Chapter 32: From heaven to hell
The visit to Highlight Haven Spa was, to say the least, intriguing for Garudamon. Despite the brief stop, the place radiated a calm that contradicted the urgency of their mission. With white stone and crystal structures, the resort was a sanctuary of tranquility spread across multiple tiered platforms connected by hanging walkways. From the heights of the main entrance, one could see the descending terraces that bordered the side of a hill. Each level was equipped with hot spring pools of various sizes and temperatures, carefully arranged around waterfalls that fell in gentle curtains, creating a fine, relaxing mist.
The platforms were covered in exotic plants, whose leaves and flowers contrasted with the white and gray tones of the polished stones, filling the air with a subtle fragrance of jasmine and lavender. Some areas of the spa were reserved for herbal and mineral salt baths, with pools where water tinted by medicinal plant infusions emitted fragrant steam. In every corner, small crystal lanterns illuminated the space with a warm, soft light, wrapping visitors in an atmosphere of stillness.
As soon as Venusmon stepped onto the main platform, the gentle hum of conversations gradually faded, and the guests, enchanted by her presence, quietly approached, exchanging astonished glances. The Olympian goddess greeted them with her usual elegance, nodding to each with a courteous smile, though her eyes revealed a barely contained impatience. Every word was calculated for them to remember her, but also to set boundaries for the interaction, allowing her to keep a distance. This would give them a cover in case they were discovered, as the Olympian had planned. Garudamon didn't think anyone would remember him, as all attention was on the goddess.
It was then that the resort manager, Angewomon, appeared, walking calmly and confidently through the crowd. Clad in a light toga that gave her an ethereal elegance, Angewomon greeted Venusmon without the excessive reverence that the other guests displayed. To Garudamon's surprise, Venusmon's cool politeness shifted; now her smile turned genuine, warm, reflecting the respect and familiarity of an old friendship. Angewomon, clearly pleased by the unexpected visit, showed the characteristic curiosity of a friend eager to catch up, but her questions were subtle and discreet. Venusmon, staying reserved, answered ambiguously, explaining that they were just passing through and looking for a place to rest for a while.
Without further questions, Angewomon arranged for them to be taken to a private suite, located on a secluded terrace, one level above the other rooms. There, the private pools reflected the soft light of dusk, and the sound of nearby waterfalls created a symphony of moving water that complemented the absolute silence Garudamon felt upon arrival. Once inside, the relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere of the spa gave way to a more serious mood, and both Digimon's expressions hardened, preparing for the conversation they knew was inevitable but preferred to have in a place where no one else could hear.
"We'll take a half-hour nap before we set off," Venusmon announced, covering her mouth as she yawned.
Garudamon looked at her with some concern. "Wouldn't it be better if you rested a bit longer?" he asked, noting the fatigue on the goddess's face after the long journey.
Venusmon shook her head, still drowsy but with her characteristic determination. "It's not advisable to sleep for more than that. Mercurymon, Dianamon, and Minervamon have reminded me of this since they were young. They're know-it-alls, but they're right about things like this."
The mention of Mercurymon surprised Garudamon. It wasn't common to hear about him in casual conversations. He knew the Olympian had extensive medical knowledge, justifying his advice, but it was strange for Garudamon to think of him as part of a trio of wisdom among the gods. As he pondered it, he couldn't help but realize how little he actually knew about the Olympians. Of those still active, Venusmon was, by far, the most visible, regularly attending social engagements. Mercurymon, known for his efficient messenger service, and Marsmon, with his annual spectacles at the coliseums, were the only other ones who appeared in public from time to time. The rest, those who once ruled with absolute power, had vanished from the scene, as if they had never existed.
"How long do you estimate it will take to get there?" Venusmon asked, on the verge of another yawn as she prepared to withdraw and rest.
"At our flight speed, we should arrive by mid-afternoon," Garudamon responded with military precision.
