Daughter of the Moon
Artemis glared up at her doppelganger. She knew what she was facing. A piece of arcane lore surfaced in her mind, some of the new knowledge imparted by her mother. She faced her Shadow, all the darkness of her soul given shape. It was a property of this cave to split off a person’s Shadow and set it against them. Only after the Shadow is confronted may one traverse the cave and return to the world of mortals. “Very well,” Artemis said, pushing herself to her feet, “Let’s get this finished. I have a lot to do.” “Oh, do you,” sneered the Shadow. It slid up to her, running her finger along Artemis’ jaw, “and what is it you think you’ll be doing?” Artemis’ glare deepened. She knew better than to speak to it. “Oh, that’s right,” the Shadow exclaimed, “you must journey to the Underworld to rescue your true love, yes?” Artemis grit her teeth. She wanted to hit this... thing, but knew that would only make it stronger. “But I know what goes through that staggeringly tiny mind of yours,” the Shadow danced lightly away with a nasty little laugh, “Deep down in your most secret thoughts,” it clambered up the wall of the cave, crouching near the ceiling to look down on Artemis, “you believe you will fail.” It dropped to the floor and stood inches from Artemis’ face, “You will fail, Umbra will drain his soul to power her machine, and his body will sleep forever.” It began to dance away again, then stopped suddenly, slowly looking over its shoulder at her, “But wait,” it said softly, “perhaps that’s what you want.” “What?!” Artemis yelled, taking a step toward her tormentor, “How dare y-” “Yessss,” the Shadow continued, “of course. You keep him asleep, and then he’s all yours forever. With no soul and no mind, your beloved Kael will never stray,” It grinned, showing a row of sharp yellow teeth, “and you are so very frightened he will stray, aren’t you?” “Y-you lie!” Artemis shouted. But the Shadow’s taunts were beginning to tell. “Do I?” the Shadow smirked. It walked slowly toward Artemis, “You mean to say you never feel inadequate, never wonder why he has chosen you, never wonder if it was all because you’re heir to the throne of - oh wait,” it stopped, laying a finger alongside its mouth, “you’re not even that anymore,” it raised an eyebrow, “are you?” Artemis stood, fists clenched, gritting her teeth. The Shadow smiled, its blood red triple-moon mark pulsed once. “You want to hit me,” it sing-songed. Artemis raised her fist, then another part of her brain opened up, flooding her mind with knowledge. She knew how to beat it. Fighting it only made it stronger, so therefore she had only one option. She opened her hand and raised her other arm, approaching her Shadow. “What... what are you doing?” the Shadow backed away, eventually coming up against the wall of the cave, “D-d-don’t...” “Shh,” Artemis whispered, “it’s okay,” she placed her hands on the Shadow’s shoulders, “I know I should be fighting you,” she said, “pointlessly struggling until my strength of will is nearly spent, but I really don’t have the time,” she pulled her Shadow close and growled in its ear, “so why don’t you get back inside me where you belong, and spare us both a great deal of trouble?” The Shadow tried to resist, but its struggles were futile. Then Artemis said the words that sealed its fate. “I accept you as part of me, Shadow,” she intoned, “as part of my soul, and essential to my spirit.” Within moments, the Shadow felt itself absorbed into Artemis, letting out one last pathetic howl before vanishing. “Besides,” Artemis smirked, “being part of me, you would know how fantastic I am in bed. Kael would be a fool to go elsewhere for affection.” She continued on into the cave. After a long, uneventful walk, she emerged into the Yoni Luna, where she was once again surrounded by the Sisters. A quick glance at the moon told her little time had passed. “You have returned!” Sister Raya shouted, smiling, “Bright blessings upon you, Artemis.” “We are so proud of you,” Sister Kaatene said, hugging the young princess. “Not that we ever doubted you,” Sister Tan told her, grinning. “Thank you,” Artemis said with a smile, “for everything. I ask now that you impart the rest of your knowledge, so that I may continue my journey.” The Sisters nodded, leading Artemis to her clothes. “While you dress,” Sister Tan said, “we will tell you what you need to know. Then we will show you the way to Faery.” “You are strong,” Sister Raya told her, while lacing up Artemis’ gown, “even stronger now than you were before. You will heal from any wound almost instantly, and sickness will not strike you.” “You are wise,” Sister Tan helped Artemis on with her boots, “the knowledge of the gods is within your mind. It will come to you as you need it.” “You are agile,” Sister Kaatene buckled on the leather vest, “more so than even the most nimble acrobat. From now on, yours is the grace of a jungle cat.” Sister Terine assisted Artemis with her bracers and said, “Your mind is now the most powerful in Amorlia. There are none who can resist your thoughts, nor read them if you do not wish them read.” Sister Karma returned the crown to Artemis’ brow, “All these powers and still more are yours, Artemis Vega. They will serve you well in your travels through the six Hells, and will be essential to your victory over Umbra.” Artemis drew the sword of Nazeas from the ground, spun it in her hand and in one fluid motion tucked it into her belt. She stood proudly, and the Sisters knelt before her. “Blessed be Artemis, Princess of Vega!” they chanted in unison, “Blessed be Artemis, Savior of Amorlia!” They rose to their feet and stood with their arms raised. “Blessed be Artemis, Daughter of the Moon!”
