Chapter 2: Reporting the Betrayal
After the fall of the Olympians, Dianamon had abandoned all her territories in the Digital World, remaining only on one of the moons: the Blue Moon. From there, she watched with concern over her domains from the heights of her majestic lunar castle. Before her stretched an immense meadow, merging with the arid and rocky lunar landscape, where numerous craters emerged out of nowhere, like scars on the satellite's surface. In those craters dwelled numerous Digimon, mainly rabbits like Lunamon, Rabbitmon, and Lekismon, who resided in Dianamon's castle or in its surroundings.
Despite the defeat suffered, Dianamon had managed to preserve the territory she cherished the most: Blue Moon. This possession was a constant reminder of her glorious past and the friendship she shared with Cherubimon, one of the Three Great Angels who ascended to power alongside Seraphimon and Ophanimon, replacing the Olympians. This friendship had been forged over the years, long before the angels' rise to power, in times when they shared adventures and challenges in the Digital World.
However, this state of grace deeply bothered the rest of the Olympians, who looked with disdain upon how Dianamon and Cherubimon maintained a close relationship even after the fall of their regime. The idea that two of their own were on friendly terms with the new rulers was an affront to their pride and a constant reminder of their defeat.
As time passed, Dianamon had continued this friendship in secret to avoid upsetting her relatives, and her meetings with Cherubimon had become less frequent. However, they still communicated through missives regularly, exchanging information and advice about the difficult landscape they faced in the Digital World.
As she reflected on all she owed to Cherubimon, a torrent of thoughts overwhelmed her. She thought about how their affinities, both in character and in their natural curiosity for the mysteries of the digital universe, had united them in a solid and enduring friendship. Over the years, they had shared moments of joy and sadness, victories and defeats, always supporting each other in every challenge they faced. Dianamon fondly remembered the long conversations they used to have, exploring the secrets of the Digital World and sharing their dreams and aspirations for the future. However, in recent times, their meetings had become more spaced out, relegated to clandestine gatherings and covert communications. Despite this, the connection between them remained strong, and Dianamon knew she could trust Cherubimon like no other.
"I must inform him of the conspiracy," she thought determinedly. However, a shadow of doubt loomed over her as she considered the possible repercussions. "But if the other gods find out...," she reflected with concern. She knew that revealing the conspiracy could trigger a series of catastrophic events, sowing discord among the Olympians and unleashing a wave of chaos in the Digital World. She feared the reprisals that might follow if her message fell into unwanted ears. Nevertheless, loyalty to Cherubimon and her moral duty compelled her to take action, even if it meant facing the adversities that lay ahead.
She decided to act, despite the possible discomfort her action might cause to others, especially to Mercurymon and Marsmon, whose ambition and thirst for power were known to all. However, the weight of the truth and her loyalty to Cherubimon were stronger than any fear or uncertainty she might feel. She was willing to face the consequences, no matter how adverse they might be, in order to protect those she considered friends and preserve the peace in the world she loved.
She left her castle, an imposing fortress that towered over the lunar landscape like a vigilant guardian of her realm. The gray rocks merged with the brightness of the blue moon, creating a magical and almost unreal atmosphere. Three columns of stone, carved with intricate lunar designs, marked the main entrance, each one bearing the weight of the history and greatness that had resided within that enclosure. Crossing the crescent-shaped threshold, she entered a world of mystery and power. Two pointed towers rose on either side of the main structure, their peaks reaching for the starry sky in search of knowledge and protection. In the center of the castle, a large dome crowned the building, its curved dome reflecting the moonlight in all directions and filling the air with a sense of serenity and majesty. Every stone, every detail of the architecture, spoke of the greatness and history that resided in that place, reminding Dianamon of her duty as guardian of the Blue Moon. She contemplated her abode as if it were the last time she would see it. Then she set off for Cherubimon's castle.
She gradually distanced herself from the castle, leaving behind the imposing figure of the lunar fortress. She leaped into the void and took flight: her body lit up with silver flashes as she soared through the starry sky.
