Morning had arrived in Equestria. But in recent times, a morning like no other in times past.

Many citizens of Equestria were still new to the newfound alliance between them and the inhabitants of the Digital World. Quite a few of them even believed that it was to be a dawn of a new era. Not long after Twilight Sparkle's ascension to Princess of Equestria. A lot of anthro ponies were nervous of the thought of strange creatures entering their world through the Destiny Stone. Used to bridge Equestria to the Digital World. But after days of interaction, the ponies began to see the Digimon as if they were tourists. They even began to not only see the Digital Monsters as friends, but fun to be around with. After that brief unsettlement, peace between the two worlds was gained and strengthened.

Despite the bridge between worlds being accessible to either parties, quite a lot of anthro ponies were still nervous of venturing the other side. Aside from a few brave souls, the citizens didn’t like the thought of a possible encounter with wild Digimon. Such as the red four-armed beetle monster that Celestia encountered on her first day in the Digital World. Who turned out to be a Champion level Digimon named, Kuwagamon.

The same couldn’t be said for the Digimon. Who were very eager to visit Equestria. Fortunately, nearly all the Digimon that crossover were in their Rookie forms. And luckily for the ponies, were very keen on learning about them and their way of life. Going as far as attending Twilight’s School of Friendship. Becoming official students and learning alongside other species that live in Equestria. If it couldn’t get any more surprising, some Digimon even went as far as wanting to live in Equestria itself.

Twilight Sparkle was probably the pony who was most enthusiastic about learning Digimon kind. In fact, one time while visiting the School of Friendship, she discovered a Digimon turning an unused spare room into a makeshift library. In it were numerous books all about the Digital World. Even the Digimon in charge of the library, Bokomon, possessed quite a vast knowledge. Quickly becoming firm friends with the Princess of Friendship.

It wasn’t just Twilight. Nearly every pony had made a firm friend with a Digimon. Pinkie Pie found another party animal in a form of Neemon. Fluttershy being acquainted with Lopmon and Elecmon. Fellow animal lovers. With Rainbow Dash being one of the first ponies to visit the Digital World, her feats of speed and loyalty had quickly gained a fandom in the Digital World. Two of which were flying type Digimon, Missimon and Jazamon. Who wished to be just as fast as her. Applejack had gained extra pair of hands to help out at Sweet Apple Acres. Hands that belonged to a group of Goblimon, much to the surprise of even the other Digimon. Despite their reputation as troublemakers, they enjoyed the orange Earth Pony’s stern attitude when it came to her job and following the rules. As well as getting to use their clubs to hit something. Such as apple trees. Even Rarity had gained help in a form of a Digimon. Floramon not only being a fan of the Unicorn’s dresses, but even getting to help out in making them. Sharing the Unicorn’s passion.

There was however a downside for a Digimon living in Equestria. Due to the lack of data present in the atmosphere, the highest form a Digimon could transform into was the Champion level. But due to lack of conflict, such power was unneeded. Despite that fact, some ponies took great inspiration to the concept of Digivolution. Even going as far as officials planning a tournament style games where Digimon can battle each other for fun. The Champion level Digimon Leomon quickly becoming an early fan favourite, much to the annoyance of his rival Ogremon.

Within a span of a fortnight, the anthro ponies of Equestria had quickly settled with living amongst the Digimon of the Digital World. Times really were changing. Seemingly for the better. But for one former princess, things don’t seem to change in the slightest.

In the city of Canterlot, Celestia drank her morning tea with her sister Luna. The white Alicorn still shaken from her nightmare. And the blue Alicorn being all apologetic.

“I’m truly sorry, sister. I never expected the nightmare to end up like that.”

“It’s alright, Luna. It’s not your fault,” Celestia said to reassure her sister. But her words were not contrasted with Luna’s guilt.

“But it is. It was my idea of seeing the nightmare to the end. I thought I might find some revolution to ending it. But… I never imagined it would end like that.”

Celestia felt deeply sorry for her little sister. She too shared Luna’s surprise of how the nightmare ended. Because of how distressing the nightmare was, Luna always got rid of it before it could end. Last night was the only time the two saw the dream to its very end. However, Celestia felt that Luna was not at fault. Reaching her hand out to rest on Luna’s. Trying to calm her down by shifting the blame.

“Luna. If anyone is at fault here, it’s me. I’m the one who has these nightmares to begin with. You’re just trying your best to resolve it.”

Luna smiled at Celestia’s kindness. Calming down from the affection her sister was showing.

“Thank you, sister. But despite my best efforts, the nightmare keeps coming back. And I’ve noticed that they are becoming more frequent.”

Celestia began to share Luna’s concerns.

