Chapter 21: First Trials

After returning from the meeting, deeply unsettled, Dianamon had retreated to her quarters, ordering that no one disturb her until the following day. The weight of the conversation lingered in her mind, and every attempt to find peace seemed futile. She lay down on her velvety bed, a refuge of soft folds and plush pillows, hoping that the comfort would help clear her thoughts. The dark blue velvet curtains were drawn, enveloping the room in a cozy twilight. A crystal lamp, adorned with delicate carvings of moons and stars, emitted a soft glow, adding a touch of serenity to the atmosphere.

However, her mind kept racing. Each time she closed her eyes, the words from the meeting echoed in her head, preventing any attempt to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, searching for a more comfortable position, but the knot in her stomach refused to untangle. The hours passed slowly, with the ticking of the old clock on the wall marking time in a monotonous rhythm that only seemed to heighten her anxiety.

From time to time, she would get up and pace around the room, looking out the window at the lunar landscape, where the long shadows of the castle towers stretched over the terrain. But even the calming nightscape couldn't soothe her inner turmoil.

Finally, as the first light of dawn began to filter through the edges of the curtains, a soft but insistent knock on the door broke the silence. Dianamon, with unsteady steps and a face marked by sleeplessness, went to open the door, feeling dazed and exhausted.

When she did, she found herself facing one of her Crescemon.

"QueenChessmon wishes to start her training, just as you promised her," the Crescemon announced. "Also, you've received a letter."

Dianamon extended her hand to take it, surprised. She wasn't expecting any letters. It was a silver envelope, tastefully crafted.

"Very well. Tell her to wait a moment while I get ready and to meet me in front of the castle's main gate."

Crescemon nodded and turned away, her soft steps echoing lightly in the hallway. Dianamon closed the door and leaned against it, slowly sliding down to sit on the floor, feeling overwhelmed. The truth was, she didn't remember the promise she had made to QueenChessmon. Moreover, the accumulated fatigue and tension had left her without the strength to face any challenge clearly. But she had promised, and she had to keep it. Besides, she was still curious about the princess; she hadn't spoken to her since their first meeting.

She looked at the silver envelope in her hands, turning it over carefully. Who could have written to her at a time like this? It was surely one of the Olympians. She decided to open it, though part of her feared its contents. Inside, she found a sheet of smooth white paper, with floral details in the margins. Dianamon guessed who it was from and prepared to read:

"Dear Dianamon,

I am writing this letter to clarify a matter that concerns both of us. After much thought, I know how you can help me. I have several issues on my mind, some of which have been tormenting me for eons. Don't worry, it's nothing evil or immoral. No act will go against your regal principles. At least, I hope so. Moreover, for your own sake, you won't be able to refuse. Otherwise… the rest will know the truth. And that could be your end.

Meet me tomorrow afternoon in the Kingdom of Deramon, my temporary place of residence. If you miss the appointment, I will reveal everything. So now you know.

I apologize for being so serious in this letter; it's something that, as you know, is not characteristic of me. But the matters we must discuss are serious indeed.

Until tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Ceresmon"

Ceresmon's words echoed in her mind, creating an unsettling echo she couldn't ignore. Dianamon let out a long sigh. The paper trembled slightly in her hands. Ceresmon had such an open and... disturbing... mindset. She could ask her for anything. She was so unpredictable... That was what worried her the most.

She stood up and began to walk. Her steps were slow and heavy. These dark thoughts weren't going to overwhelm her. At least, not for the moment. When Ceresmon communicated what "matters" she needed help with, there would be time to consider those dilemmas. She couldn't afford to dive into more concerns without first attending to QueenChessmon. She walked towards the full-length mirror that adorned a corner of the room. Her eyes, usually bright and full of determination, now reflected deep fatigue.

She quickly fixed her hair and adjusted her outfit, trying at least to appear more composed than she felt. She couldn't let QueenChessmon see how affected she was. The princess had placed her trust in her, and she wanted to prove herself worthy. With one last glance in the mirror, she straightened her shoulders and left the room, heading towards the castle's main gate.

When she arrived at the main gate, QueenChessmon was already waiting. The princess stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the castle wall, looking bored. She must have been waiting for a while.

