Chapter 25: The youngest daughter
Venusmon woke up with a smile on her lips, an expression that reflected both her beauty and her inner satisfaction. The sea breeze, gentle and refreshing, brushed against her flawless features, filling her with a renewing energy, the same revitalizing sensation she felt every morning in her coastal retreat. She stretched slightly, her graceful body moving with natural elegance, while her mind reviewed her recent achievements. Everything was going according to her meticulous plans.
Ophanimon was safe under Apollomon's protection, and Seraphimon, though prideful, followed her directions as if he were a pawn on her board. Not only had she fulfilled what Mercurymon had requested, but she had gone beyond, acquiring key information he could never have obtained alone. Today, the final move would be played, and Venusmon was determined to prove that her talent and cunning were infinitely superior to Mercurymon's. It was ironic to think that despite his political prowess, Mercurymon lacked the boldness to execute the plans she had secretly designed.
As she rose, she did so in a fluid, almost dance-like motion. Her bare feet touched the fine sand of the private beach bordering her abode. The sun began to reflect on the sea, a natural mirror that returned an image only she could behold with such scrutiny. She leaned slightly, observing her reflection with a critical eye. Her hairstyle, always impeccable, showed only a minimal deviation, something only her perfectionist eye would notice. With a delicate gesture, she corrected it, ensuring everything about her appearance was flawless before facing the day.
She returned inside her abode, a sanctuary as beautiful and refined as herself. On a low marble table adorned with golden details lay the map she had prepared the night before. Rolled up carefully and tied with a golden ribbon, it awaited to be unfurled. Venusmon untied it calmly, her fingers gliding over the ribbon as if it were a ceremony, and unrolled the map in front of her. It was a detailed map of the Digital World, though in a more compact and practical format than the bulky copy Mercurymon kept in the Palace of Mirrors. She valued efficiency as much as aesthetics.
Her eyes, bright as stars, scanned the map until they stopped at two specific points. They were her destinations for today and, if all went well, tomorrow. She wasn't sure where Ceresmon's daughters would be, but that didn't concern her. She would start with the Proxy Islands archipelago, belonging to the Twilight Continent. Choosing this destination was no coincidence; not only was it the closest to her island, but her intuition, always infallible, told her that there she would find the daughter not listed by Mercurymon.
The mere thought of Mercurymon's reaction upon learning she had disobeyed his orders made her smile wickedly. She could perfectly imagine his raspy voice and cold demeanor crumbling: "What? You didn't do as I asked?" The pleasure of imagining him losing control outweighed any possible consequence. Besides, the second destination she had in mind, located in a volcanic zone, didn't seem as appealing. The burning lava and high temperatures were dangerous, both for her flawless skin and her temper.
With her decision made, Venusmon set about gathering her belongings. Everything had been perfectly organized the night before, just as she liked it. She placed the map inside her shell, her prized pet that never left her side, and called for her other companion, her faithful dove, which soon perched on her shoulder with the same grace with which she moved. Both were her most constant travel companions, silent witnesses to her schemes.
Finally, with everything prepared, Venusmon set off toward the Proxy Islands. The journey would be short, but she chose not to rush. The continent wasn't too far, and haste would only cause unnecessary wear. In her mind, every detail of her plan was solidifying. Today would be another victorious day, another step toward her ultimate goal, while Mercurymon continued, unknowingly, to act as just another piece in her intricate game.
The Proxy Islands were an archipelago of five islets scattered over the crystalline turquoise waters that seemed to glow under the sunlight. Each island offered a scene of serene paradise: small white-sand beaches, interrupted by abrupt cliffs that plunged into the sea, and coral reefs painting a multicolored tapestry beneath the surface. In its waters, schools of vibrant fish swam among the corals, while the waves gently crashed against the rocks. The forest was sparse, reduced to tiny patches of tropical vegetation that barely broke the monotony of the rocky formations. The natural beauty of the islands made them a coveted destination for travelers seeking peace and luxury. She understood perfectly why Ancientmermaimon had chosen it for her honeymoon.
