Chapter 4: Preventive Measures
The Three Great Angels were gathered in the Castle of Seraphimon, an imposing stone building surrounded by the dense vegetation of the sacred forest. Unlike Mercurymon's palace, which exhibited a more Renaissance architecture, this castle had a more medieval and austere style. Its tall towers rose towards the sky, imposing and majestic, while its walls reflected the splendor of the angels' court.
The castle was built with gleaming purple crystals, which gave it a mystical and supernatural appearance. The sunlight filtering through the crystals created an unreal atmosphere within its walls, filling the halls and rooms with flashes of purple light dancing on the stone walls.
Over the years, the Castle of Seraphimon had become a symbol of power and authority for the inhabitants of the sacred forest. Its imposing presence dominated the landscape, reminding everyone of the greatness of the Angels and their role as protectors of the Digital World.
Within its walls, the chambers were decorated with ancient tapestries and crystal statues representing the great current leaders. At the heart of the castle was Seraphimon's personal office, a spacious and majestic room with a large carved wooden desk and a solid gold throne where the angelic leader received his visitors and deliberated on the most important matters of the kingdom.
From the high windows of the castle, one could appreciate a breathtaking view of the sacred forest, with its centuries-old trees and its crystal-clear streams winding through the shadows. It was a place of indescribable beauty and tranquility, a safe haven amidst the chaos of the Digital World.
Gathered in his office, Seraphimon cast a penetrating gaze at Cherubimon, who had summoned them there but had not yet communicated the reason for the meeting. The angelic leader, dressed in an imposing metallic gray armor with dark blue trimmings and golden ornaments, exuded a majestic and powerful presence in the spacious room. His meticulously forged armor bore the symbol of hope engraved on the chest, shining with a golden glow in the light filtered through the castle's windows.
The ten golden wings that majestically spread from his back gave Seraphimon a celestial and powerful appearance, each feather shining with a golden glow that seemed to illuminate the room. With his intense and deep gaze, Seraphimon observed Cherubimon with a mixture of curiosity and concern, trying to discern the purpose behind the summons.
Cherubimon, for his part, remained impassive under the gaze of his leader. The metallic angel, with his mask hiding much of his face, barely hinted at his thoughts. However, his firm posture and serious expression suggested an underlying concern that was not reflected in his words.
The atmosphere in the room was tense as the Three Great Angels silently awaited the revelation of the reason for the meeting. Seraphimon, with the enigmatic scroll hanging like a belt, representing a mystery yet to be unveiled, remained on his solid gold throne, awaiting Cherubimon's words with serene yet vigilant calm.
Cherubimon contemplated Seraphimon's impassive face, with his metallic gray armor shining in the candlelight, and noticed the palpable tension in the air. At his side, Ophanimon remained silent, with four pairs of golden wings spread behind her, similar to Seraphimon's but emanating a unique elegance. Her armor, much tighter than her companion's, gleamed with a bluish-green tone, highlighting the delicacy of her feminine forms. Emerging from the helmet partially covering her face was a tangle of red hair gracefully cascading between her wings, giving her an aura of serenity and nobility.
Ophanimon maintained an elegant and serene posture, with a lance in one hand and a shield adorned with her symbol, the unicorn emblem, in the other. Her presence, though calm, radiated an inner strength that did not go unnoticed. Always mediating, she stood between Cherubimon and Seraphimon like a beacon of balance in the midst of the storm, trying to calm the waters in times of conflict.
Cherubimon reflected on the dynamic between the three angelic leaders. Although Seraphimon's inflexible character could create some distance, it was Ophanimon who wove the threads of harmony between them. Her presence was comforting, a light in the darkness that reminded them of their common purpose and kept them united in times of uncertainty.
"Cherubimon, why all this mystery?" asked Seraphimon with a hint of impatience in his voice, his metallic gray armor sparkling in the light streaming through the wide windows. "Are you going to reveal to us the reason for this summons?"
Cherubimon nodded solemnly, his gaze reflecting the gravity of the situation. "I have received alarming information through an anonymous source," he said seriously, avoiding mentioning Dianamon's name for the moment. "The Olympians seek to regain their ancient privileges and are willing to act. Although I do not know the details of their plans and objectives, it seems that revenge is their main motivation."
The tension in the room intensified with Cherubimon's words. Seraphimon nodded with concern as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. Ophanimon tightened the grip on her lance, nervous at this revelation. The news of a possible confrontation with the Olympians was a grim reminder of the dangers lurking on the horizon, challenging their peace and stability.
Ophanimon sighed with concern, anticipating what would come next. "Does this mean they are targeting us?" she asked with a trembling voice, her gaze seeking comfort in the expressions of her companions.
Cherubimon nodded gravely, his eyes reflecting deep sadness. "It's very likely. As their successors, we are in the crosshairs," he responded solemnly. His voice echoed in the room like a warning.
Seraphimon, behind his helmet, frowned, feeling the gravity of the situation. "I have always feared this moment," he murmured, his voice laden with concern. "The Olympians are powerful, I don't deny that, but we cannot ignore their past mistakes." His thoughts drifted to past confrontations the gods had had with the angelic court and other leaders of different realms in the Digital World. The scars of those battles were still present in the collective memory, as a reminder of the Olympians' selfishness and the fragility of peace in the Digital World.
