect me to do that, Mercurymon? Besides, I told you I plan to extract all the information he has and that this is long-term," Venusmon emphasized, her words punctuated with a penetrating look. "Seraphimon will come here expecting to meet you, but I will be in your place. Alone," she reiterated, making it clear her plan didn't involve a frontal attack.

"Then he'll fight you and extract Ophanimon's location from you. He'll rescue her, and everything will go down the drain," Mercurymon couldn't imagine any other outcome.

"How wrong you are, Mercurymon. He won't lay a hand on me," Venusmon said with a wide grin.

Mercurymon imagined Venusmon trying to seduce the angel but quickly dismissed the idea. Seraphimon was too in love with Ophanimon to fall for such a crude trap.

"Are you planning to use your charms?" he asked, trying to confirm his assumptions.

"No, not at all," Venusmon denied, her smile broadening. She couldn't believe Mercurymon was so stupid. "I'll use my powers."

Mercurymon nodded, though he didn't really know what kind of abilities she was referring to. As far as he could remember, he had never seen her fight and had no idea about the other functions Venusmon performed among the Olympians. She was a mystery to him.

"He has no idea how I'm going to win Seraphimon's favour," Venusmon thought, observing Mercurymon's face. The Olympian's face showed great confusion but also a spark of hope and curiosity. If Venusmon's plan worked, they would not only weaken their greatest enemy but also gain invaluable strategic advantage. It was a risk, but one Venusmon was willing to take.

"So... will you do me the favour of lending me your castle?" the goddess asked, her tone imbued with almost defiant confidence.

"Of course," Mercurymon responded with slight hesitation. He trusted her just enough, though he was sure her plan would fail. If, on the contrary, everything went well, it would be perfect. If Seraphimon slipped up and attacked Venusmon, it was likely they could make it public and take advantage of it. "But everything will be under your responsibility."

"Everything is under control, so relax," Venusmon affirmed with a reassuring smile. With an elegant gesture, she pulled an envelope from her tunic. It was white paper, very sober but at the same time beautiful, very much in Venusmon's style. The sunlight reflected on its surface, giving it an ethereal glow.

Mercurymon approached, his curiosity overcoming his distrust, and tried to snatch it, but Venusmon put it away before he could grab it. Her movements were as fluid as a river, and her expression showed no hint of surprise.

"Don't you trust me?" asked the goddess, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint.

"I trust you. Besides, if I didn't trust you, I wouldn't let you use my castle. I'd just like to know the content of the envelope."

"Inside the envelope is a sheet of paper, cordially inviting Seraphimon to the Palace of Mirrors if he wants to see Ophanimon."

"Nothing more?"

"Your signature," Venusmon added with a satisfied smile. "It turned out perfect."

Mercurymon couldn't fathom how she had managed to forge his signature. The precision was astounding, even unsettling. How many other hidden talents did Venusmon possess?

"Perhaps Venusmon has some other powers, however insignificant they might be," thought the Olympian, his mind calculating the implications.

"When do you plan to send the letter and use my palace?"

"The letter will be sent this afternoon. So, I'll need it tomorrow," Venusmon replied firmly, as if she already had everything planned down to the last detail.

"Understood," Mercurymon responded, still contemplating Venusmon's capabilities. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go to Bright Zone. I'll accompany you to the exit."

They both began walking towards the exit, Venusmon moving as slowly as she could. Every step was a measured dance, designed to buy time. She hoped that extra time would be beneficial to Apollomon.

When they reached the main door, Mercurymon closed it, bid her farewell, and rushed towards Bright Zone. His mind was already focused on his next moves, his thoughts buzzing like an agitated hive. Venusmon, on the other hand, headed to the forge, a smile on her lips. She was curious to see what weapons her husband was crafting. Had he made one for her?

Meanwhile, Apollomon had just arrived at Bright Zone. Knowing Mercurymon's speed, he had just enough time to take Ophanimon back to Hell's Field before being discovered. His mind was racing, every second counted, and the risk of being caught felt like a heavy weight on his shoulders.

First, he checked the shooting ranges, in case Ophanimon had decided to visit them. There were footprints in the sand indicating she had been there recently but had returned to the castle. Apollomon erased the tracks as quickly as he could, feeling sweat begin to bead on his forehead despite the relatively cool temperature of the area.