It didn't take long for her to reach her destination: the Rose Morning Star, a mountainous territory with rocky formations of an intense pink colour that rose towards the firmament like silent guardians of a forgotten past. That place, with its gigantic size and irregular shape, was a constant reminder of the days when her brother, Apollomon, reigned over that territory with nobility and honour. Visiting it always evoked contradictory feelings in her.
She observed the castle that Cherubimon had ordered to be built when he settled there. The central tower rose majestically in the center of the rose, a beacon of hope and resistance in the midst of adversity. For Dianamon, this place was laden with memories and emotions, reminding her both of the greatness and the tragedy that had marked the history of her family and her people, and, at the same time, the good times shared with Cherubimon.
She chose to venture into the shadowy depths of the dungeons, a network of dark and damp tunnels that snaked beneath the castle. As she descended a floating staircase, the air became denser and heavier, impregnated with the smell of dampness and hopelessness. As she advanced, the rough stone walls and low ceilings seemed to close in on her, as if the very place were trying to trap her in its eternal darkness.
She looked horrified at the cells lining the corridor, each one more dismal than the last. Inside them, digital prisoners lay chained, their digital forms distorted by suffering and despair. The echo of their laments resonated on the walls, a cacophony of sadness and despair that enveloped the atmosphere with crushing heaviness.
For Dianamon, that place was a grim reminder of the cruelty and injustice that reigned in the Digital World. However, it was also a reminder of the duties of the rulers of the Digital World. After all, someone had to do it.
At that moment, she came face to face with the guardians of the dungeons: two Goatmon. They were imposing creatures, with twisted and golden horns rising above their heads. The colour of their horns matched the bell they wore around their necks, tinkling with every step they took. Their skin was dark gray, while their goat-like beard was light gray, almost white, contrasting with the severe expression on their faces.
The Goatmon's eyes shone with intimidating intensity as they fixed their gaze on Dianamon, ready to protect the dungeons and their lord, Cherubimon, with all their vigour and determination. They didn't remember her after so long.
The Goatmon tried to charge at her ferociously, but Dianamon, agile as ever, managed to dodge their charges with innate grace. Although she didn't want to harm the innocent guardians, she knew she couldn't afford to flee. Instead, she decided to face the situation calmly, waiting for the right moment to act. She knew Cherubimon would be alerted by the commotion and wouldn't be long in appearing to intervene.
The Goatmon, persistent in their attempt to stop the intruder, redoubled their efforts and charged again with renewed energy. However, before they could execute their next charge, a sharp and unexpected sound cut through the air, interrupting the confrontation. Someone, from the top of the stairs, stood in their way, stopping the confrontation before it could escalate to higher levels of violence.
"Stop," a melodious voice resonated from the top of the staircase. It was a sweet and harmonious voice, but at the same time, it was charged with a deep wisdom that denoted the authority of the one who spoke it. The Goatmon, upon hearing it, ceased their attempt to attack and retreated, obedient to the command.
Dianamon looked up and saw Cherubimon, whose presence filled the room with a sense of calm and respect. He had a large, pink, fluffy body, with disproportionately large hands and ears that gave a peculiar touch to his appearance. Around his neck, he wore a jester's collar adorned with jingle bells that tinkled softly with every movement. In addition, his rabbit ears were decorated with two sacred rings, symbols of his power and authority in the court of the angels. Despite his peculiar appearance, Cherubimon radiated an aura of wisdom and serenity that inspired confidence in all those around him.
Cherubimon kindly led her to his office, located in the highest area of the tower. It was a small dome, sparsely furnished, with stone walls and a single window that let in the moonlight. In the center of the room, a large round table occupied most of the space, upon which were scattered some documents and scrolls. They sat on stone benches that seemed to emerge from the floor itself, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
"Good morning, Dianamon. It's been a long time since we last saw each other," Cherubimon greeted with a warm smile, as he observed with curiosity the presence of the goddess in his office. "Why have you come to visit me? You could have come through the main portal; you know you are always welcome here," he added, hinting at his intrigue at Dianamon's discreet entrance. "How is it on the moon?" he asked with genuine interest.