Cherubimon intervened calmly. His voice resonated in the room with serene authority. "I think you're mistaken, Seraphimon," he began with a firm look. "According to my sources, their goal is not to trigger a war, but to restore their rule. They will only go after those they deem responsible for their misfortunes. They do not seek to harm the innocent."
Cherubimon's words brought a thoughtful silence to the room. Neither Ophanimon nor Seraphimon expected this perspective. They were venturing into unknown territory and needed to take swift action to confront this new threat. The three angels plunged into deep reflection, aware that they were at a crossroads that could determine the future of the Digital World.
"What measures do you think are necessary to take?" Ophanimon finally asked, breaking the silence with an inquisitive look that scanned each of her companions.
Seraphimon pondered for a moment before responding. "A direct attack might be our best option; we have the element of surprise," he suggested, his voice resonating with determination.
Ophanimon shook her head, her golden wings trembling slightly. "But that would reveal that we have insider information. We should avoid any contact that may raise suspicions," she insisted, her tone full of prudence and caution.
Cherubimon nodded silently, feeling a knot in his stomach as he observed the firmness in Seraphimon's eyes. He was alarmed by how quickly his companion was willing to launch an attack, without considering the possible consequences. But beyond the immediate threat, there was another concern gnawing at his soul: Dianamon's safety. Would she be safe amid this imminent danger? The idea that both the Olympians and the angels could have her in their sights made him tremble with worry. At least Cherubimon seemed to have Ophanimon's support.
"We could strengthen our defenses," Cherubimon finally proposed with measured voice, trying to hide the anxiety that engulfed him. "Send more Digimon to reinforce the security of our castles and borders," he added, his firm gaze revealing conviction in his words.
Seraphimon nodded, acknowledging the validity of the suggestion. "Then, we shall take these preventive measures," he affirmed, his voice resonating with authority. "If there are no further matters to discuss, I consider this meeting adjourned," he declared, ending the tense encounter with palpable determination in his demeanor.
After the other angels bid farewell and left his office, Seraphimon remained alone, lost in his thoughts. He reflected on Cherubimon's possible sources, wondering who could be so well-informed about the Olympians' plans. A suspicion crept into his mind: could it be Dianamon? He knew of the close friendship between Cherubimon and Dianamon, and it would not surprise him if she were involved in transmitting information. However, before jumping to conclusions, he decided to investigate further.
Just as he was about to delve into his reflections, the door to his office burst open, and his secretary, Sorcerymon, barged in with a stack of papers in hand. "Apologies for interrupting, Lord Seraphimon, but there are more documents that require your attention," he announced with a hurried tone.
Seraphimon sighed resignedly, momentarily setting aside his thoughts about Dianamon. "Very well, leave them on the desk," he responded, gesturing towards the large wooden desk that occupied much of the room. "I will attend to them shortly," he added, trying not to show his frustration at the interruption as he mentally prepared to tackle the new paperwork.
Once outside the office, Ophanimon stopped Cherubimon before they parted ways, her gaze penetrating, searching for truth in her companion's words. "Are you sure you don't know who your source is?" she asked with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Cherubimon hesitated for a moment, feeling the pressure of Ophanimon's gaze upon him. "I do know, Ophanimon," he finally responded, his voice showing a slight hesitation. "But I promised not to jeopardize their safety."
A knowing smile played on Ophanimon's lips as she listened to Cherubimon's response. "You've always been terrible at lying, Cherubimon," she remarked with a light laugh. "And you know you can trust me."
Cherubimon nodded gratefully, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders knowing he had Ophanimon's support. "Thank you, Ophanimon," he expressed sincerely. "But we must be cautious. We don't know what cards the Olympians are playing."
Ophanimon furrowed her brow slightly, her eyes scrutinizing Cherubimon carefully. A suspicion began to grow in her mind. "Are you sure it's not Dianamon?" she asked, her tone tinged with caution. "You know she's always been close to you and could be concerned for our safety."
Cherubimon lowered his gaze for a moment, reflecting on Ophanimon's words. "I cannot confirm it, Ophanimon," he admitted honestly. "But I cannot dismiss that possibility either."
Ophanimon nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation. "I see," she said calmly. "Let's continue to be cautious and keep an eye out for any signs."
Cherubimon nodded in agreement, aware of the importance of maintaining discretion in such a delicate moment. "Of course, Ophanimon," he responded with determination. "Together, we will find the best way to protect the Digital World."
With those words, they parted ways, but a doubt lingered in Cherubimon's mind. He felt uneasy about the possibility of his companions discovering that she was his source of information. Despite all his efforts to keep Dianamon's anonymity, he knew there was a chance that her strategic abilities could uncover the truth.
Furthermore, he wondered why Dianamon had shared that information with him in the first place. What did she gain by revealing secrets that could jeopardize her safety? Was it merely concern for the kingdom's well-being, or was there something more behind her actions? Was Dianamon manipulating him for her own ends? Cherubimon couldn't help but feel intrigued by the hidden motives of the goddess and vowed to himself to remain alert and watch for any clues that could reveal the truth behind her actions.