"You're late," the princess reproached. "I've been waiting for quite some time. The Crescemon insisted that I wait for the right moment and that they would fetch you."

"I apologize for the delay," Dianamon said, trying to keep calm in her voice. The princess returned a pleased smile. "I had something to take care of first."

"Does it have to do with the letter you received?" she asked, curious.

"That's none of your concern. Wait here for a moment while I prepare something small for your training," Dianamon said as she walked away. The less the princess knew about the Olympians' affairs, the better.

QueenChessmon watched, puzzled, as she walked away. She thought that after all the time she had been waiting, everything should have been prepared by now. She had travelled a long way and was eager, needing to make the most of it. The training was supposed to help her find herself, as well as improve her skills.

Dianamon didn't take long to return, escorted by three Crescemon, one of whom she already knew and who greeted her politely. QueenChessmon recognized her by the large number of insignias on her armor.

"We're ready to begin," Dianamon announced firmly.

"Perfect. I'm eager to start," QueenChessmon replied, pleased to finally end her impatience.

Dianamon led the group to another training area: a vast expanse of land behind the castle, equipped with all kinds of obstacles and combat apparatus. The ground was fine sand, designed to cushion falls and allow for agile movements, like the great leaps that characterized the hunters.

"Today, we'll start with a basic skills test," Dianamon said, pointing to a series of targets and training dummies. "I need to see how you handle different weapons."

The Crescemon took their positions, each holding a variety of weapons: swords, spears, and bows.

"We'll start with the sword, which is the weapon you're most accustomed to defending yourself with," Dianamon said, handing one to QueenChessmon. "I want you to attack those targets and dummies with all your strength and precision."

QueenChessmon took the sword. Its weight was familiar and comforting in her hand. It was different from her own, but she knew perfectly how to handle it. She took a deep breath and launched into the attack. Her movements were fluid and elegant, each strike precise and controlled. The targets and dummies soon showed signs of damage, with deep cuts and visible marks.

"Impressive," Dianamon commented, nodding in approval. "Now, try the bow."

QueenChessmon took the bow offered by one of the Crescemon. She wasn't as accustomed to this weapon, but her determination was clear. It had been years since she last used one, although she had taken lessons in the Chess Kingdom. She nocked an arrow, drew the string, and released it. The arrow flew and struck close to the center of the target.

"Not bad for a start," Dianamon remarked with a slight smile; she had expected a disaster. "With practice, you'll improve."

After several rounds with different weapons, Dianamon gestured for them to stop. QueenChessmon, slightly out of breath but satisfied, turned to her.

"You've shown remarkable skills, but there's still room for improvement. Tomorrow, we'll continue with advanced hand-to-hand combat techniques," Dianamon announced. "But for now, I think you've done a great job."

QueenChessmon nodded, grateful. The training had been intense, but it was worth it. Her thoughts were interrupted by Dianamon.

"Now that we've warmed up, there's another small test for you," Dianamon explained. "All huntresses must be experts in tracking and searching, both for objects and Digimons. Therefore, we've hidden a Lunamon somewhere inside or outside the castle. Since you don't have a sense of smell to track it, you'll have to use your intellect. Each of these Crescemon will give you a clue, and you must find Lunamon in less than twenty minutes."

"Alright. That doesn't sound too difficult. What are the clues?" QueenChessmon asked.

"It's in the warmest place if it's lit," said the first Crescemon.

"It's in a workspace," said the second.

"It's outside the castle," concluded the third.

"Additionally, one of them lied," Dianamon added. "The time starts now."

QueenChessmon began to run, unsure of where to go. Occasionally, she turned back until Dianamon and the Crescemon figures blurred in the distance. When she was sure no one was watching, she stopped. Running aimlessly wouldn't help her pass the test. She thought about the different clues she had been given.

One of them had to be false. She decided to test each clue to solve the riddle. She suspected the first clue was the lie. The moon where Dianamon resided wasn't a particularly warm place; in fact, it was quite cold until one got used to it. So, she would first search in a workspace outside the castle.

QueenChessmon wasn't very familiar with the moon, but she knew that the possibilities were limited regarding where Lunamon could be. Most of the work was done inside the castle, in dark halls and corridors echoing with the hurried footsteps of servants and guards. However, she had an idea: the fields beyond the castle walls, visible from the window of her assigned room, might be a good place to look.