"Fine, for now. Do you know why I've come?" Dianamon asked, with a look of concern.
"For reasons of pleasure, surely not," Cherubimon replied with a slight smile, although his eyes reflected a deep understanding of the seriousness of the situation. He knew that Dianamon rarely visited him without an important reason, which aroused his curiosity and concern at the same time.
"Mercurymon wants us to reclaim our positions. And don't doubt that he will use force to achieve it," explained Dianamon, with a hint of sadness in her voice, aware of the possible repercussions that this request might entail.
Cherubimon frowned at the news. "Has everyone agreed?" he asked, with a mixture of disbelief and resignation in his tone.
"Everyone," confirmed Dianamon with a nod, reflecting the seriousness of the matter in her gaze.
"Mercurymon has always had that effect on others. I'm surprised he hasn't learned from the last time," Cherubimon commented, while his gaze wandered into the distance, remembering the turbulences of the past, when the flames of rebellion spread through the Digital World, led by Marsmon, to no avail. Cherubimon's expression became more thoughtful, as if he were reliving old battles in his mind.
"Revenge is what drives him. You should know that better than anyone," Dianamon clarified, with a tone of complicity that evidenced the depth of their mutual knowledge of the dark motives that drove Mercurymon.
"And, are you in agreement?" Cherubimon asked, as his gaze settled on Dianamon with a mixture of expectation and understanding.
Dianamon took a moment to reflect, knowing that this conversation was crucial for both their futures. "In part," she finally said, with palpable sincerity in her voice. "The way we were expelled was degrading, truth be told, but I'm quite content as I am."
Cherubimon nodded, acknowledging the validity of her words. "I agree with that. But you know it wasn't our fault," he said bitterly, his voice laden with resentment for the injustices of the past.
"I know. I've never doubted it. You're just our replacements. They don't want to accept it," Dianamon affirmed with conviction, recalling the days of glory they shared before the arrival of the new rulers to power.
"Will we be your first target?" Cherubimon asked, with a mixture of concern and anticipation in his voice.
"I don't know yet. Mercurymon wants everyone to pay. But the order of the slaughter...," Dianamon hesitated, aware of the danger looming over them and the difficult decisions they would have to make in the future.
"Are you going to participate in the battle?" Cherubimon asked, seeking to understand his friend's stance amidst the growing tension.
"That's another question without an answer. I'll try to convince the Olympians to use more 'diplomatic' methods," the goddess replied, with a hint of uncertainty in her voice, aware of the difficulty of her task.
"You can't abandon them, can you?" Cherubimon asked, longing for an answer he perhaps didn't want to hear.
"You know the answer yourself," Dianamon said tragically, revealing the burden she carried on her shoulders and the impossibility of distancing herself from her duty, even when her heart weighed heavy.
Although Dianamon's response saddened Cherubimon, his facial expression remained unchanged, maintaining composure in the face of the adversity looming over them.
"What do you want me to do with the information you've provided?" Cherubimon asked, with a penetrating gaze that denoted the gravity of the matter.
"What you deem convenient and opportune," Dianamon replied calmly, although her gaze reflected a silent plea. "But don't betray me."
"I would never do such a thing," Cherubimon assured with determination, aware of the value of trust between them.
"Good. I should return to Blue Moon before the Digimon start to miss me. Take care," Dianamon bid farewell with a hint of melancholy in her voice, knowing that her departure was inevitable.
"It's a pity that we only see each other for work reasons and not for pleasure," Cherubimon lamented, with an expression of longing in his large eyes.
"I've always thought the same. Sometimes, small differences are appreciated more than great similarities," Dianamon reflected, with a trace of sadness in her tone.
Before she could finish the sentence, Dianamon had already left, leaving in the air a feeling of nostalgia and the promise of future encounters.