The waxing crescent moon was raised high into the sky, lighting up the marble city upon the mountain. The light also shined off of the silver helm of the weary Knight walking across the empty fields of emerald green. Nearly three moons had passed since Artemis left the small town and he hadn’t stopped walking. His feet ached and his legs burned, but he knew he had lost enough time waiting for the blue winged unicorn to recover. Thanks to his curse, he did not become drowsy or sluggish, only slowed on occasion.

Ever since he had recovered his souls, he found himself thinking back. The forest he’d burnt down without a second thought, the dogs he had slain so viciously, and the looks in their eyes. Remorse would have filled his heart, if it had not blackened over the centuries. Coming to terms with immortality and never ending torture jaded his mind and fizzled out his empathy during the first few years of his curse.

Artemis reached up and grabbed his helm, taking it off for a moment to enjoy the midnight air. His footsteps stopped for the first time in three days, a tired gleam in his milky eyes. He glanced towards his pouch, the wolf pup softly snoring with its muzzle peaking out of the flap. Taking in a deep sigh, he looked to the reflection in his helm. He saw a monster staring back at him.

Hair was already falling out, his eyes white as snow. Skin green and decayed, peeling off like that of a orange. It disgusted him. But in another part of his mind, he found it fitting. A man of true mind and body would have attempted to speak and compromise with the dogs, a true man wouldn’t have burned down a forest just to get the attention of the populace. Replacing his helm, he continued on his journey.

He needed to stop this curse before it began, to save the thousands of mothers and fathers from losing their children and vice versa. Should he survive and not hollow throughout his journey, then he may give himself a brief respite. But until then, there was no rest for the wicked or the damned.

~!~

The mountain was unforgiving to Artemis for trespassing upon its steep slopes. For three days he had trekked up the massive mountain and fought against the bone chilling winds with only his basic knowledge of pyromancy to keep the wolf pup in his satchel warm. He followed the large tracks of timber and iron, hoping they lead him to the city.

His already cold breath froze in the mountain air, plumes of fog spilled out of his helm. He could still feel the pup in his satchel, shivering despite having his flaming hand near it. Groaning quietly to himself, he continued marching along the carved out path leading up the mountain. His feet stopped in place as he felt the ground beneath them beginning to rumble, ice and snow shaking off the sides.

An ear-shattering whistle snapped through the air, forcing his hands to his head in an attempt to stave off the wretched sound. He barely had time to turn before he saw a massive metal monster barreling towards him. His head whipped in all directions to find escape only finding running or jumping off the side as his only options.

Turning in place, he began to sprint as fast as he could, the metal beast behind him already closing in. His breathing quickened as his legs stamped against the wooden boards beneath him. He spared only a glance behind himself as he saw the metal contraption let out a soul wrenching screech, sparks flying from its underbelly. The sight was something to behold for Artemis, but he did not falter from his running.

Moments later, his boots slammed into the ground as he was a fair distance away from the metal horror. Turning in place, he saw it had stopped completely, grey smoke billowing from a hole on its head.

A cheer of victory quietly shouted in his mind. Seconds later did Artemis feel his boot slip from underneath him. Going face first into one of the metal bars on the ground, his world blackened a moment while his body tumbled backwards down the slope. As his vision regained, he found himself at the very edge of the pathway, his legs already dangling off, and he wasn’t stopping.

His eyes widened as he turned onto his belly and reached to grab anything at all to stop his descent, the ice and snow forbidding any type of grip. Time seemingly slowed for Artemis as he felt his chest leave the ground. His eyes widened, he reached to his belt and grabbed his sword. With the last of his might, he slammed the blade into the side of the mountain, his shoulder was almost dislocated as his weight nearly jerked the blade from the ice.

Quivering, rapid pants filled the air as Artemis dangled off the side of the mountain. His eyes unfocused as he looked down, the feeling of vomiting filled his throat. Shifting his vision to the satchel, he saw the wolf pup cowering deeper into the sack, whimpering loudly and yiping occasionally. He had probably been hurt when his body tumbled. Grunting loudly, he reached for the edge of the cliff, finding it a fair distance out of reach.