Determined, she headed toward the fields, crossing the central courtyard with confident steps. It took her only a moment to reach them. The field was a modest stretch of fertile land behind the castle, shielded from the intense cold by stone walls. There, a group of huntresses worked tirelessly, cultivating wheat, barley, and other cereals that could withstand the harsh lunar conditions. Despite the barren climate and lack of direct sunlight, the soil in that place seemed to have an inexplicable vitality, allowing the plants to grow robust and full of life.

QueenChessmon paused to take in the scene. The cold wind brushed against the golden stalks that swayed gently under the pale lunar light. In the distant, silvery horizon, several Lekismon and Crescemon moved skillfully among the rows, using their sharp weapons as farming tools. With precise movements, they weeded, aerated the soil, and harvested the heavy pods hanging from the stalks. They were warriors at heart, but also guardians of life in this inhospitable place.

However, as her eyes scanned the field for Lunamon, she didn't see any small, graceful figure that matched the description. Perhaps she was wrong, and Lunamon wasn't there after all. But QueenChessmon knew she had to keep searching because, in that limited world, the most valuable secrets were often hidden in plain sight.

QueenChessmon had guessed wrong. Lunamon was certainly not in the fields, so she changed direction and headed toward the village. It was the last place outside the castle, a remote possibility, but she couldn't dismiss it without checking. The village itself was tiny, almost insignificant compared to the imposing fortress. It consisted of just a few wooden houses, scattered irregularly across the terrain in front of the castle. The houses looked desolate, with doors ajar and windows creaking under the slight lunar breeze, as if they had been abandoned long ago. There were no signs of life—no lamps lit, no chimney smoke. It was hard to imagine anyone living there at that moment.

The silence surrounding the village was almost eerie, broken only by the occasional creak of wood settling under the weight of time. QueenChessmon paused for a moment, examining the small structures, but saw nothing to suggest Lunamon's presence. She doubted the houses were inhabited, not just now, but perhaps for a long time. They seemed more like relics of the past, a reminder of a time when life on the moon was different, less dominated by harsh circumstances.

Realizing that the third clue had been nothing more than a distraction, QueenChessmon sighed, disappointed but not defeated. Lunamon wasn't here either. That left only one option: she must be hidden somewhere within the castle, among the shadows where daily life continued under Dianamon's watchful eye.

She returned to the castle, crossing the threshold of the main door once more. The contrast between the desolate exterior and the castle's interior was striking. Although there were no signs of Dianamon or the Crescemon, the atmosphere inside the castle remained oppressive and tense. The stone corridors, illuminated by flickering torches, seemed to stretch endlessly, every corner and every shadow a potential hiding place.

Determined to find Lunamon, QueenChessmon chose to start her search from the castle's ground floor, gradually working her way up as she checked each corner. The previous night, she had taken advantage of the silence and solitude to explore the various rooms that made up Dianamon's abode. She had done so without permission, moving stealthily through the shadowy corridors, guided by curiosity and the need to understand the environment she was in. No one had caught her on her nocturnal expedition, and thanks to that, she now had a rough idea of where the castle's most important rooms were located.

She started by heading to the sewing room, located in the east wing of the ground floor. She remembered passing by it the night before when the room was closed, and only knew it was a sewing room because of the sign hanging above the doorframe, a simple wooden plaque with neat, stylized lettering. Now, in the light of day, the place seemed less intimidating, but it still retained an air of mystery, as if the very walls held secrets waiting to be uncovered.

She knocked twice on the door, a sound that echoed in the empty hallway, and turned the wooden doorknob with a slight creak. As she opened the door, a wave of disappointment washed over her. The room was nothing like she had imagined. Instead of a grand workshop full of activity, she found herself in a small, almost claustrophobic room. An old, dusty loom dominated one corner, while a low table occupied the centre of the room, covered in fabric scraps and sewing needles. The walls, lined with shelves full of spools of thread in various colours, gave the place a sense of organized chaos, as if it were more of a storage room than a fully functional workshop.

As she entered, several Lunamon looked up and greeted her with kind smiles, but none of them were the Digimon QueenChessmon was searching for. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to her increasingly urgent mood. She realized her mistake: she had overlooked the first two clues of the riddle, focusing on the more obvious ones and neglecting the subtler options. Since she had already ruled out the exterior of the castle, only the first two clues remained to solve the mystery.