"This has to go well," he thought, the urgency burning inside him.

He headed to the castle, and within minutes he was at the massive door of his abode. He opened it with a quick, almost frantic movement, and went to the room he had assigned to Ophanimon.

He found her there, deep in sleep. He lifted her in his arms effortlessly, used as he was to carrying heavy loads. He briefly recalled moments when he had carried Venusmon, a comparison that now only increased his anxiety.

With Ophanimon in his arms, he headed to the passage leading to Hell's Field. The stairs seemed endless, each step echoing like a drum in his mind, accelerating his pulse even more. Upon reaching the prison, he gently laid her down and shook her lightly to wake her, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, anticipating any sign of Mercurymon.

Ophanimon opened her eyes slowly, the intense light illuminating the prison hitting her full force. She rubbed her eyes with her hands, still dazed by the abrupt awakening.

"What are we doing here?" Ophanimon asked, her voice tinged with confusion and displeasure.

"Mercurymon is coming. He wants to talk to you," Apollomon replied, trying to keep calm in his voice. "Don't worry, it'll only be a moment."

Apollomon began climbing the stairs slowly, each step feeling the weight of the situation. He knew that if Mercurymon discovered the trick, the consequences would be disastrous. The pressure in his chest increased with each passing second.

Ophanimon watched the Olympian leave, her discomfort evident, but aware it was better to play along for now. It greatly bothered her to be there, in that gloomy prison, but she understood the need to maintain appearances.

Apollomon closed the passage with a sigh of relief and sat on the stairs of the lower floor to wait for Mercurymon. Every sound, every creak made him tense, anticipating the arrival of the other Olympian. It wouldn't take long, and Apollomon knew he had to be prepared for anything.

Mercurymon had taken the most direct route to Bright Zone, the same route Apollomon had taken when leaving the Palace of Mirrors. He had quickly traversed the areas of the Xross continent that separated his palace from Apollomon's and was already at the main entrance.

It had been quite some time since he had last visited Bright Zone. In the past, his visits were more frequent, as the official prison was located there, although during those times it wasn't Apollomon's official residence. However, now he hardly ever went there unless he had a good reason, like he had today.

He crossed the lava moat and knocked on his brother's castle door. He thought it would open immediately, but he had to wait for Apollomon to let him in.

The two Olympians greeted each other cordially.

"Tell me, Apollomon, how is our prisoner?" Mercurymon asked impatiently.

"She hasn't caused me any trouble so far," replied the Olympian. He was about to say "us," including Venusmon in his task.

"Take me to her," Mercurymon ordered, with a tone of authority that brooked no argument.

Apollomon then opened the passage to Hell's Field. They descended the thousands of stairs and found Ophanimon at the bottom of them.

She looked much better than Mercurymon had expected. Although her armor was slightly torn and her face dirty from the ground's dust, she seemed serene and rested. Mercurymon never thought Ophanimon could sleep comfortably given the circumstances.

"Good evening," Mercurymon greeted cordially, with a slight nod.

"Good evening," Ophanimon returned the greeting, her tone calm but watchful.

"We know this prison is not up to your standard, but it's the best we have," said the Olympian, trying to appear compassionate; he could even show hints of guilt. "Is Apollomon treating you well?"

Apollomon remained silent, his tension palpable as he hoped the conversation would be brief and Mercurymon would leave as soon as possible.

"As well as he can treat me being locked up here," Ophanimon responded, trying to seem angry but with a subtle spark of irony in her eyes.

"Good observation," Mercurymon thought everything was under control. His gaze hardened slightly as he turned back to Apollomon. "Apollomon, escort me to the exit, will you? I have other matters to attend to before I return to my palace."

"Is that it?" Ophanimon wondered, surprised by the brevity of the visit. "So much trouble for nothing."

Apollomon and Mercurymon retraced their steps. They said nothing as they ascended the stairs, the silence only interrupted by the echo of their footsteps. Each step was a reminder to Apollomon of how crucial it was to maintain the facade. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his hands were slightly trembling.

Finally, upon reaching the entrance, Mercurymon turned to Apollomon.

"Keep her under control. We can't afford any slip-ups now," Mercurymon said, his gaze fixed on Apollomon's eyes, searching for any sign of doubt.

"Of course, Mercurymon. Everything is under control," Apollomon replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his hands were slightly trembling. He knew he had to act cautiously to avoid being discovered.

