An Internal Journey

The journey starts with a step into a vast wilderness. It's bright as he passes under the deep green branches, though the air holds a crisp quality. Not much time passes before he is standing at a pristine pond. As he looks at the water, it becomes murkier the deeper it reaches. He dips a claw in, sending ripples radiating out. Moving images flit across the water - memories of Artorius as a kit. He smiles sadly; he knows that this isn't what he's here for. Taking a deep breath, Artorius plunges himself into the depths of the pond... and emerges on the other side.

This forest is foreboding, with twisted trees and hardly any light to be seen. It closes in around him, causing his heart to flutter in his chest. All at once, a number of shadows surge at him. They fasten themselves to him, dragging him down to the ground and turning his blue coat black. Despair threatens to consume him as dark memories flood his consciousness.

Rather than panicking as he has done many times before, Artorius takes a calming breath.

You have no power over me, he intones. He closes his eyes. I accept what has happened to me.

A bright light pierces through the darkness. The shadows melt away, for that's all they were - shadows.

Artorius takes a deep breath and opens his eyes. He is greeted by the comforts of his home, and a feeling of weightlessness.

I have finally healed.