“Blasted ice!” He shouted as he felt his sword slowly tilting downwards. He swung his hand towards the edge of the cliff, using what strength he could to lift himself up. He gave one hardy swing, feeling his hand connect with something. Hope filled his eyes as he tried to pull himself up, finding whatever he was holding onto to be sliding towards the edge. He found his grip beginning to slip, grunts of annoyance escaping him.

“Hey!” He heard a male voice shout. “Somepony get out here! I need some help!” As the shouting ended, the sound of several boots or shoes in snow was heard and Artemis felt several appendages wrap around his hand and forearm. Series of grunts, groans, and heaves filled the air as Artemis was slowly pulled up the mountain side.

Using his sword as a faux ice pick, he quickly found himself onto stable ground, flopping into the snow as his body was brought from the edge. Gasps for air filled Artemis’ hearing as he got onto his hands and knees, trying to push back the feeling of vomiting. After a few minutes, he felt something touch his shoulder, causing him to flinch and whip the sword in the same direction. The blade stopped barely an inch from the throat of another one of the ponies. This one was the color of beige with a chocolate mane and wearing an odd blue outfit. A look of fear replaced the worry in it’s eyes as the blade hovered near him. Several ponies behind him looked terrified as he held the blade.

Letting out a relieved sigh, Artemis dropped the blade, letting it land in the snow next to him. His chest heaved for a moment in shock, the thought of losing the pup in his satchel and having to scale this mountain again was a stomach churning thought. Not to mention he was never very good with heights.

He lifted his helm, bracing himself with a hand against the ground, and proceeded to vomit what little was in his undead stomach. With his body emptied, he wiped his mouth and sat up right, resting on his knees. Turning his head, he saw the group of ponies still remained, the one he nearly cut open standing the closest. A few minutes passed before the pony cleared his throat and took a ginger step forward.

“A-Are you alright... Sir?” The pony asked, caution and worry lining his features. Artemis paused for a moment, considering the pony’s words. He was by no means ‘Alright’, but he remained alive and less hollowed, that was enough for him. Nodding to the pony, it sighed and took a chance and going towards Artemis to assist. “Do you need some help up?”

Starting to stand, he waved a hand, only to tumble to the ground. Grunting in annoyance, he found the pony standing next to him, the concerned look still present. Accepting defeat, he grimaced behind his helm and nodded to the pony.

“Yes, I... Do need some help.” He muttered, the pony smiling softly. Gingerly pushing his head under Artemis’ hand, he acted as a bar for Artemis to gain footing. As the knight stood up, nearly buckling the poor pony beneath him, he staggered. The pony beside him pressed against his side to stable him and gestured towards the metal beast behind him.

“If you come with me, we have medical supplies in the train.” The pony stated, drawing Artemis’ attention. He warily eyed the metal beast, lifting a hand and pointed at it.

“You... tamed that beast?” Artemis asked, the pony looked at him quizzically. It dawned on him after a few moments.

“Oh, no no! It’s just a machine used for moving quickly across vast distances!” The pony told Artemis as he led him towards the beast. “It can’t hurt you, it’s just a big hunk of metal.” The pony must have been telling the truth, for the beast did not turn its gaze to the man as he passed by. As they approached, Artemis found a few ponies peeking their heads out just to see what was going on. “Just hop up in the carriage and I’ll get you to Canterlot for some proper medical attention. You look absolutely frigid.”

Artemis eyed the machine one last time before grabbing a hand rail and hoisting himself up, growling quietly when he slammed his head against the low entrance. Crouching down, he walked inside with the pony following in after him. Seeing the cramped spaces of the cab, the pony lead him into a larger area where several ponies were sitting.