“Yes. I thought that my new life in the Digital World would put my mind at ease. But they keep coming back whenever I arrive back here.”

“Perhaps… being back in Equestria is… reminding you about… what you always wanted?”

Celestia however felt unsure.

“I don’t know, Luna. But there is something that I’m afraid of.”

She took a moment to think before continuing.

“Now that I know how my nightmares truly end, would I start having them in the Digital World? Away from you?”

Luna shared Celestia’s concerns. If her older sister were to have the nightmare off-world, she would be unable to help her. The white Alicorn’s mental state would degrade even more than it already was. In a sense, Celestia was right to live in the Digital World. Seeing that the nightmares were practically non-existent there.

After thinking about the past there was one thing that Luna couldn’t get over with.

“It astounds me. That all this happened… because of your wish for intimacy.”

Celestia smiled in sentimentality. She too never knew how much her simple desire would affect her so much. Was it really a sign that she wanted a companion? Someone to love and cherish her in a way none had ever shown to her before? She began to think back throughout her life. At how so much had changed within the span of only a couple of centuries. One such thought was of what Twilight shared with her. About how her number one assistant, Spike the dragon, had a crush on Rarity since the first day in Ponyville. While Celestia had thoughts on the subject, she never knew that it was possible. A romance between two different species. A second thought was something a bit more recent. Romance between the same gender. She recalled seeing a newspaper article about a wedding between Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon. Aka, Sweetie Drops. Which happened not long before Twilight’s second coronation. In the picture, the two looked so happy together.

In her mind, it seemed love, romance and companionship knew no bounds. So how was it that she was excluded? Why her?
……………………………………………………………………………………....................................

After their tea, Luna walked with Celestia out of the castle and towards the edge of Canterlot. There stood the Destiny Stone. The bridge to the Digital World. The blue Alicorn still couldn’t believe that the weekend was over so soon. But she did check the calendar. It was Monday alright. She looked ahead at Celestia standing in front of the Destiny Stone. Gone were her usual white gown. The dress that she wore during her reign. Being retired and free of royal duties, she was dressed in more casual clothing. Including jeans, a t-shirt and a blouse. Luna had only seen her sister in such wear on very few occasions. But in a bizarre way, Celestia looked just as great in normal clothing as she did in her old royal gown. Though finding clothing for a six foot seven tall Alicorn was quite tricky. Fortunately, Rarity gave her a hand in that department.

Luna always found it hard to let Celestia go. From Monday to Friday, she always felt worried that something bad would happen to her older sibling. But she had to remember that the white Alicorn was not alone. She had her Digimon friends on the other side to protect her. And she did survive for a full month prior to the alliance. But she always felt a little sting whenever Celestia walks through the stone.

“See you later, sister.”

Celestia’s voice snapped Luna to attention. Looking at her older sibling as she looked over her shoulder at her. A smile grew on her face as she spoke again.

“Take care of Equestria while I’m away.”

If there was anything Luna knew what Celestia was good at, it was how to brighten up her day with a smile. The blue Alicorn smiled back as she said her farewells.

“I will. Take care of yourself now.”

After giving Luna another big smile, Celestia faced towards the Destiny Stone and walked closer to it. Upon touching the stone, the whole front of it began to glow a bright light. The white Alicorn’s form was then suddenly sucked in. Once more leaving Equestria behind… and onward to the Digital World.

Traveling between worlds was like flying through a tunnel. A very brightly lit tunnel. Multiple colours swarmed passed anyone traveling through it while hovering above a trail of white light. Despite being worlds apart, the journey itself only lasted no more than a minute. The experience was certainly disorientating for beginners. Especially once they reach the other side. Some accounts even mentioned ponies feeling motion sickness. But after multiple journeys, Celestia was more than used to it.

Upon entering the Digital World, Celestia felt young again. Knowing full well that her day was going to be filled with adventure along with her Digimon friends. Who were more than thrilled that their favourite pony princess had returned.

However, trouble brewed once more in one of the villages. A rouge Digimon began attacking them. Causing the inexperienced In-training level Digimon to flee in panic. Being the nearest to sense trouble, Celestia was first to arrive on the scene. Surprised to discover that the Digimon causing destruction was Kuwagamon. But upon seeing the anthro Alicorn, the giant insect Digimon stopped his rampage and focused its sights on her. Confirming to Celestia that it was indeed the same Kuwagamon that she encountered on her first day in the Digital World.

A fight ensued. Despite Kuwagamon being far larger than the Alicorn, Celestia felt confident. With it being a Champion level Digimon, the princess felt more or less compatible to it. But since the Digimon was following only by its wild instincts, Celestia was able to outsmart it. She also had an advantage in having ranged attacks whereas Kuwagamon had none. But the insect Digimon’s exoskeleton acted as armour that blocked out the worst of her attack spells.