Two hotels stood out in this landscape. One, built on the largest island in the archipelago, rose above the eastern cove, surrounded by lush gardens and offering stunning views of the sea. A luxury land-based resort, where tourists enjoyed the sun and sea in total comfort. The second, even more impressive, was underwater, submerged in the heart of the archipelago. From its large submarine windows, guests could admire the marine life in all its splendor, enjoying a unique experience of connection with nature without losing any sophistication.
But Venusmon was not there to relax in any of these exclusive facilities. Her goal was far beyond tourist comforts. She knew that Ceresmon's daughter, if indeed she was on those islands, wouldn't be in any of the places frequented by visitors. She was surely hiding in some inhospitable corner, far from the well-trodden paths, in an area where the presence of digimon was minimal or nonexistent.
The islands, despite their appeal, didn't have a large digimon population. Most residents were involved in the tourism industry, and few ventured outside the commercial zones or the paradisiacal enclaves sought by visitors. Those inhospitable lands, the least explored, were the perfect place for someone wanting to disappear, and Venusmon was convinced that's where she should start her search. In those remote corners, hidden beaches, or forgotten parts of the forest, she hoped to find some clue of her elusive prey.
Given the nature of whom she sought, Venusmon knew it was unlikely the hiding place was in those tiny forest patches. Ceresmon's daughters, beings so close to nature and the plant world, usually chose more vast and flora-rich places to hide. However, she couldn't rule out anything. Her experience had taught her that sometimes the best hideouts were in the most unexpected places. So, though somewhat disheartened, she decided to start her search in those small wooded areas.
Seraphimon, who had provided the few clues she had, had been of little help. The angel himself didn't know the exact location, and the only thing he could offer were vague guesses based on old rumors. "She might be somewhere remote in the Proxy Islands," he had said, but he couldn't give any more details. Venusmon knew that information wasn't enough, but she had no choice but to rely on her instinct.
The first four small islands in the archipelago offered little. Their forest patches were nothing more than insignificant clumps of vegetation. Venusmon moved swiftly among the few trees and small bushes, while her white dove flew around, scanning from the air. Together, they quickly covered every corner of those meager forests, but they found nothing more than the sound of the waves and the soft crackle of branches beneath her feet. Barely a dozen trees stood on each island, and none showed signs that anyone had been hiding there for a long time.
Her frustration grew with each island she searched. It increasingly seemed absurd to think she could find what she was looking for in those insignificant bits of vegetation. Upon reaching the last small island, doubt struck her. She was about to give up on this line of investigation and skip the last patch of forest. It seemed pointless to keep searching among trees that couldn't even hide a newborn digimon. However, something compelled her to continue.
The breeze that rustled the leaves had a different tone, a subtle murmur that seemed almost intentional. Something about this place, unlike the others, gave her the feeling it held secrets. Venusmon couldn't ignore the possibility that this forest was different. She decided to trust her instincts.
She entered from the south side of the island, avoiding the path that would lead her near the hotel. She knew that if she were recognized, her presence would attract attention, something she preferred to avoid in the middle of such a delicate mission. Despite being an Olympian known for frequent public appearances, this time, anonymity suited her.
The last forest stood on higher ground, with a surprisingly denser growth than the previous patches. The tall, sturdy trees intertwined, forming a canopy of emerald green leaves, allowing sunlight to filter through in soft beams that illuminated the ground covered in fallen leaves. The air was cooler here, and Venusmon couldn't help but notice that despite the lush surroundings, the clarity was more than sufficient to keep everything in view. The place seemed idyllic at first glance, but she knew that something else was hidden behind that natural beauty.
She gently stroked the feathers of her dove, giving it the signal to move ahead in the search. The small creature took off, soaring through the air with impeccable precision. Meanwhile, Venusmon began walking with slow yet firm steps, carefully observing her surroundings. She didn't want to leave any detail to chance, and although her companion had sharp vision from above, she knew there were things that could be missed from the skies.