Wide eyes and shivering hooves greeted him as he was lead towards a leather seat that was rather low to the ground. Giving a relieved sigh as he was seated, the pony before him looked over him in concern. After waving the pony away, Artemis placed his forehead in his hands. His head was swimming from his near death experiance, heights having always instilled great fear in him ever since he was a lad. A few minutes later he found his mind starting to blur, blackness sinking in on the edges of his vision.

Becoming startled, he stood up, nearly bashing his head once more, only to fall back down to his seat. As he landed, the seat nearly broke from his weight. The hollowing was beginning to take effect on him, pushing back against his own soul and slowly overpowering it. He grunted and growled to himself, hands pressed against his helm. He barely registered the ponies scooting away from him or the pony who had saved him, none of it mattered to him in that moment.

A soul-shattering pain shot through his mind, nearly crippling his ability to think and move. He needed to kill, to find souls and consume them, he needed to feed to stave off the darkness. A agony filled wail escaped his lips, the world darkening completely for a moment. His limbs became numb and the collapsed to the ground, armor and blade clattering against the wooden flooring. His eyes opened to see the pony who saved him staring at him with both concern and fear.

His mind faded off with that final image, the darkness clouding his vision until he was lost in the realm of unconsciousness.

~!~

Artemis stood before a strange man caged in a cell, wearing a metal mask that covered the entirety of his head, the only exposure of flesh was his eyes and a few holes dotted around the mouth. His exposed upper body held horrendous scars, areas of unmended flesh showing the muscles beneath. The man’s left hand was horribly mutated, a single claw melded to what once was a hand. The right was left mostly unchanged aside from multiple scars.

He was a living experiment of Aldia’s keep, raspy breath escaping the mask. The man turned creature dragged himself towards the bars of the cage, Artemis remained in place, internally debating whether or not to run. The creature rushed and rammed the bars of the cage, bending the metal slightly, the deformed claw lunging out and startling Artemis. He retreated a safe distance from the cage as the claw lashed out, trying to clip the Knight across the chest or at least grab him.

“Please!-” A voice shouted before it stopped to hack out a horrible cough. “Please... Don’t let me them... Hurt me anymore...” Artemis lowered his shield, staring suspiciously at the creature in the cage. Taking a step towards the cage, the creature retracted its claw and the deep blue eyes of the man stared pleadingly at Artemis. “I beg of thee... Kill me, let me go mad! Let my suffering stop!”

As the knight reached the cage, the abomination kneeled before Artemis, his eyes filled with tears of agony and depression. He stuck his head through the bars, mask facing downwards, both hand and claw gripping the bars of his cage. “So hungry... So much agony....” The creature whimpered out, stray tears leaking from the mask. “For the love of the sun, kill me...”

Artemis held out his blade, using the tip to lift the creature’s head. “Before I slay you, tell me your name.” Artemis spoke. The creature stared somberly at Artemis before sighing.

“I am... Was... Julius, a shadow warrior hired by the king.” He spoke, eyes closing. “Now please, end my torment...” Artemis nodded somberly and raised his sword high above his head, preparing to decapitate and end the man turned beast before him, but something stopped him. A blackened ring sealed onto the creature’s flesh.

“You’re marked.” Artemis spoke surprised, lowering his sword. The creature nodded, fresh tears dripping from his mask. “Do you know what will become of you should you perish?”

“YES!!” Julius snapped angrily, slamming against the bars, hard enough for the metal to bend outward, his eyes with lit with rage. He settled down, laying against the bars, the fresh contours holding his body in place. “Yes... I know what I am...” A shuddering breath filled Julius’ lungs, followed by a choked up exhale. “But I’d rather go hollow and forget what I am, than remain conscious and fear what I have become...”

He reached his unmutated hand out, gently grabbing the blade in Artemis’ grip and pulling it too his throat. “Please, I beg of thee...Take my soul and let my mind be free of this wretched corpse.”

His eyes were filled with pain, anger, and sorrow. The look of a man who had lost all his will to carry on, the look of one who held something dear to him and lost it. Artemis pulled his blade back, barely cutting the creature’s hands, and walked along the length of the cage.