Successfully leading Kuwagamon away from the village, Celestia flew towards a nearby forest with her foe on her tail. The Alicorn looking over her shoulder to see that it was still after her.

Despite Kuwagamon being the enemy, Celestia did felt sympathy for it.

“I wish you could talk. Or understand what I’m saying. We could’ve avoided a fight altogether.”

Despite her best intentions, the Kuwagamon chasing her was essentially a wild animal. Roaring at her as it tried to close the gap. Seeing it approaching her, Celestia quickly faced the insect before firing a golden beam of magic at it. But Kuwagamon’s head was heavily armoured. The attack spell exploding against it with hardly a scratch inflicted. But all it did was made the Digimon’s anger boil. With a sudden burst of speed, Kuwagamon flew closer as it reared its front arms back. Preparing to use its Shadow Slash attack.

Fortunately, Celestia teleported just in time. Leaving the Digimon to strike the ground. Ripping the soil and dirt apart. Kuwagamon paused as it turned to face Celestia. Standing on the edge of the forest. The giant bug once more tried to hit her with Shadow Slash. But a beat of her feathered wings made the princess avoid the attack. Then using her levitation spell, Celestia picked up a fallen tree and swung it at Kuwagamon. Smacking it on the side of its head and causing the giant to stagger.

Celestia attempted to swat the bug again. But Kuwagamon instantly caught it between its mouth pincers. Then using Trapping Scissors, the insect Digimon chopped the tree apart. After spitting out the splintered wood, the giant red Champion Digimon turned to face Celestia again. Despite not having eyes, the princess could tell that Kuwagamon was glaring at her in anger. It then began to take several steps towards her while flexing its claws and clamping its pincers. Making a sharp slashing sound while doing so. Despite feeling admittingly intimidated, Celestia fired several bursts of her attack spells from her hands. Each one striking the giant insect. But despite the explosions against its body, it did little to deter it from her. Closing in on the Alicorn, growling in anger.

Despite the approaching danger, Celestia remained calm.

“That’s right. Come a little closer.”

Then as Kuwagamon got ever closer to Celestia, a random voice echoed through the foliage.

“LIGHTNING PAW!!!”

As Celestia ducked down, a small white cat Digimon leapt out of the bushes behind the Alicorn. Sailed through the air and landed a hard punch against Kuwagamon’s head. The giant insect Digimon roared in pain as the shockwaves rippled through its cranium. Staggering back from the blow.

Taking a moment of pause, Celestia looked up and smiled at the new arrival. The second Digimon was one of her dearest Digimon friends. The cat Digimon, Gatomon.

After landing the blow, Gatomon landed in front of Celestia. Glaring at Kuwagamon as it began to recover from it stumble. Seeing another challenger before it, the insect Digimon’s first impulse was to attack. But as it got closer to use its sharp mandibles, Gatomon smirked. The rouge Digimon falling for the trap.

“Cat’s Eye Hypnotism!”

Upon uttering the name of her signature ability, pink rings of energy flew from Gatomon’s eyes and against Kuwagamon’s face. The giant insect immediately paused upon sensing the energy washing over its armoured skull. It tried to struggle against the attack’s effects. Making loud grunts as it tried to resist. But with its mind being simple and animalistic, it couldn’t resist for long. Kuwagamon calming down as it continued to face down at Gatomon. Falling under her hypnotic gaze.

“Kuwagamon! Go away! Leave and think about what you’ve done!” Gatomon commanded.

After a moment of pause, Kuwagamon’s insect wings began to beat heavily. The giant red four-armed insect lifting off the ground before flying away. Disappearing out of sight.
…………………………………………………………………………………………..............................

With the threat of Kuwagamon dealt with, Celestia and Gatomon managed to roundup all the Digimon in the village. Reassuring them that the area was safe. With trust insured, the citizens returned to their homes. The white Alicorn using her magic to help repair any damages done. The princess was still glad that despite not being in Equestria, her magic continued to work as usual.

With the village saved, Celestia and Gatomon began to stroll through a large valley. The two complimenting each other.

“That was really impressive of you. Following one attack after another,” Celestia said.

As Gatomon responded, she chuckled in flattery as she rubbed the back of her head.

“W-Well you did lead Kuwagamon right where I want him. You’re a big help.”