Mercurymon nodded, satisfied for the moment, but before taking the first step outside, he added:

"I don't think she'll try to escape. She knows what's good for her," said Mercurymon, stepping through the main door. "However, don't get too confident: she's a formidable digimon. Ophanimon may appear serene, but don't underestimate her ability to cause trouble if she puts her mind to it."

"I know," Apollomon replied, trying to maintain composure while the pressure built inside him.

Mercurymon gave him one last warning look before bidding his companion farewell and heading north. Before the meeting, he had arranged to see someone else and needed to ensure everything was in order. Apollomon watched him leave, feeling a mixture of relief and persistent nervousness.

Every second counted, and Apollomon knew he had to act with extreme caution. Once Mercurymon was out of sight, he allowed himself a deep sigh. He knew time was limited and that he had to move quickly to fulfill his part of the plan without arousing suspicion. Urgency propelled him, aware that any mistake could have disastrous consequences.

Apollomon reopened the passage and indicated to Ophanimon that she could pass. The angel ascended the stairs gracefully and headed straight to her room without looking back.

"That wasn't as terrible as I expected," Apollomon commented, letting out a sigh of relief. "I thought he was going to interrogate you thoroughly."

Ophanimon turned to him, her expression calm but inquisitive.

"He was in a hurry. That was obvious," Ophanimon added. "He came here out of obligation, to look good with the Olympians."

"You're right," Apollomon admitted, thinking about how close everything had been.

Ophanimon settled into a chair, looking at him with curiosity.

"By the way... is Mercurymon a good leader?" Ophanimon asked. "Of all the Olympians, he's not one I imagined leading them."

Apollomon took a moment to consider the question, observing the light filtering through the room's windows.

"I wouldn't know what to tell you. He has his strengths and weaknesses," Apollomon responded cautiously. "Who did you imagine as the leader?"

Ophanimon reflected for a few moments, intertwining her fingers.

"Of those who are here... several names come to mind. Marsmon has that leadership ability inherited from his father, but he's too irascible in my opinion."

"Marsmon wants to be the leader. He tries to make Mercurymon falter to take his place," Apollomon responded with a bitter smile. "He's ambitious and doesn't hesitate to use force to impose himself."

Ophanimon nodded, making a mental note of this information.

"Internal conflicts among the Olympians," Ophanimon thought. It was an interesting piece of information that could be useful later. "Who else?" asked Apollomon, eager to hear her opinion.

"Minervamon is a good fighter and strategist. She's very wise, from what I've heard. However, her childish nature makes her not taken very seriously," Ophanimon continued. Apollomon nodded slightly, recognizing the truth in her words. "And finally, I think the best option, and the one I would personally choose... Neptunemon. He's wise but prudent; especially now that he distances himself from the revolutionary tendencies of his youth. Respected among the Olympians. And powerful."

Apollomon sighed, seeing the logic in Ophanimon's choice.

"Neptunemon is unfocused now. With his wedding and Ceresmon's return..."

"Wait a minute... Ceresmon has returned?" Ophanimon asked, her eyes shining with interest.

Apollomon cursed internally for letting such crucial information slip. However, he tried to maintain his composure.

"Yes," Apollomon confirmed. He had let that valuable information slip, but now he couldn't deny it. "Anyway, Ophanimon is trapped. She can't communicate it to anyone."

Ophanimon reclined in her chair, a barely contained expression of satisfaction on her face.

"Ceresmon is an important figure. Her return could change many things..." murmured Ophanimon, more to herself than to Apollomon.

Apollomon observed the expression on Ophanimon's face, feeling a knot of concern in his stomach. He knew that every word exchanged with her could have significant repercussions. He forced himself to stay calm and prepare for what was to come.

Ophanimon watched Apollomon for a few moments, pondering her next words. The conversation had taken an interesting turn, and the mention of Ceresmon had piqued her curiosity. She decided to take the opportunity to learn more about the enemy's side.

"Ophanimon, I wonder what the government of the Three Great Angels is really like," said Apollomon, trying to sound casual. "I've always heard about their power and wisdom, but I've never known how they operate internally."

She considered how much to confess and chose to provide trivial information to satisfy his curiosity without revealing too much.