“What are you doing? Don’t leave me here!!” Julius shouted, standing from his place and grasping the bars of the cell. Artemis looked back towards him, giving him a nod, and pulled out a key. Opening the cage door, he took a step back and gestured for him to follow.

“I don’t care who or what you are, no man or creature deserves to die in a cage.” Artemis spoke. Julius looked at him with defeated and disappointed eyes, standing from his spot and walking towards Artemis.

~!~

Artemis awoke with a start, the first time in nearly a century he had awoken from a slumber. His chest was heaving and his mind was racing, limbs feeling numb as the day he became an undead. He reached a hand up to his head, fingers finding skin instead of his normal helmet. Panic began to ensue in his mind as he shot up, smashing his head against the wood above him.

Groaning, he rubbed his aching forehead, eyes scanning the area around him. He appeared to be in a cramped cell of some sort, mostly made of wood. This didn’t seem like proper detainment for a prisoner. He found his helmet laying on a cot across from him, proudly reflecting his decayed appearance. A loud knocking startled him, causing his hand to reach for his sword, hand meeting the fabric around his waist. He quickly replaced his helm onto his head and stared at the door.

Panic began to set in as the doorknob wiggled and the door swung in, Artemis leapt to his feet and raised his fists to fight. Instead of a hollowed jailer, monster, or twisted sorcerer, he found a new pony, staring at him with surprise. She was a light blue with a butter yellow mane, the same blue uniform covering her body. A tray with food and water was balanced on her back. Artemis’ face softened as he lowered his hands to his sides, the pony relaxing considerably as he took a step inside.

“What are you doing out of your bed, Sir? You looked like death warmed over when they brought you in here.” The pony told him as she walked in, placing the tray of food where his helm previously resided. She gestured to the bed, patting it with a hoof and offering him a cautious smile. “Now, sit down, dear, from what the conductor told me, you had a really close call out there on the tracks.”

Artemis’ gaze switched from the pony to the bed and back, his mind reeling with thoughts. Most were pointing towards escape, to simply throw the pony out of the way and get out of there as quick as possible, but something made him stay in place. Perhaps it was the hospitality he was being given, the genuine concern in the pony’s voice when she spoke. ‘Mayhap I crave more companionship than the pup-’

The last thought made his eyes widen, his head whipping towards his pouch as he began to dig inside of it. Most of it’s contents remained aside from the defensive utilities such as his throwing knives and bombs, but the pup was no where to be seen. The pony must have noticed his frantic searching as she tapping his leg, making his look at her.

“Worried about your pet?” She asked with a eyebrow raised. He nodded and closed his satchel. The mare giggled and gestured outside. “Your wolf pup is being well taken care of. The little girl was nearly frozen, but don’t worry! She is being well taken care of.”

Artemis let out a relieved sigh, actually taking a seat near the bed and putting his head into his hands. He had forgotten the stress and treachery that came with companions, no matter who or what they are. Despite his jaded nature, memories of his past forced out the caring nature he’d lost long ago. The pup reminded him of his lost family, his lost life, and he wished to cling to those memories for as long as possible. He lifted his head to see the pony staring at him in concern.

It almost warmed his heart to see the genuine expression on her features. Almost. Standing straight up, startling the mare, he gestured to his satchels and barren belt. “Where is my equipment?” His gravely voice asked, giving her a light glare from behind his helm.

The mare’s expression faltered a moment as she collected herself. “They are being held in the back of the train with the luggage and supplies of other passengers. Your pup, however, is being taken care of in the-”

“Take me to them.” He stated sternly. The mare’s face completely fell as she looked at the towering knight.

“I-I’m sorry, I was instructed to-” She was stopped we a cold, metal hand latched onto the scruff of her neck and brought her to eye level with Artemis. She let out a smalls squeak and curled her legs towards her chest as she saw the shadowed visor. Without missing a beat, She carefully lifted out a hoof and stuttered out, “R-Right Th-This way...”