Celestia chuckled in delight from seeing the smaller Digimon’s reactions. She paused her talk as she looked at Gatomon. She didn’t want to say it in front of her other Digimon friends, but the cat-like Digimon was her favourite. The one whom she had grown close to out of the group. Even back when she first arrived in the Digital World, Gatomon always stood by her side. Becoming a very firm friend almost instantly. But what she found the most interesting about her was her Digivolutions. Whereas most of the others stuck with their usual species, Gatomon was the most strange. Transforming from a cat to a literal angel. She remembered the first time she saw Gatomon Digivolve into the Ultimate level Digimon, Angewomon. It was one of the most elegant sights she had ever witnessed. While surprised further from seeing Patamon transforming into Angemon, Angewomon just appeared far grander. Beautiful even.

Gatomon noticed the tall Alicorn looking at her.

“What is it?” She asked.

Celestia chuckled before answering. As well as remembering back at the battle with Kuwagamon.

“Oh nothing. It’s just that you’re impressive. And I keep forgetting that you’re a Champion level Digimon.”

Gatomon smirked in response.

“Well not all Champions have to be giants. I may be small, but I still throw a mean punch.”

After letting out a smile, it was there when Celestia noticed that their location was barren. Almost like a wasteland. She began to wonder.

“Gatomon? Where are we?”

Gatomon let out a defeated sigh before speaking.

“Well… there’s a problem.”

After getting a questionable look from Celestia, Gatomon confessed.

“Well… me and my friends were originally planning on letting you see the Frozen Mountains up north. But a big avalanche happened and most of the safe area is now… well… unsafe. So, most of the others are up there to help in the clean-up. And left me in charge of keeping you safe. So, I thought I could show you other places you haven’t been yet.

“Oh. I understand.” Celestia said as she nodded. Then listened to Gatomon as she continued.

“It’s strange though. That area never had an avalanche before. Some witnesses even said that it was caused by a large white Digimon.”

Celestia pondered as she and Gatomon continued their walk. Wondering what kind of large white Digimon would likely cause an avalanche. As well as wondering if it was all an accident since the said Digimon vanished without further attack. Gatomon meanwhile felt as though she was treading on familiar ground.

“Strange. Haven’t I been here before?” She whispered to herself.

After several moments of walking, Celestia began to feel something. She felt it in her horn. A strange energy was close. She paused. Surprising Gatomon who looked back at her.

“Celestia?”

But focusing on the energy source, Celestia looked around her surroundings. Being taller than Gatomon, it meant that she could see further across the flat barren landscape. Then her motions paused. And her eyes widened in curiosity. She could see something in the distance. It looked like a large rock or dirt mound. But she could sense the energy from it. It was different from any energy she felt in the Digital World. And yet it belonged to it.

Without warning, Celestia rose off the ground and began to fly towards it. Surprising Gatomon who had to run after her.

“Hay, Celestia! What is it!? Wait for me!”

Despite sprinting on all fours, Gatomon was still slower than Celestia’s flight speed. But she then saw Celestia descending back to the ground. With the Alicorn landed and seemingly still, it gave the cat Digimon all the time to catch up. After finally reaching up to the still Celestia, Gatomon gave her a questionable look.

“Hay! What was that all about?”

Celestia remained still. Continuing to stare out in surprise.

“W-What’s that?”

Following Celestia’s line of sight, the confused Gatomon froze on the spot. Realising what had caught the Alicorn’s attention. As well as realising why the area around her looked so familiar. She had been here before.

“Oh.”

Standing before Celestia and Gatomon was a giant dark rock. Despite being in broad daylight, the rock looked as dark as it would at night. But facing the two arrivals, on the flat side of the rock, was a giant metal double door. The door itself was adorned with scary, almost demonic looking images. And running along the middle of the door were seven different coloured globes. But for Celestia the door not only possessed the strange energy, but a staggering amount could be felt emanating from behind it. To her surprise, it reminded her of the Gates of Tartarus. But far more sinister.

After letting out a gulp, Gatomon nervously answered.

“That… Celestia… is the Gate to the Digital Underworld.”

Celestia snapped her head at Gatomon in response.

“The underworld?”

“Yeah. A region of the Digital World that we wouldn’t normally go. It’s mostly populated by demon-type Digimon.”

Celestia looked at her in surprise.

“What!? Such a place exists?”

After taking another quick look at the giant door, she looked at Gatomon in confusion.

“So… it’s a bad place full of evil Digimon?”

To her surprise, Gatomon shook her head.

“Well… not exactly. It doesn’t really mean that they’re evil. Well… not anymore.”

But Gatomon’s answer only caused further confusion in Celestia.

“I don’t follow. Could you explain?”

After taking a moment of thought, Gatomon turned to face Celestia as she began her explanation.