A sudden revelation hit her. She hurriedly left the room, stumbling slightly over the threshold in her rush to exit. With her heart racing, she headed for the stairs leading to the upper floor. She climbed the stone steps quickly, but a misstep caused her to trip. She cursed under her breath, aware that time was running out, but also certain that she had finally understood the riddle. She couldn't afford any more mistakes, not now that she was so close to finding Lunamon.

She turned right and hurried down the long corridor, her heels echoing against the stone floor. Upon reaching the end, her eyes stopped on a small sign hanging on the door that read: "Kitchen." Without a second thought, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The kitchen was surprisingly spacious, but the arrangement of appliances and furniture made it feel smaller and more claustrophobic than it actually was. Large iron stoves took centre stage, with pots and pans gleaming under the dim torchlight. The space for movement was limited, with narrow pathways between the heavy dark wooden furniture and the somewhat outdated appliances. Kitchen utensils hung from the ceiling in neat rows, with ladles, spatulas, and knives suspended overhead, creating a canopy that resembled a forest of metal. Small shelves filled with jars of spices and dried herbs adorned the walls, their faint fragrance lingering in the air. In one corner, a small cabinet with glass doors housed a perfectly arranged set of dishes, their contours softly glowing in the dim light.

"In my kingdom, the kitchen is much more modern," QueenChessmon thought with a touch of nostalgia. The kitchens in her palace were bright and open, equipped with the latest technology, allowing chefs to prepare banquets with an ease that seemed impossible here. But she couldn't return home just yet, not while her mission in this strange castle continued. As her eyes scanned the room, something caught her attention. "But the dishes have something special," she thought as she approached the cabinet.

She paused for a moment in front of the glass case, contemplating the carefully arranged plates and cups. Unlike the modernity she had left behind, there was a touch of craftsmanship here that she couldn't help but admire. The dishes were likely porcelain, she deduced, noting the fine finish and smooth surface. She leaned in closer, trying to make out the intricate engravings and carvings that adorned the edges of the plates. From her position, she couldn't see clearly, only able to perceive the curved and disparate lines that intertwined in delicate patterns, as if they were telling a story to anyone with the time to decipher it.

As she was lost in thought, a small murmur broke the silence, coming from one of the old ovens at the back of the kitchen. Surprised, QueenChessmon slowly crouched down and opened the oven door. There, curled up inside, was the Lunamon she had been searching for all this time. The small Digimon, with a mischievous smile, leaped out of the oven with agility and let out a faint whistle before happily scampering towards the kitchen exit. Just then, Dianamon appeared in the doorway, her imposing figure filling the threshold. With a firm yet serene gesture, she signalled for QueenChessmon to follow, bringing her search to an end.

Although her mission was over, as she left the kitchen, QueenChessmon couldn't help but take one last look at the dishes. There was something about those engravings that continued to intrigue her, a simple beauty that contrasted with the complexity of everything she had experienced in that castle. However, time was pressing, and there were more urgent matters to attend to.

Queenchessmon complied, and they both left the kitchen. As they exited, they encountered the three Crescemon who were escorting the Olympian.

"You may go," Dianamon instructed. Her servants left, leaving them alone. "They were watching to make sure you didn't cheat..."

"Did I meet the time limit?"

"You went over by about seven minutes, but that's not bad," the Olympian informed her. QueenChessmon felt a little disappointed. "You fumbled a bit at first until you uncovered the lie. However, you dismissed the first clue too quickly. That mistake will teach you a valuable lesson."

"What lesson?" the princess asked. She had no idea what she was referring to.

"If you'd like, we can go to a quieter room and have a little chat," Dianamon suggested.

Queenchessmon nodded, puzzled. She had expected to continue training. Still, she appreciated the break. The lack of sleep was affecting her, though she tried to hide it.

Dianamon led her to a small room in the northwest wing of the castle. It was a cozy corner, decorated with lunar tapestries and shelves full of ancient books. The dark wood furniture gave the room a warm feel, despite its location in such a cold place. It was furnished with a pair of armchairs and sofas arranged around a round table. They both took a seat.

"Aren't we going to continue training?" the princess finally asked.