Putting her back down, she began to lead him through the train, the terrified and frowning pony keeping her pace quick. Artemis ignored the whispers and fearful looks he got as he strode through the isles. When they finally got the final car, the mare pointed to his supplies at the end and immediately darted out of the room.

Snorting at her actions, he reclaimed his gear and replaced it upon his person. Sword on his left him, Flamberge, Bow, and shield strapped across his back, and all of his defensive equipment back into their places in his satchel. It hadn’t taken very long for him to find his wolf either, it being the only animal on the entire train. She gave him a happy yip when he found her, placing her into the usual spot in his satchel.

It wasn’t even minutes later did the train jerk, sending him backwards and crashing into several bags and seats. A loud whistle pierced his skull, making him clench his teeth and cradle his head.

As the whistling stopped, he stood up and slipped a hand under his helm to rub his aching temples. He stumbled out of the car, hissing as a blinding light struck him. As his eyes adjusted they widened in surprise. He was inside of a grand city, gold and silver lined buildings, polished cobblestone roads, not to mention the crowds of ‘Noble’ ponies that wandered the streets.

Turning his head, he saw several ponies hopping off of the train. He followed suit, hopping over the railing, he landed on the wooden platform with a very loud thud and quiet splintering. Apparently, he was much heavier than he previously thought. Rolling his shoulders and ignoring the shouts from the train, he began his trek towards the castle, determination filling his heart once more.

~!~

Luna awoke with a start, chest heaving and cold sweat pouring down her features. Another Nightmare of Artemis’ life having ripped her back into the world of the awoken. She wiped her head, whimpering as the feeling of being split in two remained on her belly. A soft knocking filled her room and the opening of a door.

Celestia strode in, a worried smile on her lips. That expression was for naught as she saw her sister’s face. Quickly trotting over, Celestia wrapped her wings around Luna, the smaller alicorn relishing the comfort.

“Another nightmare, Luna?” She asked, the alicorn only nodding in response. “You really must let us find a way to stop them, Luna. I am afraid of what they may do should they not stop.”

Luna shook her head, pulling away from her sister. “No, no. I will endure. They are just fresh in my memory. They will be gone soon enough.” Luna spoke, her tone carrying confidence. Celestia only looked down at her worriedly. Sighing, Luna nuzzled her sister once more. “It is alright, sister. I have learned much about this Artemis, and when Cadence arrives tonight, we shall all know about him.”

Celestia only sighed and nodded, nuzzling her sister once more. Unfortunately, their moment was interrupted as a guard burst in. His eyes showed fear and panic, sweating dripping from his face as if he had ran miles.

“P-Princesses! Creature, in streets! Not stopping! Just forcing his way towards the castle!” The guard sputtered out, prancing in place as he looked over his shoulder continuously. Luna and Celestia looked towards each other in despair, Luna turning to the guard and speaking.

“What does this creature look like?” The guard stopped and looked to Luna, using his hooves as he spoke.

“I-It’s really tall, covered in stained clothing and metal, swinging swords and hurling fire!” The guard blabbered out. This confirmed what both princesses were thinking. The guard didn’t get to finish as both princesses shot out of the room and towards the nearest exit.

~!~

Artemis was walking down the street, walking with a bit of a twitch in his step as he strutted past the ponies. Something felt off about the city he strode through. A feeling of despair and immense power wafted over Artemis. His gaze was set upon the castle, the glamorous look was something to behold now that he had a proper view. He only stopped when his head lowered and he found several guards pointing their weapons at him. The spears and swords being held in a ethereal grip made him wonder how far magic had been taken since his incarceration. Pushing the thoughts aside, he stood tall, watching as a pony clad in vibrant golden armor stepped forward towards him.

“Creature! You are ordered to peacefully leave Canterlot, should you refuse, we will use force to stop you.” The apparent head guard stated. Artemis’ eyes slowly scanned the group in front of him, helm ever so slightly moving as his eyes traveled.