"The government of the Three Great Angels is... complex," Ophanimon began, choosing her words carefully. "Seraphimon, Cherubimon, and I each have our specific roles and areas of influence. Seraphimon, as the main leader, is responsible for the protection and defense of our kingdom, ensuring that our borders are secure."

Apollomon nodded, interested.

"And you? What is your role in all of this?"

"I'm in charge of harmony and diversity," Ophanimon responded with a tone of pride. "I ensure that the different factions within our kingdom coexist peacefully and that all voices are heard. Additionally, I handle the diplomatic relations between the various kingdoms, working to maintain peace and establish beneficial alliances. We also hold the highest ranks in the angel court and have regular meetings with the council to discuss important matters."

"Interesting... and Cherubimon?"

Ophanimon sighed slightly before continuing.

"Cherubimon is the guardian of knowledge and the supreme judge. He is responsible for maintaining and protecting our vast library of knowledge and secrets, as well as overseeing the judicial system. When conflicts or disputes arise, he is the one who delivers justice and ensures that our laws are applied fairly."

Apollomon frowned at the mention of Cherubimon as the guardian of knowledge. There seemed to be something more behind that expression, but he didn't ask. He probably remembered that Cherubimon's dwelling, or at least the territory of the Star Rose, had been an important part of Apollomon's domains during the rule of the Olympians.

Apollomon absorbed the information, seeing how it fit with what he already knew.

"It seems like a well-organized system. However, I wonder... how do you handle disagreements among yourselves?" Apollomon asked, testing the stability of the leadership of the Three Great Angels.

"It's rare for there to be significant disagreements," Ophanimon responded, though she knew it wasn't impossible. "But when they do occur, we resolve them through dialogue and mediation. The three of us trust greatly in our abilities to communicate and reach a consensus. We know that any division among us could be dangerous for everyone."

Apollomon noticed the slight hesitation in Ophanimon's words and decided to delve a bit deeper.

"Has there ever been a disagreement that threatened that harmony?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

She remained silent for a moment, her gaze distant as she recalled.

"There was an incident... a long time ago," she finally said, as it was a known fact that Apollomon probably already knew. "A disagreement on how to handle an external threat. Seraphimon wanted a more aggressive response, while Cherubimon advocated for diplomacy. It was I who ultimately found a middle ground that satisfied both. That incident taught us a lot about the importance of cooperation and compromise."

Apollomon nodded slowly, gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of the angelic government. The conversation had given him valuable insight, not only about the Three Great Angels but also about Ophanimon herself. There was more at stake than he had imagined, and every detail mattered.

"Thank you for sharing that with me, Ophanimon. It's good to understand more about how things work on your side," Apollomon said sincerely.

She nodded, seeming to relax a bit.

"You're welcome. Sometimes, it's useful to share our stories, even with those who may not be our direct allies."

Apollomon stood up, preparing to let her rest.

"I'll let you rest now. If you need anything, I'll be nearby," he said, giving her one last look before heading towards the door.

Ophanimon nodded, watching him leave. The conversation had given her much to think about, and she knew she would need to be prepared for what was to come. She decided to retire, feeling relieved to have shared useful information without compromising too much. However, as she closed the door to her room, she paused at the sound of Apollomon's voice.

"Wait a moment," Apollomon interrupted, making Ophanimon turn towards him with curiosity.

"Yes?" she asked, maintaining her composure but internally alert.

"How do you know so much about the Olympians?" Apollomon inquired with a serious expression on his face. He had just realized something didn't add up.

Ophanimon had to think quickly. She couldn't reveal too much but needed to give a convincing answer.

"What Cherubimon tells me. Nothing more," Ophanimon replied, as she closed the door to her room. "Goodnight, Apollomon."

"Goodnight," he responded as well.

Once alone, Ophanimon sighed with relief but knew that Apollomon wasn't entirely convinced. He had noticed her gesture when she mentioned Cherubimon as the guardian of knowledge. Something didn't add up, and Apollomon was sharp enough to realize it. She decided it was time to be more cautious with the information she shared.

Apollomon, for his part, closed the door to Ophanimon's room and remained thoughtful for a moment. Something didn't fit. It was impossible for Cherubimon to know such intimate details about the Olympians without external help. Unless someone was deliberately providing him with the information. He frowned, thinking about who might be behind all this. Dianamon was the first on his list of suspects. He decided he would have to ask her a few questions when he had the chance.