For a long time, players in Destiny 2 have loved the emote “Faithful Companion”. It was already known to be special, but now the background of this story has become even more emotional. It tells of Cristian, probably the bravest boy in the Destiny community, his dog buddy Artemis, and how their friendship will now be immortal thanks to Bungie.
The story of Cristian is tragic and emotional at the same time, and from now on, with the help of the Bungie Foundation and the Make-A-Wish organization, it will be immortalized in Destiny 2.
What story is it? Cris was born with a rare genetic disorder. He had his first operation when he was 17 days old, and from then on he spent a large part of his childhood in and out of the hospital.
Even after a kidney transplant, Cristian’s path to recovery is still very long and arduous. He himself says that he often “reached a point where I believed no one could reach me anymore.”
No one, except for his dog Artemis.
A friend in dark times: Artemis, Cristian’s dog, was there in the darkest hours of his illness, when he himself no longer believed in hope, cheering him up every day with a smile and a wagging tail. This may not be a particular challenge for a dog, but “dogs are more than what they seem,” Cris explains.
That’s why Cristian’s greatest wish was that his dog Artemis, he, and what their friendship stands for, would never be forgotten.
“[Artemis] made me feel that the world wasn’t that bad. He is more than a dog, he is my best friend, he is my buddy.”
Cris explains in a Bungie video
Bungie honors true friendship with a monument in Destiny 2
Destiny 2 has long been a game that stands for unity and friendship. Players team up with friends, perhaps even make new ones, and play a bit. Cristian’s experience was no different, as he recounts in Bungie’s YouTube video.
That’s why it was wonderful that the developer of Destiny 2 has now fulfilled his special request.
Destiny is not just a game for me; it has taught me a lot. […] I remember [raids, dungeons, and trials], all these things, and that’s because of the people I’ve met along the way, and I feel that no other game except Destiny has been able to do that. […]
Cris talks about his experiences in Destiny 2 via YouTube
What has Bungie integrated into the game for Cris? Bungie initially designed the emote “Faithful Companion” for Cristian’s dog Artemis, making him immortal in Destiny 2.
But Cristian himself is also immortalized in the space shooter. Bungie has integrated him into the Sparrow lore “Mind-Chart”.
The story of the two now serves as a representative for the tale of a special Guardian, which is about “resilience, recovery, and triumph that was only made possible by the Destiny community and his dog Artemis”.
“Whatever it is, we will handle it together,” said Prime-40. “Same as always.” Artemis huffed contentedly, lay down, and crossed his front paws protectively over Prime-40’s boots. The two gazed out over the plain, waiting together for what would come next.
Excerpt from the Destiny 2 lore “Mind Chart”
Make-A-Wish fulfills such special wishes: This action was made possible through the collaboration of the Bungie Foundation with Make-A-Wish. For over 20 years, the game developer has been working together to bring joy to children.
To date, Bungie has already fulfilled over 350 children’s wishes, including Cris’s.
However, Cris’s wish is somehow a bit special, as it not only highlights his story but also makes a loyal soul immortal forever. Who wouldn’t wish that for their beloved furry friend?
- Every player in Destiny 2 can now purchase Cris’s dog “Artemis” as the emote “Faithful Companion” to donate for a good cause, and then pet him in-game again and again.
- Bungie has also dedicated its own lore to Cris (aka Prime-40) and Artemis, which tells about the special friendship between the two.
- Additionally, there is a cute plush toy of Artemis that Bungie sells in its store.
- As a bonus, every purchase of this or any other item from the Bungie Foundation in the Bungie Store includes the new “Side by Side” emblem.
Where can one get the items and articles? You can purchase Artemis’s emote in the game at Tess-Eververse in the shop for 1,000 Silver. Silver is the real money currency of Destiny 2, with 1,000 Silver costing about €9.99. However, you need to be quick; the emote is only available until the end of Season 17.
The Artemis plush toy “Artemis Plush from Prime-40” is only available through the Bungie Store, currently priced at €34.00.
Every purchase is for a good cause: Players who buy the emote or the Artemis plush at Bungie actively help fulfill more wishes for children like Cristian. Bungie will direct 100% of the proceeds from these sales directly to the Bungie Foundation.
What do you think of Cris’s wish and especially how do you like Artemis in Destiny 2? Have you perhaps already purchased the emote and petted Artemis? Would you, like Cris, have come up with the idea of using your wish to immortalize your loyal friend in a video game? Feel free to leave us your thoughts in the comments.