‘Around thirty guards... Spears, swords, and magic no doubt.’ His mind wandered until his eyes fell on the leader. ‘I had hoped it wouldn't resort to this... But these equines leave me no choice.’

Slowly raising his hands, he walked forward towards the guards, the leader smirking somewhat. As he got within arms’ reach, he leapt forward, wrapping an arm around the leader’s neck and drawing his sword. Pulling the pony up to his chest, he held the blade barely an inch from the pony’s throat, glaring at the guards as they gasped and growled. When one began to move, Artemis pressed the blade against the pony’s throat, the fear in his eyes pleading to the others to save him.

“I am going to the Castle on my own accord, Equines. And should anyone try to stop me, there shall be grave consequences.” Artemis growled out, emphasizing his point by barely dragging his sword across the pony, a thin line of crimson forming with the motion. The pony whimpered as the Guards looked between one another, debating if they should attempt it or not. “Now move or I shall-”

Artemis was cut off as he felt his unprotected groin get smashed by the metal hoof of the guard in his grip. A breathless scream escaped Artemis as he dropped the pony to cup his genitals, swearing and cursing the world around him to the highest of heavens and the lowest of hells.

“Now! Seize the creature!” He heard the leader shout, his voice accompanied by the sounds of hooves against the ground. Artemis barely had time to stagger backwards as a spear grazed his helm, leaving his burning nethers, and pulled his shield from his back. As he raised his shield, he felt spear and sword smash against it with a almost hellish fever, each hit sending him back further down the street.

A loud yip filled the air as a spear passed his hip, his eyes shooting down towards his satchel to see it partially torn open and blood leaking from it. When the whimpering began to fill the air, Artemis’ mind went blank. Letting out a monstrous roar, he gripped his shield tightly and ran forward, ramming against the nearest guard he could find. He found himself throwing several guards back before he raised his sword and brought it down to the nearest pony, crimson and fur flying through the air as his blade practically tore through their flimsy plate armor.

The next pony charged towards him, spear raised, only to have his attack stopped with his spear getting split in twain and a blade cutting through his backside. Guard after guard charged at Artemis, each getting sliced, stabbed, or pummeled by his shield.

Artemis roared once more as he stabbed a guard with the gut, letting go of his blade and forcing flames to ignite from his hand. Magma and flame dripped from his hands as a ball of fire and heat formed. Turning on his heels, he lobbed the ball of flame directly into a guard’s face, igniting him and forcing a horrendous shriek out.

Grabbing the next pony by the throat, the flames covering his hand searing the flesh, he chucked him into the flaming pony and ripped his sword from the dying guard beneath him. As they collided, screams coming from the both of them, Artemis turned to see only two guards left, the leader no where to be seen. Snarling savagely, he flicked his sword in their direction, blood splattering against them.

They flinched and dropped their weapons, backpedaling away from the raging knight. As he saw them cower away, the grip on his sword slowly weakened, the terror in their eyes stopping him in his tracks. He looked towards the blade in his hand and the blood covering the streets, bodies of the guards surrounding him like a hellish sacrifice.

Closing his eyes, he let out an inaudible sigh. Lifting his sword and pointing at the guards, he uttered only one word. “Run.” And run they did, fleeing away and running directly towards the castle. As they ran off into the distance, Artemis was left to the sounds of the burning corpses and the dripping blood that ran like rivers down his blade. Lowering his head, Artemis let out a apathetic sigh. A familiar noise filled the air as Artemis felt his eternal being grow and become sated as a white mist flourished around him.

Sheathing his sword, he knelt down and began speak a humble and quiet prayer, asking the goddesses of both favor and the sun to make a place for the lost souls when his quest was finished. The beating of wings and rushing winds caught his attention. He did not stop his prayer as the sounds of hooves landing against the maroon stone became apparent.

Barely raising his head, he caught the face of the great white equine called ‘Celestia’. Her expression was one of pure horror and unending, infernal rage.