The Green Man
“Daughter of the Moon?” Pym was incredulous. “Yes.” “Funny.” “Yes,” Artemis repeated, “that’s what they call me.” “Luna’s daughter,” Pym said in disbelief. “Luna the moon goddess,” Pym raised both eyebrows. “No,” Artemis snarked, “Luna the fishwife. I’ve decided to return to my roots and gut cod for a living.” “One of us has to be,” Artemis winked at her young friend. Pym stuck out his tongue, “Nice hair.” “Oh, so that’s all you have left, boy?” Artemis laughed. The two had been joking and laughing since they left the clearing. “I’ll think of something,” Pym faux-moped. “Uh-huh.” “If you two are quite finished,” Ajax grumbled, “we approach the gateway to Faery.” “Right,” Pym said, forcing an exaggeratedly serious expression and clearing his throat. “We’re very solemn,” Artemis offered her own serious face. Then the two collapsed into a fit of giggles. “I swear,” Ajax muttered, walking back to the Sisters, “if the fate of the world rests in their hands...” “Give them some latitude, Ajax,” Sister Karma smiled, “They have both been through quite a lot recently.” “Besides,” Sister Tan chided, “laughter is vital to life.” “I do wish they were funnier, however,” Sister Kaatene lamented. And then all conversation stopped, for they had arrived at their destination. Even Pym and Artemis ceased their joking to look up in awe at the sight before them. Rising high above the group, to the tops of the tallest trees, a man sat upon a throne made of earth and stone. His skin had the texture and color of bark, his hair was made of leaves and vines. The surrounding trees and plants had twined about him so that it was difficult to see where he stopped and the forest began. He appeared to be sleeping. “The Green Man,” Sister Raya whispered. “Lord Druid,” Sister Terine breathed, “King of the Dryads.” “The Great God of the Wood,” Ajax fell to his knees in reverence. Though all of the Hunt worshipped Luna, it was only women who could be her priestesses. In recent centuries, the worship of the Green Man had become popular among the Huntsmen. “He waits eternally for his beloved Luna to return.” “Honestly,” Pym muttered out the side of his mouth to Artemis, “who isn’t in love with your mother?” “Shh!” WHO APPROACHES? The question echoed through all their minds. “I am Ajax the Huntsman, my Lord,” Ajax said, “with me are the Sisters of Luna, a young speedster named Pym Kenar and Artemis, Princess of Vega.” He bowed his head, “We seek entry through the gateway to Faery.” The giant dryad was silent a moment, then, ARTEMIS VEGA... MMMM... YES, LUNA’S HUMAN CHILD... Anger crept into his voice, WHY SHOULD I OPEN THE GATEWAY FOR HER? “Her true love is imprisoned in the Underworld, my Lord,” Sister Kaatene explained, “Artemis seeks to-”
HER TRUE LOVE?! They winced at the force of his growing anger, WHAT CARE I FOR HER TRUE LOVE? EACH YEAR AS SPRING DAWNED, MY LOVE WOULD COME TO ME, the Lord of the Wood’s voice grew sad, THEN, MILLENNIA AGO, SHE WAS SET APART FROM ME, SEEMINGLY FOREVER. BUT WHEN SHE FINALLY MANAGES TO RETURN TO THIS PLANE, the anger rose again, SHE CHOOSES TO SPREAD HER LEGS FOR A WRETCHED HUMAN! SHE SPARES NOT A MOMENT FOR ME! I ASK AGAIN, WHY SHOULD I OPEN THE GATEWAY FOR THIS... APE-SPAWNED MORTAL? Artemis stood straight, looking up at the giant dryad. “Because if you do not,” she said calmly, “Umbra will use the soul of my love to escape her prison. She will return here.” She