The forest seemed peaceful, but the goddess was not deceived. Her intuition, honed by years of political maneuvering and secret missions, told her something was amiss. After several minutes of fruitless searching, the dove returned, its hurried flight indicating that it had found something unusual. A tingle of excitement coursed through Venusmon as she followed closely behind, her steps now faster but still maintaining the grace that defined her.
When they reached the designated spot, the dove perched calmly on her shoulder, but its feathers were ruffled. Venusmon halted with a graceful movement, surveying her surroundings. For a few moments, nothing seemed out of place until a glimmer caught her attention. A faint, discontinuous reflection between the trees made her look more closely. The sunlight had revealed a series of webs woven in an unnatural way. It wasn't just an ordinary spider web; the threads shimmered with a strange glow and were strategically placed between the trees, forming a sort of invisible barrier.
Venusmon frowned. There was no doubt that this wasn't a natural occurrence. The webs, though disorganized at first glance, seemed placed at key points to monitor or perhaps even control the area. No local Digimon should have created something like this, especially not in such a seemingly uninhabited place. The islands were a tourist paradise, and these forests had almost no permanent residents aside from a few Digimon working in the hotel industry. How could it be that no one had noticed the presence of these webs? She wondered if the hotels organized activities in the area, but even so, it was strange that something so elaborate had gone unnoticed.
Venusmon remained still, contemplating the shimmering webs in the sunlight. There was something unsettling about them, but after carefully analyzing them, she decided they weren't directly related to her mission. She pushed them out of her mind, knowing she couldn't afford distractions. With one last glance, she continued her path, exploring the rest of the forest without noticing the tiny Kodokugumon watching her from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and surprise. They hadn't expected anyone in their territory, let alone an Olympian. They knew they had to inform their superiors immediately.
The small Kodokugumon tracked her with their gaze until she disappeared among the trees, her steps elegant yet determined, oblivious to the eyes that watched her. The forest offered nothing more. Venusmon let out a soft sigh, resigned. If what she sought wasn't among those trees, she would need to explore more unconventional areas. It was time to examine the ocean.
She left her dove flying over the forest's surroundings, trusting that if anything changed, her faithful companion would alert her. With one last look at the greenery of the treetops, Venusmon approached the coast, and with a graceful motion, she dove into the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands.
The ocean was surprisingly shallow in that region. As she slowly descended, the sunlight illuminated the water in such a way that everything was visible with astonishing clarity. Venusmon moved fluidly through the gentle marine currents, but this clarity also made her vulnerable. She was aware that in such a transparent environment, anyone could see her from a distance, increasing her exposure. Nonetheless, she trusted her ability to stay alert and avoid any possible danger.
As she swam, she decided to avoid the area near the underwater hotel. Not only would her presence there draw attention, but she also knew that no one would hide in such a busy place. According to what Seraphimon had revealed, Ceresmon's daughters were in a deep sleep, making it unlikely that they even knew of their captivity. Moreover, a place as frequented as that hotel wouldn't be the most suitable location to keep someone in such a vulnerable state.
As she swam, her eyes landed on a brilliant coral reef, teeming with life and color. Fish of all sizes and hues danced among the corals, creating a natural spectacle that held her attention for a few seconds. The sinuous shapes of the corals, with their pink, orange, and blue tones, swayed gently with the movement of the water. Venusmon smiled, thinking of AncientMermaimon, who would have surely enjoyed the sight. Her friend had always spoken highly of the archipelago, mentioning more than once her desire to visit. Though Venusmon didn't share the same enthusiasm for the ocean depths, this corner of the Digital World did bring a smile to her face. It was one of the few moments when she felt a certain peace.