"Better that way," replied Venusmon, adjusting one of her golden tunics elegantly. "I don't want to spend the night in that hell. It was a good idea to start the journey so early."
Garudamon frowned at her mention of "hell." He knew she meant their destination, but he couldn't help but feel a chill. Venusmon, however, seemed unperturbed.
"You're aware the expedition might last several days, right?" he added, seeking a moment of clarity on the goddess's plans.
"In fact, with the information I have, there shouldn't be any problems," Venusmon replied with a touch of confidence Garudamon knew well.
"But as far as I understand, you don't know the exact location," he said, ever the analyst.
Venusmon gave him an amused, almost teasing look before answering:
"As you understand, yes. But one thing is what you believe, and another is what I know."
Garudamon wasn't convinced. He crossed his arms, tilting his head as he watched her intently.
"Still, I think you only have a hunch about the location. Nothing exact," he insisted, knowing Venusmon sometimes enjoyed keeping a bit of mystery.
The Olympian let out a light, almost musical laugh.
"Let's say it's an exact hunch."
Garudamon rolled his eyes, questioning her logic. Was an exact hunch even possible? Before he could reply, Venusmon continued:
"I've done a field study... well, not exactly myself, but almost as if I had."
Garudamon raised an eyebrow, more intrigued than before.
"So who did it?" he asked, somewhat confused. He had no idea the goddess used assistants.
Venusmon, with an enigmatic smile, gestured toward her flawless mane, which began to move as if it had a life of its own. From among the golden locks, a small dove emerged, gently fluttering around her. The bird showed no signs of fear; it seemed perfectly at home, in harmony with the goddess.
"Say hello," Venusmon said with an air of satisfaction. "It's been scouting for me. I wasn't about to sit idle once I found out the location."
Garudamon stared at her, wide-eyed, as the small dove fluttered calmly in the air. Venusmon, meanwhile, looked radiant, her smile beaming with pride.
"So, what did you discover?" Garudamon inquired, trying to unravel the mystery.
"You'll find out when we get there," Venusmon replied with a casual gesture, waving him off. "Now it's time to rest."
With a graceful hand movement, she dismissed him from the room, giving clear instructions.
"Come fetch me when you're ready."
Garudamon felt a bit overwhelmed by how quickly he had been dismissed. He exited Venusmon's suite, a majestic room that resembled a miniature palace. He couldn't help feeling out of place amidst such luxury. His own suite, though not as grand as the goddess's, was still a mansion compared to what he was used to. For someone who had grown up in a modest village, this level of opulence was overwhelming.
As he walked through the hallways with high ceilings and walls adorned with exquisite details, he thought about Sorcerymon's stories. The mage had often spoken about this place, describing it as a paradise on Earth, a dream retreat for those with enough wealth and connections. Garudamon now understood what he meant, but he couldn't help wondering if someone like him, accustomed to simplicity, really fit in a place like this.
The escort tried to sleep but without success, managing only a few intermittent naps. His mind was too preoccupied, not only with the dangers awaiting them on their current mission but also with the uncertain outcome of his previous task. He had had to abandon it halfway to join Venusmon on this new expedition, something very unusual for his work style. Garudamon was usually consistent, and being asked to leave a mission unfinished, especially when lives were at stake, filled him with worry. He had left his right-hand person in charge, and though he trusted their abilities, he couldn't help wondering if they would make the right decisions. Could they stay on course in such a complicated situation? That doubt haunted him as the clock ticked by.
Finally, the agreed time arrived. He headed to Venusmon's suite, and, as always, the goddess was already ready, impeccable in her appearance. Her small dove, previously discovered, fluttered around the Olympian with palpable anxiety. The bird seemed to sense where they were heading, and clearly wasn't thrilled about returning to that inhospitable place. Its wings moved nervously, tracing circles in the air.
"She doesn't seem too excited," Garudamon commented, watching the animal with curiosity.