“From what I know, the Digital Underworld existed for a very long time. It was originally home to demon-type Digimon who rebelled against order. But over the past thousand years, things have actually calmed down in the underworld. While it’s still a rough place, it’s not nearly as bad as it was before. In fact, some other Digimon even began living in there.”

Celestia calmed down as she began to understand.

“I see. I thought them being demon types meant that they were evil.”

“I can understand that. Demon types do have a bad reputation.”

Gatomon continued.

“But they are becoming more behaved with themselves. I even heard that the Demon Lords had shown some restraint. Well… mostly.”

Celestia snapped back at Gatomon in surprise. The look of shock on her face.

“Wait! Did you say… Demon Lords!?”

Briefly surprised by Celestia’s outburst, Gatomon explained further.

“Y-Yeah. They’re the rulers of the Digital Underworld. They’re called The Seven Great Demon Lords. A group of extremely powerful Digimon that not even me and my friends would like to tangle with.

Celestia was flabbergasted at the discovery of such beings. Which she believed were the opposite of the four Guardian Digimon. But there was something about the number Gatomon mentioned that struck a memory in the former princess.

“Wait. Seven?”

Celestia paused in thought. Seven powerful demons…whom lived in an underworld domain. She recalled hearing such things before, long before she even met the Digimon. She began to speak out loud.

“Strange. I recall hearing something similar before with the dragons of my world. They mentioned… an afterlife where the bad go. I believe… they called it… Hell.”

Gatomon looked at Celestia in surprise.

“Really!?”

Celestia looked at the Digimon as she continued.

“Because that’s another name for the Digital Underworld. Some actually call it Hell.”

Celestia looked at Gatomon in surprise. Apparently Equestria and the Digital World do share something similar. Then Gatomon asked her a question that surprised her further.

“And what about the sins?”

“Sins?”

Celestia began to realise where the concept of the seven demons came from. She then spoke her findings out loud.

“Yes. From the dragon folklore, they believed in… the Seven Deadly Sins. They used that belief to keep the greed in young dragons under control. Like a scary story.”

Gatomon then gave her a shock of her life.

“Well, that’s something. Because in the Digital Underworld, those things really do exist.”

The white anthro Alicorn looked at the small white cat Digimon in surprise.

“What!?”

Gatomon began to see that she had to make her explanation simpler.

“Come over here, let me show you.”

As the two knelt down next to each other, Celestia watched Gatomon carve a line in the dirt. And then spoke up.

“You see. Imagine this line is where we are now. Call it the Surface World.”

Then in the middle of the line, Gatomon carved a small circle.

“That circle is that gate,” She said as she pointed at the Gate to the Digital Underworld.

As Gatomon continued to draw her diagram, she draw a small rectangle just behind the circle but under the line.

“And once through the gate, it leads you to the Lift Station.”

Celestia looked at Gatomon in confusion.

“Lift…Station?”

“It’s like a train station, but for giant lifts. Or are they called elevators? Either way, it’s the only way to get to the Digital Underworld itself.”

After her explanation, Gatomon drew a large square below the line. Celestia knew what that meant.

“So the underworld… is right beneath us?” She asked as she looked at the ground next to her, caressing her hand along the ground.

“Pretty much, yeah. But again, the Lift Station is the only way in.”

Celestia took a moment to look at the rough diagram Gatomon made of the Digital Underworld.

“Is the underworld… a really big place?”

“Yeah. Each area is the size of a large city.”

Celestia looked over to Gatomon in puzzlement.

“Area?”

“Oh yeah. I forgot to explain that.”

Gatomon then explained herself as she drew several horizontal lines in the large square.

“You see, the entire Digital Underworld is separated into seven areas. Or Rings as they like to call it. And each Ring is ruled by one of the Demon Lord Digimon.”

As Gatomon continued to explain the layout of the Digital Underworld, the more Celestia was beginning to see such similarities to the dragons’ beliefs. Then a question appeared in her mind.

“These Rings… do they also represent… a particular sin?”

“Yeah, that’s right. As well as the Demon Lord Digimon themselves.”

Moving her claw, she pointed to the bottom of the diagram.

“At the bottom of the Digital Underworld is the Ring of Pride. Where the most prideful of Digimon live. Regardless if they’re demon types or not. That place is ruled by Lucemon. He’s the leader of The Seven Great Demon Lords and the most powerful and prideful of all of them.”

The subject of power peaked Celestia’s interest. Since Lucemon was described as the most powerful of the seven Demon Lords.

“How powerful is he?”

Gatomon looked at the Alicorn as she answered.

“You remember WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon? Not even they would stand a chance against Lucemon.