Her gaze drifted toward the underwater hotel. At first glance, it didn't seem ostentatious, but it had its own charm. It was a gray stone structure, two stories tall, with its lower walls covered in swaying algae. Through the round windows, she could see the shadows of guests moving inside. The building's lights flickered softly, creating a calm, cozy atmosphere. Though it wasn't as luxurious as the land hotel, it had a rustic appeal that certainly captivated tourists seeking a closer connection with nature. However, Venusmon knew that if she were to choose one, it would be the surface hotel, much more aligned with her preferences.
Nevertheless, the underwater hotel wasn't her target, so she ignored it and continued her exploration of the seabed. She moved quickly, examining every corner that could serve as a hiding spot. Yet the area lacked caves or natural formations where someone might hide. Everything was too exposed. The coral reef, though beautiful, offered no hiding possibilities. Venusmon swam a little further, but her conviction that the seabed held nothing of what she sought grew stronger with every stroke.
Finally, after a meticulous review and finding nothing of interest, she decided to return to the main island. Time was passing, and her ideas were beginning to run out. Although she wouldn't openly admit it, she was starting to feel a certain frustration. From the coast, she would have a better view of the surroundings, and perhaps she could devise a new plan of action. She slowly rose to the surface, leaving behind the crystal-clear waters, while her mind calculated the next steps to take.
Venusmon emerged from the water and, with an agile movement, scaled the cliffs to reach the top of a bluff that rose majestically above the nearest cove. From there, she had a privileged view of both the sea and the dense forest she had already searched without success. The heat, a more persistent foe than any adversary, was beginning to take its toll. It wasn't the searing heat of Vulcanusmon's forge, which struck directly, but rather a constant heat that seemed to gradually drain her energy insidiously.
She passed a hand elegantly over her forehead, wiping away the beads of sweat that threatened to slide down her flawless face. Meanwhile, her gaze scanned the horizon, searching for any clue she might have overlooked. Every corner she had investigated now seemed useless. Her initial intuition had failed, and now her options were running thin. Only the hotels remained, but the idea that her target was hidden in such an exposed place seemed absurd to her. Doubt crept into her mind, wondering if Seraphimon, even under her control, had provided the correct information. But she dismissed it immediately. The angel feared her, and Venusmon knew he wouldn't dare risk lying to her. It wasn't possible.
Her dove fluttered in the air, drawing wide circles above her head, its wings flapping softly. The rhythmic beating indicated that, like its owner, the bird was beginning to grow bored. It was time to change approach.
With a resigned sigh, Venusmon pulled out her shell, which glowed faintly as it increased in size. From within, she took out a rope she had prepared earlier. She tied one end to the nearest tree by the cliff and, with precise and elegant movements, wrapped the other end around her waist, securing the knot. She began to descend gracefully down the rocky wall, while her dove followed in a watchful flight, scanning the stones for anything out of the ordinary.
It was then that Venusmon noticed something peculiar halfway down the cliff: a triangular crack that didn't seem natural. The surrounding rocks were weathered by the tides, but this opening was different. Not only was it perfectly smooth in shape, but it also gave off an artificial feeling, confirming her suspicions that this was no simple natural formation.
Cautiously, Venusmon extended her hand and pressed firmly on the rock. As she did, she felt a hidden mechanism activate beneath her fingers. The crack began to widen slowly, revealing a stone door. She swung lightly in the air, approaching the door delicately. A couple of controlled kicks, and the structure responded to the pressure of her heels, slowly giving way to her strength.
After a few well-calculated strikes, the door opened completely, revealing a narrow, dimly lit passageway that led deeper into the island. Venusmon observed the mechanism with interest. It was simple but effective, providing her with a valuable clue for locating Ceresmon's younger daughter. If both daughters were hidden under such rudimentary security, she could follow this pattern at the next site.
She advanced with firm steps, her dove once again perched on her shoulder. The corridor was lit by torches hanging on the walls, casting flickering shadows as she passed. It was strange that these flames remained burning after so long. Surely, something else was hidden in this place. As she descended, Venusmon thought of her friend Minervamon. Surely, she would know how that mechanism worked or at least have some theory.