"She knows what awaits us," Venusmon replied with a nonchalant air, though her expression was serious. The little dove returned to her perch on the goddess's shoulder, still restless.
Both decided not to say goodbye to Angewomon. It was better for others to think they were still resting at the resort. Sometimes, discretion was their best ally, and they couldn't afford to let anyone suspect their true mission. Without further ado, they took flight once more, this time with Venusmon leading the way. Confident in the information provided by her pet, the Olympian had mapped out a quick and efficient route to their destination.
They flew at a high altitude over the vast North Sea, maintaining a steady speed as they crossed the endless blue expanse below. As they progressed, the ocean stretched beneath them, a landscape of deep, rolling waters that, in their apparent calm, concealed powerful currents. Occasionally, they saw whirlpools and waves caused by underwater currents, silvery mirages reflecting the sky. Though the journey was long, it was uneventful, something Garudamon greatly appreciated. He knew that wild Digimon rarely left their territories; as long as they stayed over the open sea and didn't get too close to the surface, the chances of an unexpected encounter were minimal. Even so, he remained alert, aware that the real threat awaited them at the journey's end.
As they neared their destination, the sea began to change: the waters grew darker, almost black, as they approached the coast of a volcanic peninsula emerging on the horizon. Garudamon noticed a change in Venusmon; her usually serene expression had become tense and filled with an impatience that could only stem from the growing heat emanating from the volcanic terrain. It was a dry, oppressive heat, so different from the warm humidity that usually enveloped her husband's forge. Here, the temperature seemed to rise from the earth itself, as if the ground exhaled fire with each breath of the peninsula, and with every kilometer, the air became denser and more stifling.
Finally, they descended toward the peninsula's coast, where the volcanic terrain spread out like an otherworldly landscape. The coast, rugged and steep, was formed by dark cliffs plunging into the ocean, where waves crashed violently against the black rocks, creating foam and an echo that reverberated along the shore. As the water struck the rock walls, they absorbed the impact and seemed to return it in the form of vibrations resonating across the peninsula. Steam columns rose from those cliffs, a mixture of saltwater and sulfur giving the atmosphere a thick, sulfurous hue.
The ground beneath them was a rough, desolate expanse, tinted in shades of brown, ochre, and red, crossed by glowing lava rivers winding through the terrain in a steady, hypnotic flow. The molten streams glowed like burning veins, casting a light that illuminated the jagged, rocky ground in whimsical and ever-changing shapes. The heat was almost unbearable, and the air, heavy with minerals and smoke, made breathing difficult. Garudamon scanned the surroundings cautiously, watching for any signs of movement or life, though everything seemed cloaked in a deadly stillness.
"There doesn't seem to be anyone around," murmured Garudamon. His eyes quickly scanned the steaming, silent terrain. It looked like a desolate place.
"Not yet," Venusmon replied, her voice calm but filled with determination. "This is just the beginning. As we go deeper, we'll encounter more than just desolate landscapes. Surely, the Digimon of this place don't appreciate saltwater."
They knew that the most dangerous encounters awaited within the volcanic peninsula's depths, known as Shadow Hell. The wild Digimon inhabiting this hostile place wouldn't show themselves easily, but Venusmon understood well the nature of those who guarded this inhospitable land. She knew they were being watched and that they wouldn't go unnoticed for much longer.
The path they took toward the volcano was unforgiving, a barren stretch of fragmented, steep rocks that crunched underfoot as if the earth itself protested their presence. Around them, the ground was scarred by deep cracks, emitting columns of steam and occasional bursts of flame, reminding them that they were in dangerous, living terrain. The lava rivers flowing from the volcano stretched in all directions, forming a fiery labyrinth illuminating the landscape with a flickering red glow. In the distance, the volcano loomed ominously, its summit lost in ash clouds erupting intermittently, as though the very heart of Hell's Field pulsed with volcanic fury.