Celestia felt a shiver of fear up her spine. Ever since comparing herself with the powers of the Digital World, she was always intimidated by Mega level Digimon. With the kind of power that some might even be compared to gods. WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon were the Mega forms of her friends, Agumon and Gabumon. And from seeing them in action, Celestia believed that they could take on anyone. Especially when they teamed up. So, to hear that not even they could defeat Lucemon made Celestia felt troubled. Could the Demon Lord of Pride be even stronger than Azulongmon?

“I… didn’t think he would be that strong,” Celestia uttered, regarding the Demon Lord Digimon. Then Gatomon spoke up.

“All of them are. I mean, they’re Demon Lords for a reason. They have to be very powerful.”

Celestia again felt intimidated. It sounded like any one of the seven Demon Lords would be too much for her Digimon friends to handle. Gatomon continued on with the explanation. Moving her claw up a level second from the bottom.

“Above that is the Ring of Envy. Home to Leviamon.”

As she slowly moved up the areas of the Underworld, Gatomon revealed the identities of the respective Demon Lord Digimon.

“Next is Daemon. The Demon Lord of Wrath. Then there’s Belphemon. The ruler of Sloth. Then Barbamon. Who lives in the Ring of Greed. After that is Beelzemon. The King of Gluttony.”

As Gatomon explained, Celestia’s eyes widened slightly. The Digital Underworld was just like the afterlife that the dragons believed. Right down to the names of the sins. To which in the Digital World according to Gatomon, the sins were a Digimon’s characteristic. She couldn’t believe it. Whereas the dragons of Equestria saw it as their beliefs, in the Digital World, such a place actually existed. She quickly remembered all the names of the Rings that matched. Leading up to the one that was not mentioned yet. To which Gatomon was about to explain.

“And lastly at the top part of the Underworld, is the Ring of…”

“Lust?”

Gatomon paused when Celestia interrupted her. Looking at her in surprise.

“Y-Yeah, that’s right. The Ring of Lust. And there, it’s ruled by Lilithmon.”

Celestia stared at the rough diagram of the Digital Underworld layout. Most in particular, the top level. Where Gatomon described as the Ring of Lust. Curious, Celestia turned towards her Digimon friend with a questionable subject. Making her feel awkward with a blush on her face.

“So… lust? As in…?”

Knowing what Celestia was trying to ask, Gatomon too began to blush in embarrassment. The subject not appropriate for younger audiences.

“Y-Yeah. That… kind.”

Celestia’s eyes widened further in disbelief after her suspicions had been confirmed. Was there really such a place? A place where such acts were common? Unrestrained? Unpunishable? Such a thing was forbidden in Equestria. Even in the early years of her reign. She wasn’t even sure if the rules were already in place, or herself enforced it. But even if she relinquished the rule, she still had the problem of being unwanted. If no one in her world wanted to take the step with her before, then changing the rule would mount nothing for her.

Feeling awkward on the subject, Gatomon tried to change the subject by motioning to the doorway.

“A…And you see those globes on the door?”

With most of Celestia’s attention gained, the Alicorn watched Gatomon as she approached the Gateway to the Digital Underworld. Waving her paw at the random coloured orbs on the giant door. The orbs themselves possessing strange symbols on them. To which Gatomon explained.

“These are the Crests of The Seven Great Demon Lords. They go in the same order as the Underworld itself.”

Following Gatomon, Celestia walked towards the gateway. The more she stepped closer, the more energy she could feel from it. Possibly from the Digital Underworld itself. Looking at the crests and taking account of what Gatomon said about their order. She looked from the bottom up. Lucemon’s Crest of Pride was red. Leviamon’s Crest of Envy was light blue. Daemon’s Crest of Wrath was orange. Belphemon’s Crest of Sloth was dark blue. Barbamon’s Crest of Greed was purple. Beelzemon’s Crest of Gluttony was yellow. And Lilithmon’s Crest of Lust was green.

As she looked, Celestia couldn’t explain it, but her sights kept being drawn towards the Crest of Lust. Again, making her think of all the failures she experienced at trying to gain a companion. Even mingling with other species of her world ended in failure. Then a stray thought occurred to her. A thought that if not paid attention, she would’ve not noticed it. Her desires for a partner had lead her to even try people of different species in Equestria. But that was the purpose of the stray thought.

If not Equestria, than… why not a Digimon?

From her conversations with her Digimon friends, it revealed to her that some were far older than they appeared. Seemingly unable to die of old age. If that were the case, than… having a partner being a Digimon would seem more fitting. Not having to worry about outliving her chosen one. Furthermore, despite the radical diversity of the Digimon, there were some which physical appearances that more or less looked similar to her own.

She then remembered what her little Digimon friend said earlier. That the Digital Underworld was not as dangerous as it was in the past. Then a question appeared in her head. Turning towards Gatomon.