"I think that's enough for today," the Olympian concluded. "We can talk for a while and then, you should lie down and rest," she added, giving her a playful look.

"I understand," QueenChessmon murmured. She had been caught. "And what will tomorrow's training be?" she asked, interested.

"Tomorrow I'll have to be away for an indefinite time. So, you'll be free to do as you please. The gym will be at your disposal, and one of my Crescemon will be waiting for you to practice hand-to-hand combat," Dianamon informed her. "You'll need to keep training in different combat techniques. I don't want you to rely solely on your weapons."

"What do you mean?" QueenChessmon asked, playing dumb. She knew exactly what Dianamon was referring to, but she wanted to find out what Dianamon thought about it.

"I want to push you out of your comfort zone. You're proficient with a sword, but I want you to try other weapons, like the bow, which isn't your specialty. Plus, I want you to develop more hand-to-hand combat techniques, in case you find yourself unarmed."

"But you have to admit that using my weapons was an impressive way to end the fights..."

Dianamon would never admit it, though she thought QueenChessmon was right.

"Also, I have some reading for you," Dianamon said, gracefully rising to a tall cabinet and pulling out a large tome that seemed to be quite heavy.

Queenchessmon observed the book with some curiosity as Dianamon placed it in her hands. It was an imposing volume, with a hard, dark cover, and golden inscriptions that faintly glowed under the room's soft light. The leather binding was worn from use but well-maintained, showing a rich, smooth texture to the touch. The title, "Code of the Huntresses," was engraved in the centre of the cover in a sober yet authoritative style. As she opened it, the pages were thick, slightly yellowed with age, and the smell of old paper mixed with a faint aroma of ink and leather.

It must have had more than a thousand pages, and with just a quick glance, QueenChessmon realized she was holding a dense and detailed work. The first pages were a historical introduction about the origin of the huntresses, with texts adorned by black-and-white illustrations depicting ancient battle scenes, hierarchies, and symbols of power. The margins were decorated with small engravings representing weapons, shields, and emblems that, although tiny, were designed with impressive care.

"You'll need to read this bit by bit," Dianamon said firmly, interrupting her thoughts, "especially since you'll be attending theoretical classes with the younger huntresses, and they've already started reading it."

Queenchessmon rolled her eyes. The book's weight wasn't just physical; she also felt the burden of responsibility that came with mastering such a vast amount of knowledge.

"I'll let you skip the historical part if you're in a hurry," Dianamon continued, noticing the expression on her face. "I'm more interested in the part about values and lessons on combat and survival. That's the essence of what you need to learn."

The princess nodded, grateful for the concession. However, she couldn't help but ask with a half-smile:

"You wrote it, didn't you?"

"Indeed," Dianamon responded, with a glint of pride in her eyes. "Some of my most experienced huntresses contributed, of course. Plus, Minervamon reviewed it back in the day and made a few corrections."

"How long did it take her to read it?"

"Oh, she's not the standard," Dianamon replied with a slight laugh. "She can devour any book in seconds."

"So, any reading for her is quick and enjoyable," QueenChessmon said with a touch of envy, thinking of the long hours it would take her to get through the tome.

Dianamon observed her closely and, noticing the fatigue on the princess's face, softened her tone.

"You look tired. It's been a long day. You should retire to your quarters, read a chapter or two, and go to sleep."

"That's wise advice," QueenChessmon replied, taking the heavy book with both hands. Although the day had been exhausting, something about the solemnity of the "Code of the Huntresses" made her feel that, in some way, she was being integrated into the heart of this world that was still so foreign to her.

Dianamon watched as she left the small room, her steps echoing softly in the hallway until the door closed behind her. For a long moment, she remained alone, staring at the door through which QueenChessmon had left. She too should retire to rest, but her mind kept turning over the problems that plagued her. Tomorrow would be a difficult day. She still didn't know what Ceresmon intended... and that was what troubled her the most, that uncertainty looming like a shadow over all her thoughts.

Finally, with a sigh, Dianamon stood up. She also needed to rest if she wanted to be prepared for what was to come. But before leaving, she gave one last glance at the cabinet where the "Code of the Huntresses" had rested until that day, as if it held within its pages not just knowledge, but also answers to questions she had yet to dare to ask.