Garudamon surveyed the terrain carefully, trying to chart a safe route between the rocky and molten paths. Venusmon's little dove fluttered around them, its feathers dulled by the searing heat intensifying with each step they took. It was like an open-air furnace, and the very air seemed to vibrate, distorting the view of the landscape in a constant mirage.
"What direction should we take?" Garudamon inquired, his gaze sweeping over the vast stretch of hostile, volcanic terrain. Despite his natural resilience, the heat was starting to affect him, and the rough landscape made their progress difficult.
"We need to ascend as the slope steepens," Venusmon replied, her tone calm but firm. "There's only one place where she might be hiding."
"The volcano?" Garudamon looked at the massive fiery mountain dominating the horizon. It was the highest point in Hell's Field, and its rivers of lava seemed to flow from a molten core deep within the earth. The volcano was likely the only place with enough hiding spots to conceal Ceresmon's daughter. Venusmon nodded silently, her gaze steady.
Without delay, they moved forward into the volcanic terrain, each step taking them deeper into a hostile environment. There was no vegetation; the ground was covered in ash, and the air was thick with the smell of sulfur and burnt rock. Garudamon pressed on confidently, but Venusmon, elegantly dressed and more accustomed to serene surroundings, was beginning to show signs of discomfort. Her skin, glistening with sweat, reflected the glow of the lava, and the suffocating heat seemed to stifle her with every breath. Still, the goddess advanced without complaint, determined to complete their mission before the oppressive atmosphere drained her strength.
As they rounded a bend, signs of life began to appear. Among the rivers of lava and burning rocks, several PetitMeramon floated and danced in the air like small wandering flames. Their blazing bodies illuminated the reddish gloom around them. The scene seemed almost poetic at first, like a dance of fiery fireflies over a bed of coals. But the tranquility was short-lived. A harsh, abrupt roar shattered the silence, and in an instant, a DarkLizardmon emerged from the lava flow. Its cruel eyes gleamed with sinister intent. In one swift, brutal motion, it captured one of the PetitMeramon, snuffing out its flame with a vicious bite and tossing its remains aside.
Garudamon tensed at the display of ferocity. Beside him, Venusmon kept her gaze fixed on the scene, unshaken but aware that this place harbored ruthless creatures.
"Let's keep moving and avoid drawing attention," murmured Garudamon, crouching to keep a low profile as they continued. He knew this was only a glimpse of the brutality that awaited them in the heart of Shadow Hell.
Yet his caution proved futile. As they moved forward, other DarkLizardmon began emerging from the nearby hills and lava rivers, with hungry, chaos-filled eyes. Soon, the crackle of flames mingled with the roars of the horde, reverberating through the heated rocks and filling the air with tension. The dark Digimon, with fiery eyes and bodies aglow in the light of the lava, surged toward them, flooding the terrain with unrestrained brutality.
Venusmon sensed the atmosphere thick with hostility, but her expression remained serene. Her gaze was cold, almost analytical, and she appeared unimpressed by the number of enemies. Beside her, Garudamon quickly assessed the situation; although they were surrounded, these DarkLizardmon were not particularly formidable opponents. Far from a mortal threat, this was a chance to test the Olympian's skills. Yet, they couldn't afford a prolonged, exhausting battle.
Garudamon stepped forward, and with a war cry, launched a powerful shockwave in the shape of a fiery bird, which sliced through the air with a fierce whistle. The blast struck a group of DarkLizardmon, reducing them to ashes instantly. However, this only seemed to spur the remaining horde, which advanced in increasingly violent waves.
"That was impressive, but we can't stop here," Garudamon said, turning to Venusmon, who stood unmoved amid the destruction.
The remaining DarkLizardmon, undeterred by the fall of their comrades, began generating a dense, dark mist that blanketed the battlefield. Visibility dropped sharply, making it difficult to anticipate the next attack. Garudamon, with his keen birdlike vision, tried to discern movements among the shadows, keeping his senses alert.