The air grew colder as she went deeper, and the echo of her footsteps reverberated off the stone walls. The passage seemed to stretch endlessly, and each torch seemed to welcome a new mystery. What else was hidden down there, beyond the shadows and secrets yet to be uncovered?
The echo of Venusmon's steps resounded through the narrow corridor, breaking the silence that had reigned in that place for years. Each of her movements was filled with anticipation and caution. The oppressive atmosphere, the subtle hum in the air, made her think that the place harbored more secrets than met the eye. Her white dove flew in circles around her, alerted by the growing tension.
Finally, she reached a rounded archway leading to the next chamber, framed by blue and green stones—the only signs of life amid the austerity of the rock. Venusmon regarded the arch with some appreciation; though simple, it had a style that evoked something higher. But she didn't linger too long to admire it. She knew that on the other side of this portal awaited Ceresmon's daughter, the key to her mission.
With a mix of anticipation and alertness, she crossed the arch, stepping into the room beyond. It was surprisingly small, far from the grandiose space she had imagined for someone so important. In fact, the simplicity of the room almost offended her. "A daughter of Ceresmon, confined here… in a place so unworthy?" she thought disdainfully. For Venusmon, everything had to have its elegance, its beauty, but that chamber was cold, lifeless, barely illuminated by a few weakly burning torches.
But her attention soon focused on the figure hanging from the ceiling, wrapped in a kind of cocoon of roots and leaves, like a bat. That must be Ceresmon's daughter, asleep, held captive in a deep slumber from which little life emanated. The contrast between the grandeur of her lineage and the humility of her prison angered Venusmon slightly, though she understood the purpose: to keep her hidden, invisible to the world.
Still wary of potential traps, Venusmon took out her shell and, with a practiced maneuver, extracted a small pouch of pearls. With a swift gesture, she scattered the pearls across the floor of the room, watching as they rolled in all directions, waiting for any pressure-activated trap to reveal itself. However, the pearls did nothing but roll harmlessly against the stone walls. Silence returned, indicating that, at least so far, no trap had been triggered.
Sighing with relief but not fully lowering her guard, Venusmon took another step toward the captive. However, just as she thought she was safe, a faint metallic sound broke the air. Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet began to vibrate slightly. An ancient trap, triggered when she crossed the threshold, caused the walls to start moving, slowly closing in on her.
Quickly, Venusmon leaped back, invoking her shell once again. From it, she pulled out a gleaming shield, which she placed between the two moving walls. The shield absorbed the impact and halted the walls' advance, but not for long. The trap was powerful, and soon she noticed the shield beginning to give way under the pressure.
She knew she had to act fast. Looking up, she calculated her options. Using her agility and strength, she propelled herself toward one of the edges of the room, where a protruding rock offered a foothold. With a leap, she grabbed onto it, avoiding the trap. Her dove followed, fluttering nervously.
Finally, the trap stopped. The walls slowly returned to their original position, as if nothing had happened. Venusmon landed gracefully, regaining her composure. She observed Ceresmon's daughter, still hanging in her deep sleep, completely unaware of the chaos that had just unfolded.
"This place... is not what it seems," Venusmon thought.
Venusmon moved to the center of the room, where the figure hung motionless, suspended by thick ropes from the ceiling of the cavern. The dim light of the torches barely revealed her features, but Venusmon knew it was her, the one she had been searching for. Her face, serene and delicate, seemed untouched by the passage of time, maintaining a calmness that contrasted with the harshness of the surroundings.
Venusmon's white dove fluttered restlessly, pecking at the ropes that held the figure aloft, while the goddess prepared to lower her with great care. Slowly, the ropes gave way under her companion's attention, and Venusmon, with gentleness, began to unravel them, ensuring that the descent was smooth and controlled.