“Gatomon. This Underworld… is it a place… you can actually go to?”

Gatomon pondered for a moment before answering.

“Well… if you mean to visit, then… I guess you can. But I wouldn’t recommend it. While things down there have settled down in the past thousand years, it’s still a dangerous place. Especially the Demon Lords.”

She then gave a detailed explanation about some of the places in the Digital Underworld as well as some of the Demon Lords themselves.

“Well, if you do plan on going, then it’s best that you stay away from the Ring of Pride. I heard that Lucemon is still old-fashioned and didn’t really want to change from the early days. A-As well as Wrath, Greed and Envy. The Digimon there are untrustworthy, and I hear Daemon is a dealmaker. Oh, and Sloth. The Demon Lord there spends years asleep. But when he wakes up, he would go on a rampage.”

Gatomon tapped her chin in deep thought.

“Really, the only place I guess is alright is Gluttony. Well, as long as you stay out of Beelzemon’s watch.”

Despite the warnings of her friend, Celestia felt less then encouraged. Gatomon was making it sound as though the entire Digital Underworld was off-limits. As if it was not worth exploring. Sins and Demon Lords aside, Celestia was indeed fascinated in exploring the Underworld. It was a place that she had never been to after all.

But she was caught off guard when Gatomon made a loud outburst.

“Oh, and definitely stay away from Lust!”

Taken aback from the outburst, Celestia gave Gatomon a questionable look.

“W-What reason?”

Not expecting to be questioned, Gatomon flinched as she stuttered. A small blush of shame grew on her cheeks as she looked away. Feeling hesitant on explaining. To which she eventually gave.

“W-Well… you see. The one time I went there… about fifty years ago, I… I-I had… a bad experience.”

It was something that Gatomon wasn’t proud off. As well as an event she would very much like to forget. Traveling alone from the group one time, she received an emergency message that said she was required in the Ring of Lust. That a poor soul took a wrong turn and was in grave danger. Not wanting to make a bad example for herself and her friends, Gatomon Digivolved into Angewomon and flew straight for the Digital Underworld. But upon entering the Ring of Lust, it was revealed to be a trap. The message was a hoax, all to lure the angelic Digimon away from her friends and beyond any help. Attacked by several demon Digimon at once, Angewomon was quickly overwhelmed and restrained. And further to her dismay, one Digimon placed a magical talisman on her. Preventing her from De-Digivolving into her smaller lesser forms to slip away. Upon being captured, Angewomon discovered that the particular group of demon Digimon had a certain desire for angelic-type Digimon to ‘play’ with. In particular, her. But before she could be lead away to her fate as a plaything, she was rescued. Not believing the legitimacy of the message, Patamon, whom digivolved into Angemon, followed her to the Underworld. Upon freeing her, the two angel Digimon made short work of their enemies and made a quick retreat before the Demon Lord of Lust would notice.

Not even their teamwork would be a match for her.

Remembering such an experience caused Gatomon a shiver up her spine. Much to Celestia’s surprise.

“Oh, I’m… sorry to hear that.”

Gatomon was then startled at how curious Celestia was being.

“What happened exactly?”

“I don’t want to talk about it!!” Gatomon snapped with a bright blush on her face.

Celestia recoiled in surprise. Whatever happened to Gatomon, it must’ve been distressing at the time. Seeing how upset it was making her friend, the Alicorn tried to change the subject. Remembering what Gatomon said about her age.

“Wait. You said fifty years ago? Don’t mind me asking, but… how old are you exactly?”

With a complete mood change, the upbeat cat Digimon made no hesitation in revealing her age.

“Oh? I’m about three hundred and twenty-seven.”

Celestia blinked in surprise. She had no idea that her youthful friend was so much older than she appeared. Which further proven the fact that Digimon don’t seem to age. And to her mental relief, not die from it. She was then surprised when Gatomon spoke up.

“Oh, and check this out!”

Watching Gatomon rush towards the giant doors, Celestia watched the cat Digimon reach out her paw at the Crest of Pride. And upon placing her paw on it, the globe itself began to softly illuminate. Letting out a dimmed glow.

“What happened?” Celestia asked. To which Gatomon explained.

“Well… you know that I take pride in helping others, right? Well because of that, when I touch the Crest of Pride, it lights up. I saw other Digimon do this. And they said that the stronger the globe glows, the more of that particular trait you feel. You get what I mean?”

A bit confused at first, but Celestia eventually understood what Gatomon was trying to explain.

“I believe so.”

As the two smiled at each other, they were interrupted by a cry of distress. Calling out their names.

“Gatomon!! Celestia!!”