But Venusmon remained calm. With a slight smile, she whispered something to her dove, who listened intently and nodded with a gentle tilt of its head. The dove, light and swift, immediately took flight, diving into the mist with elegance and precision. With a gleam in its eyes, the bird swooped down on the DarkLizardmon, delivering precise pecks to their armor and sides. The monsters halted, confused, their once-cruel gazes now filled with an inexplicable sadness.
Garudamon watched, surprised. The effect of the pecks seemed to cast them into a kind of emotional trance.
"What…?" he managed to say, watching as the enemies stood motionless, under the influence of an invisible spell.
Then Venusmon, with a charming and seductive gesture, blew a kiss into the air. The kiss, transformed into an ethereal shockwave, spread rapidly, reaching the DarkLizardmon and disintegrating them in a burst of light. The scene was almost poetic, a flash of beauty amid the fiery chaos.
"You're not as useless as I thought," Garudamon remarked, almost smiling, impressed by Venusmon's precise technique.
Venusmon looked at him with a spark of amusement, sensing the hint of mockery in his words but choosing to ignore it. They continued, following the same strategy: Garudamon covered the right flank, delivering sharp and lethal attacks, while Venusmon, accompanied by her dove, cleared the left flank with grace and precision. The DarkLizardmon fell silently, enmeshed in illusions of peace and tranquility.
As the dark mist began to clear, the efficiency of their attacks increased significantly. Yet the horde seemed endless, with new DarkLizardmon emerging from the crevices and lava rivers. Suddenly, two larger and more imposing figures stepped forward, letting out roars that reverberated through the ground. Garudamon barely managed to dodge as they hurled a direct blast of fire at them. However, Venusmon reacted swiftly, tossing her golden shell into the air.
The shell expanded in mid-flight, forming a radiant shield that intercepted the flames, dispersing them in a cloud of steam. The lava crackled as the flames extinguished against the improvised barrier.
"Impressive…" Garudamon murmured, unable to hide his awe.
The goddess glanced at him, and with a hint of teasing, replied, "Did you really think we Olympians ruled for so long by being useless?"
Garudamon understood the underlying message. He had underestimated Venusmon's abilities, and now he saw her combat skills in a new light. But there was no time for reflection; the DarkLizardmon, relentless, were regrouping for another offensive.
Both fighters intensified their attacks. Garudamon, with cold and calculated movements, unleashed fiery blasts, incinerating the enemies without hesitation. Venusmon's dove moved tirelessly, paralyzing the DarkLizardmon with precise pecks, rendering them defenseless for its mistress. Venusmon blew more enchanted kisses, disintegrating the enemies in a blinding flash, leaving trails of energy in the air.
Garudamon couldn't help but notice how Venusmon, despite the intensity of the battle, wore a faint smile on her lips. She seemed to enjoy the confrontation, as if the dance of destruction brought her personal satisfaction. The dove returned to her side, perching on her shoulder as Venusmon cast one last glance at the remaining DarkLizardmon, who looked scared and disorganized.
"Why are they so still?" Garudamon asked, launching a flame toward the bewildered group.
"My technique shows them an illusion of peace and serenity," Venusmon explained, with a sly smile and a glint in her eyes. "This way, at least they die happy." She let out a light laugh. "One day, if you behave, I might teach it to you." She shot him a playful look. "Without killing you, of course."
Garudamon, maintaining his usual seriousness, admitted internally that Venusmon's technique was fascinating. Though he tried to keep his composure, something inside him acknowledged his companion's strength more genuinely.
"Not necessary," Garudamon replied in a neutral tone, though a glimmer of respect shone in his eyes.
Finally, with one last combined attack, they cleared the area of remaining enemies. The surviving DarkLizardmon, demoralized and defeated, retreated toward the lava they'd emerged from, vanishing into the shadows and disappearing into the distance.