When the captive's feet touched the ground, Venusmon took out a small vial from her shell, containing the antidote she had procured after much effort. She poured the liquid into the prisoner's mouth, who remained in a deep sleep. She knew that in a few minutes, the effects of the sedative would wear off, and then everything would be revealed.
Time seemed to stand still as Venusmon waited. The figure, still motionless, began to show signs of life. Her wings, though folded, gave a slight tremor, and her fingers moved as if trying to remember how to return to reality. Then, her wings unfolded, emitting a soft vibration that filled the room with a musical echo, an ethereal sound that resonated off the walls of the cavern.
The figure finally opened her eyes, and her confusion was evident upon seeing Venusmon before her. Without saying a word, the captive stood gracefully, her movements still clumsy from the effects of the long slumber.
Venusmon watched her in silence for a few moments before speaking, a slight but warm smile on her face.
"Good afternoon, Sirenmon," she said at last, breaking the mystery surrounding the identity of the prisoner.
Sirenmon, with her light blue wings still extended, looked directly at her, still without speaking. Her eyes, filled with confusion, soon shifted to the surroundings, not recognizing the cave nor understanding why she was there. Venusmon, aware of what was going through her mind, began to explain the situation calmly.
"You've been asleep for a long time, and I suppose you don't remember what happened."
Sirenmon shook her head, unable to hide her bewilderment.
"The Olympians are no longer in power," Venusmon continued, her tone remaining serene. "Some disappeared, including your mother. You were also captured."
Sirenmon slowly nodded, still processing the goddess's words.
"However, your mother has returned. And I am the one who rescued you."
Sirenmon kept her gaze fixed on Venusmon, her thoughts still tangled in memories and lethargy. She knew Venusmon was not close to her mother, but something in her words and her eyes conveyed a sincerity she couldn't ignore. Although the cave felt completely unfamiliar, she decided, for now, to trust the goddess who had awakened her.
Sirenmon remained silent for a moment, her eyes still trying to grasp the full scope of Venusmon's words. Though she was awake, confusion lingered over her like a persistent fog. It wasn't just the lost time, but also the unfamiliar reality she now faced.
"I suppose you want to reunite with her," Venusmon continued, making an effort to keep her tone calm and comforting, "but first, you must come with me. We have matters to discuss, and I'm the best one to bring you up to date in an impartial way."
Sirenmon looked up, her wings now delicately folded against her body. Her voice was softer than Venusmon's, an echo of the songs she once sang in the seas where she used to dwell.
"Will you take me to your lake, Venusmon?" she asked with a mix of curiosity and hope. She was the youngest of Ceresmon's daughters, and although time had passed, she still fondly remembered the stories her mother had told her about the goddess's lake.
Venusmon closed her eyes for a moment, letting out a barely audible sigh, a gesture that reflected the weight of time and the changes that even gods could not avoid.
"My lake hasn't been mine for a long time," she responded, with a hint of sadness she couldn't hide. Remembering her former home, her refuge of peace and serenity, struck her deeply.
Sirenmon furrowed her brow slightly, concern showing in her eyes.
"Then where do you want to take me?" she asked in a trembling voice, the uncertainty wrapping around her words.
Venusmon opened her eyes and gave a melancholic smile.
"To what is now my home, my small island." There was a certain pride in her tone, but also resignation. She knew that place, though beautiful, was only a shadow of what she once had.
Sirenmon hugged herself, as if the weight of reality was beginning to settle on her shoulders. Finally, she raised her head, her eyes seeking Venusmon's for answers.
"So... nothing is as it was?" Her voice was barely a whisper, a mix of fear and sadness.
Venusmon, maintaining her composure, walked to the entrance of the room and cast one last glance at the place before answering, with determination in her tone:
"No, but I will make sure it soon will be again."
The promise in her words, laden with unbreakable resolve, echoed in the air as the white dove fluttered nearby, as if silently bearing witness to that vow.