stepped closer to him, though she came no higher than his ankle, and asked, “You are aware, of course, that the Nazeans seek the means to destroy the Great Wood?” OF COURSE I KNOW THIS, Druid scoffed, NAUGHT OCCURS IN THIS WOOD THAT I DO NOT KNOW. THEY WILL NEVER SUCCEED. MY POWER OVER THIS FOREST IS ABSOLUTE. “So it would seem,” Artemis conceded, “However, I submit to you that Umbra’s power would be far greater than yours, would you agree?” YES, the admission came reluctantly. “And when she returns to this plane,” Artemis continued, “which she certainly will if I cannot gain entry here, who do you think she will ally herself with? The Nazeans,” she said, not giving him time to answer, “And how long do you think this Wood will last under the combined onslaught of the Nazean war machine and the Queen of the Underworld’s dark powers?” The Wood was silent for what seemed an eternity. Then the vines at the base of Druid’s throne parted and a thin crack appeared in the earth, which resolved into a shimmering doorway. The Sisters approached. “One of the Faer Folk will meet you on the other side,” Sister Tan said, “she will lead you to the first gateway, and give you further instructions.” Artemis nodded, then bid farewell to Ajax and the Sisters. “Okay Pym,” she said, “ready?” “And willing,” Pym walked toward her. “Oh no,” Sister Karma said, barring his path, “The Daughter of the Moon must go alone.” “What?!” Pym was outraged, “You have got to be kidding me! I don’t care what you say, Artemis is my friend, and if you think I’m lettinghertraversethesixHellsallby...” he began to speak so rapidly, no one could understand him. In his agitated state, he began to vibrate uncontrollably. Calm yourself, Pym, Artemis reached gently into his mind and slowed him down, though she did not turn off his speed, I anticipated this. I’ll be fine. What you can do while I’m gone, is travel to the Solarian monastery. Tell them what I am about, and all that we’ve learned in our travels. Here, information flooded Pym’s mind, this is the quickest route from here to the monastery. When you arrive, seek out Father Jorrin. Tell him you have been sent by his “little Huntress”. He’ll know you’re a friend.” “But Artemis...” Pym started to complain. “Please do this for me, Pym.” Artemis lay her hand on his shoulder. Pym nodded. “I still think I should be going with you.” “And I wish you were,” Artemis agreed, “but you know how these people are.” She gestured to indicate the Sisters and Ajax. “Don’t I,” Pym rolled his eyes. He hugged her, and she kissed the top of his head. “Take care of yourself,” she said. “You too,” he told her. Then they parted, and Pym vanished in a blur of color. Artemis turned back to the shimmering doorway. KNOW THIS, the Green Man spoke, THE GATEWAY SHALL REMAIN OPEN FOR THREE DAYS. IF YOU HAVE NOT RETURNED IN THAT TIME, THE GATEWAY WILL CLOSE, AND YOU SHALL BE TRAPPED IN THE OTHERLANDS FOREVER. “I understand,” Artemis said. She was about to walk through, but Druid’s voice brought her up short again. KNOW THIS AS WELL, he said, I DO THIS FOR MYSELF AND THE GOOD OF MY FOREST, NOT FOR YOU OR YOUR PEOPLE. There was a pause, and in a distant cold voice he said, I DO NOT LIKE YOU, ARTEMIS VEGA. “You say that,” she replied sweetly, “as though I should care.” Then, without another word, Artemis vanished into the shimmering doorway.
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