The field fell silent, with only the bubbling of lava and the crackling of burning rocks around them remaining. Venusmon and Garudamon stood still, catching their breath as they took in the empty landscape left in the wake of the battle. Venusmon's dove circled above, ensuring there were no lingering dangers.
Garudamon looked up toward the peak of the volcano but chose not to rush. He glanced at Venusmon, who simply adjusted her cape, maintaining her characteristic elegance.
"When you're ready," Venusmon said with a smile, as if the battle had merely been a light exercise for her.
Garudamon nodded, still in awe. Now he couldn't understand why others in the Digital World didn't take her seriously. She seemed decisive and intelligent as well as powerful. Did Venusmon reveal this side of herself to others, or were these new qualities she'd gained since leaving governance? Surely, his mission partner hid something behind that mask of beauty and superficiality for which she was known.
As they ascended, the landscape grew increasingly desolate and scorching. A group of BlackGrowlmon were bathing in the river, heading in the opposite direction to their flight path. In the sky, a group of Shadramon was locked in a savage struggle. Their dark and scarlet bodies danced in fierce aerial combat. Each one extended its wings like burning embers, glowing under the magma's glare. Their insectoid, muscular forms twisted in the air, launching bursts of fire and claw strikes, tangling in a violent choreography of talons and flames. The hum of their wings mixed with the crackling explosions from the crater, creating a deafening roar. So absorbed were they in their territorial war that they barely noticed Garudamon and Venusmon, though one of them shot a warning flame in their direction before resuming the fight.
"They must be quite territorial," Venusmon remarked lightly, breaking the silence as she observed the Shadramon with a mix of fascination and disdain. She noted Garudamon's distant nature and, though she appreciated his efficiency, would have preferred a more expressive companion.
Garudamon nodded silently, his eyes focused on the terrain, always alert to any threat that might emerge from the lava flows. To him, the volcano wasn't just a geographic obstacle; it was a battlefield filled with traps and lurking threats from the fire-dwelling creatures.
Finally, after a steep climb, the volcano's crater stretched out before them. The summit was a vast plateau of black, barren rock, scarred with deep cracks from which toxic vapors seeped. In the center of this caldera, an enormous cavity sank into the ground like an open wound in the rock. From the bottom of the crater, magma bubbled and erupted in waves of fire, lighting up the landscape with an intense red glow that seemed to stain the sky and make the air around them vibrate. The crater walls were cracked and jagged, like the fangs of a primitive beast, and the volcanic ground exuded blistering heat.
Venusmon sent her dove ahead. Its wings shimmered gently as it flew forward to inspect the crater's edges. She knew what she was looking for: a cave or hidden nook, similar to the one she had used to rescue Sirenmon. However, before the dove could get too close, the magma below began to churn violently, forming lava whirlpools and shooting scorching jets into the air.
Suddenly, a deep roar echoed in the caldera, and the entire volcano trembled. The ground beneath their feet quaked as if something colossal was awakening beneath them. Venusmon quickly extended her shell, shielding herself from the surge of magma that was hurled in her direction. Garudamon, despite his agility, wasn't as lucky; a wave of searing heat grazed one of his wings, making him let out a growl of pain.
From the center of the crater, a colossal figure began to emerge—a dragon with crimson scales that gleamed as if bathed in blood. Its wings unfolded lazily, covering the sky like a dark, blazing cloak, and its eyes, two glowing embers, watched them with a mixture of curiosity and hostility. As it opened its mouth, a roar like thunder echoed through the volcano, shaking the air and forcing the Shadramon, who had drawn closer due to the commotion, to retreat. With a swift flick of its tail, Megidramon scattered them, sending them flying as if they were mere insects in its presence.
"Megidramon…" Garudamon murmured, unable to tear his gaze away from the imposing beast. Now he understood why no one dared to cross this terrain. Megidramon's power was palpable—a presence as devastating as the volcano itself, and it didn't seem willing to let them pass without a challenge.