Following the voice, the two saw another one of their friends flying towards them. The new arrival was the Rookie insect Digimon, Tentomon.

“We have an emergency!” Tentomon cried out before crash-landing several meters away from Celestia and Gatomon. Not wanting to delay, the cat Digimon rushed over to him and helped him up.

“I got you. What’s the big emergency?”

After getting back up on his feet, the insectoid Digimon went back to his frantic movements. Panicking about what he saw as if it were a disaster. To which he explained.

“It’s bad, Gatomon! It’s Etemon!”

Gatomon blinked in uncertainty. Wondering why it involved the Ultimate level monkey Digimon. As well as hoping that it didn’t involve his style of singing.

“W-What about him?”

“He did the unthinkable! He challenged Shoutmon!”

Gatomon blinked in confusion again. Not seeing the urgency in the situation. Since it involved the self-entitled ‘Digimon King’.

“How is that a problem? I mean, Shoutmon’s a loudmouth but he’s very strong for a Rookie. He can handle Etemon, no problem.”

But Tentomon then revealed why the situation was so urgent.

“It’s not that kind of fight! He challenged him to a RAP BATTLE!!!”

Gatomon paused in response with a look of pure horror on her face. Between Shoutmon’s loudmouth and Etemon’s horrendous singing…

“You’re right, this is bad! Very, VERY BAD!!!”

“Then let’s go before it’s too late!” Tentomon said as he began to fly back to where he came. With Gatomon charging behind him.

But staying behind, oblivious to the conversation was Celestia. Standing still and facing the Gate to the Digital Underworld in deep thought. Eyeing up the seven Crests before locking sights with the Crest of Lust. Despite being a different world than Equestria, the Digital World was still under its own set of rules. Yet those same rules don’t seem to apply in the Underworld. It’s the Demon Lord Digimon that call the shots. And if they too represent the Ring that they govern, than it more likely meant it applied to the residence there too, right? Many questions flowed through Celestia’s mind as she slowly walked closer to the green crest. Eyeing out the details of the strange symbol. In the Alicorn’s mind, could it be a sign? Could the answer to her problems lie not in Equestria? But in the Digital World? But more precise, could the cure for her thousands of years of nightmares, truly be down in the Digital Underworld? Would she… meet someone down there? How obsessed of lust were the Digimon there? Was it of their own tuition? Or some influence from its Demon Lord Digimon? But more surprisingly, why did she felt… so drawn to the idea of going?

So many questions, yet so few answers.

As she stood only a few inches from the door, Celestia’s eyes continued to stare at the Crest of Lust. Reaching her hand up, she slowly brought it closer to the green globe. Her fingers stretching out.

“L-Lust,” She quietly uttered.

The moment the index finger of her right hand touched the Crest of Lust, the entire green orb suddenly glowed a shining bright light. Surprising the former princess as she took a step back. Briefly covering her eyes with her right hand. Then as the Crest of Lust dimmed a little, Celestia looked at it in surprise. When Gatomon placed her paw on the Crest of Pride, the glow it gave off was small. But Celestia barely touched the Crest of Lust and yet it shined like a star. She then remembered what Gatomon said. That the glow of the orb depends on the trait of whoever touched it.

Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise and confusion. The only times she herself ever felt the urge of lust was during her moments of being in season. She hardly felt such an urge upon entering the Digital World, yet the glow from the Crest was bright. Could the Crest of Lust had sensed that lust within her somehow? Or, did the glow reflect on her deep desires of being in a relationship with someone special? Did that count as some form of lust the entire time? And if that was true, did the Crest of Lust sensed her thousands of years of longing?

Questions continued to build in Celestia’s mind as the glow dimmed away. The Crest of Lust returning to normal. But Celestia kept her eyes on it. It was a sign that she would never forget. But before she could do anything…

“Hay, Celestia! Are you coming!? We may need your help for this!” Gatomon called out before chasing after Tentomon.

“Oh, ugh… I-I’m coming!” Celestia replied back as she turned to fly after her two Digimon friends. But as she flew away, Celestia took one more glance at the Gate to the Digital Underworld.

A gleam reflected in her eyes. Thinking of what to do next.

Author's Note

Here we are. The second chapter of my most ambitious story.

In case some of you hadn't noticed, but the layout of the Digital Underworld, as well as the idea of the Lift Station were all inspired by the youtube series, Helluva Boss. A funny and dark web cartoon for adults. I thought it would be a good idea emulating the concept into the Digital World. I mean with all the other strange things already in the Digital World, such an idea wouldn't be far fetched. And admittingly, the whole idea about dragons believing in hell isn't my strongest point, but it's the best of what I got.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Please leave a comment. Leave a like. And I'll see you all later.