Eternal Battle

Artemis' Curse

By Olivia Rose

Prologue: The Curse

A young man looks up at the star filled heavens; the pale moon light reflecting off his pale skin. "He'll be alright Artemis. You needn't worry." He turned "Yes I know Aunt Tess. I know." He smiled as he brought his blind aunt her dinner; his mind swimming with thought. "You miss her don't you?" "A little, mother must be going out of her mind with worry by now." Tess smiled. "She is accustomed to such worry." Artemis laughed "You're right. I just wish we could go home." The smile faded from her lips; she sighed sadly and knowingly. "Soon child, soon." Artemis looked out toward the night sky once more "Do you think father will win?" "His enemy is formidable. One cannot be sure." Artemis sighed. She never gives anyone a straight answer does she? He paced nervously around the room. "I just want all of this to be over." "That is what we all want. But it is never truly over."

He looked at her. He opened his mouth trying to find the words to describe his frustration when the ground shook violently beneath them. He ran to the door; pulling it open. The sky was red; as though painted with innocent blood. The air grew cold and stung his eyes as he scanned the fields. There was nothing, what was happening. Then he heard it; a crazed laugh. But from where? He turned, his mind registering the source. Standing before him was a tall hooded figure. It stood holding his aunt unconscious upon his shoulder. "You have proven quite difficult to find Artemis." His voice was smooth and menacing; like a nightmare wrapped in silk. "Let her go!" Artemis screamed defiantly staring into the eyes of this unimaginable monster that had haunted his nightmares for so long.

Artemis lunged to his right; trying to grab the sword that lay just beyond the reach of his slender fingers. He fell short; his slender framed folding under the weight of the monster's boot. Laughter filled the empty air around him. "Where is Julian child? Where is the Hero of Oakvale, when his son's life is so close to being snuffed out?" Artemis's eyes filled with unwanted tears as his thoughts cried out for help. "Sleep child. Sleep until that all you love in this world has withered and died. Sleep child. Sleep." The world around him grew foggy until he slipped into a dreamless slumber; the sound of malicious laughter resounding like a dark lullaby.

Thanks for reading. Please review. This is my very first fanfic and I can't get better without input from you. And please check out the fanfics written by my sister Mira Noel. Thanks again, Sayonara, watashi no yujin. ^^