“What... Have... You.... Done?!” She roared, her wings unfurling in a display of power as her horn ignited with brilliant incandescence. Lowering his head back down, he rose from his position on the ground.

“I have done what I must to secure the safety for the future of your kind.” He spoke stoically. Raising his head to meet her eyes, he took a single step forward. “And I will continue until my mission is done.” Celestia’s eyes began to glow as her teeth ground against one another, her horn’s luminescence increasing until it was blinding.

Artemis had to think quickly, he could not let this Equine stand in the way of his plans. At the same time, he knew he could not best her in open combat. This resulted in him coming to the logical conclusion of honesty. With a breath, and a silent prayer, Artemis stood tall and held his hand out in a commanding fashion.

“Thou shalt listen to mine words! Then you may do as you wish!” He said firmly, Celestia was at the brink of bringing destruction, but against her better judgement she stopped her spell. “Killing me will only hasten an event that is certain to bring death and destruction upon your world. A curse you see as impossible, a curse I live with.”

“He speaks the truth…” Luna said, looking at her sister. “I have seen it.” Artemis lowered his hand to his side.

“This curse will cause misery for eons to come.” He spoke. “It shall turn your subjects into monstrous, soul hungry creatures. Much like myself. They shall wander through the world endlessly and do as I have done on an unfathomable scale.” Artemis sighed and brought his hands to his helmet. “And they shall look as I look.” He removed the helm, revealing the green, rotten flesh that was his own. Celestia and Luna flinched. His voice, now uninhibited by the metal, was raspy and grotesque.

“This shall be the fate of all who shall suffer the curse should I fail my quest. It shall be slow at first, then their flesh shall decay, their being will weaken, and eventually they shall lose their minds, bringing upon horrors the likes of which thou has never seen.” Artemis hissed, pointing a finger at the Princess. He took several steps towards her, causing the mare shrink. Eventually he was nearly screaming in her face. “And with every death, they shall return more ravenous than before! The blood they spill will be your own doing! CASUALTIES IN THE BILLIONS, ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!”

“S-Stop!” Luna said, trying gain her composure.

“IT WILL SPREAD THROUGHOUT YOUR WORLD WITH NO END! NO WHERE WILL BE SAFE! ALL SHALL SUFFER! NEIGHBOR SHALL KILL NEIGHBOR! LOVERS SHALL KILL LOVERS! FATHER’S SHALL KILL THEIR CHILDREN!”

“How?! How do you know this!?” Celestia asked, shivering as the stench of rotten flesh filled her nostrils.

“BECAUSE I HAVE DONE IT!” Artemis shouted, panting. He paused and Celestia could see the anguish that spread over his face. He backed away from her and replaced his helmet on his head. The wounded wolf pup was shivering in his satchel, and so he took the creature and cradled it in his arms. The gash across its foreleg and side bleeding down his arms. “Shh… Shh… Never fear little one…” He pulled his estus flask from his belt and brought the bottle to her lips. It gently lapped at the glowing liquid, letting out a pleased whine as it drank. Almost immediately, the wound was healed. “There you go, all better.”

In the mean time, Celestia and Luna looked at each other. The rage from before had become wrapped in confusion and empathy. Unsure of what to do, Celestia looked at the man.

“You speak of endless suffering. How long was your kind affected by this plague?” Celestia inquired, taking a ginger step forward. Artemis let out a small, melancholy chuckle.

“I stopped counting after a millennium…” He patted the wolf on the stomach, causing it to let out a happy yip. “Time between deaths becomes irrelevant after the first twenty or so…” The man sighed and looked at the princesses. “You have heard me, now you must decide. Assist me, or hinder me. And chose wisely. I have all the time in the world, you, however, do not.”

Author's Notes:

THE PLOT THICKENS!
Also, be on the lookout for snippets of Artemis' past. I believe you will be quite intrigued.
Anyhow, R&R as usual!
((Edit: Sorry, Publish and Edited buttons too close.))
Also, please give lots of love and thanks to The Boss for helping me out with this chapter!