WARNING: I DON'T OWN ARTEMIS FOWL. I don't own anything here except the plot and my two characters Diana O'Carroll and Alexander Burke. Heads up. The stories teen rated for a reason.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: So this is my first Fowl story. Thank you so much for clicking and reading! =) I know the chapter's long...I just wanted to test how this story would go. If it's bad, be honest. Please. If it's good please tell me. Thanks!

Note: This is right after the Opal Deception. Holly just left LEP and Fowl has his memories back.

"…there is no difference between men in intelligence or race, so profound as the difference between the sick and the well." –F. Scott Fitzgerald

I hate that quote. I hate it because it is true, Fitzgerald speaks the truth. I know this well for my name is Diana.

Diana O'Caroll. Newly made mulit-millionaire all at the age of fifteen…and newly discovered tragedy.

I am running out of time.

My fingers hovered over the keys. I was still unsure of what to include in the journal entry. I decided to postpone the activity till later. I closed my laptop just as my best friend and personal bodyguard Alex came in the room. Alexander Burke, or Alex for short, was my longtime friend. He was three years older than me, a recent graduate from his bodyguard school. If I had to choose a word to describe Alex it would be cocky. Unfortunately even though he is annoyingly confident he has the skills to support his ego. He was trained by his father, a marine, for three years before the man died. He had a natural athletic ability; he just exceled at all types of sports.

"You know, just because your parents are out doesn't mean you can stay up all night you know," he says with a grin.

I smiled back, "Oh, look who's talking." He put a hand on my shoulder and spun me around.

"Yeah, but I'm not the one who has to present to a few hundred stuck-ups tomorrow," he said as he pulled me up. I sighed and obediently rose. I trotted over to my room and plopped down upon my mattress. It sank under my weight, the springs beneath the cloth creaking. Alex followed me into my room and rapped the door with his knuckle.

"You don't need to get my attention Alex. You already stick out like a sore thumb with that hair of yours," I said while burying myself into my blankets. I turned my head to face him and he was leaning against the door frame with his arms folded and a pout on his face.

"You're just jealous of my perfect hair," he said while he ran his hand through his locks. I snorted. His hair was…unique to say the least. His hair was fluffy on top and tapered down his neck into a long thin tail sectioned off by a lapis lazuli hair clip…which of course clashed with his hair color. His current hair color was a fire truck red, bright enough that you could shine a light on it and be blinded. Needless to say, his appearance was rather striking and memorable.

"Yeah, I totally wish to look as if my head was on fire. That's just my everyday wish Alex," my sarcasm was thick enough you could've gotten a knife and sliced through it. He stuck his tongue out immaturely at me. I rolled my eyes, "Oh real mature."

"Shut up and go to sleep Diana," Alex said with a laugh. "Nighty-night!" he said with childish glee. He flipped the light switch and the room was covered in darkness. The door closed with a click and his soft footfalls could be heard retreated into the back. No doubt he was going to do his nightly perimeter search and then double check all the security measures. I stifled a yawn into my hand and winced as my throat began to burn. My eyes watered at the sensation and I took a sip of the glass nearby my bed. The liquid cooled the pain, dulling the edge to it but not enough. I curled back under my covers and placed the heating pack upon my throat.

It was going to be a long night.

I groaned as the light burst through the curtain and pierced the welcoming darkness of sleep. My bed bounced and I felt a hand clamp down upon my arm. "Heyo Diana!"

I curled into a ball and tried to wrench my arm away from the bubbly assailant. "It's currently too early. Remove yourself from my domain and excuse yourself quietly so that I may sleep on. Thank you," I said with a little venom in my voice. I wrapped a pillow around my head only to have it stolen from me. The blankets were removed not long after and the cold prickled my skin. I shivered.

"Okay, first off. Nobody but stuck up prigs use that fancy wording in this early in the morning. Secondly, it's noon. You have three hours until you have to present so being the nice guy I am I figured I should get you out of bed before you're late."

My eyes flew open at the mention of the time. I looked straight into Alex's brilliant teal eyes and I felt my breath escape. You know, that was always one of things I was so jealous of. His eyes were such a beautiful color while mine were just a dull and muddy hazel. I tabled the thought for later as Alex repeated the time. "Its noon you lazy bum. Twelve o'clock in the afternoon," he enunciated slowly.

I sighed and dragged myself out of bed. A dull throbbing sensation started in my head and I groaned. Headache. Alex backed away, giving me room to get ready. I stood up and stretched. I hobbled over to the bathroom and pushed open the door. MS. AAR, short for Moving Service All Around Robot, was already in the restroom and was holding clothes, a glass of spring water, and four bottles on a tray. The little robot, VBU (Short for Voice Box Unit), which was perched upon MS. AAR's, shoulder spoke. "Good morning Ms. O'Carroll. Today MS. AAR has fetched your fine garments for your presentation. She has also brought your daily does of medication. Will you be taking your medication now or should MS. AAR place them on the breakfast table next to your food?"

Good MS. AAR.

"I will be taking them now VBU," I said as I reached for the water. I scooped up the bottles into my hands and poured out the correct dosage. I popped them into my mouth and took a swig of the water, eager to get it over with. I dropped the cup back upon the tray and waved my hand towards her dismissively. MS. AAR placed the garments on the table next to a fluffy towel and retreated from the room. I stripped out of my tank top and sweat pants, dropping them into the laundry hamper nearby. I tapped the panel next to my bathtub, setting the temperature of the water and the type of soap I would be using. Cinnamon and vanilla was my favorite so naturally that was the one my device recommended to me. No surprise when I chose it. Within the minute the bath was filled with warm water, just hot enough that I could sit in it comfortably. I sank into the water, letting the wash soak into my skin and repair the damage I had done to it. After about a half hour I crawled out drying myself down. I wrapped myself up in a robe and looked at the dress MS. AAR had selected. It was a maroon silk dress with an off the shoulder look and a simple sliming design. Attached to the outfit was the long hair extensions would apply and a hair clip embedded with blood red garnets. I looked at the dress with a twisted expression. I was startled by a laugh. I turned and glared at Alex.

"You seriously need to work on facial expressions," he said with a wide smile. Then he tacked on, "I swear, you have to be like the only rich girl on this planet that can't stand dress, jewelry, and high heels but loves parties."

I shrugged, "In parties I get connections, money, ideas. This," I said with obvious scorn as I picked at the cloth. "This thing offers me nothing of value except appearances. It's not comfortable in the least, it has barely modest features to it, and it makes running almost impossible. If I ever got attacked while in a dress I would die within the minute," I reasoned to him. He just rolled his eyes. He's heard the excuses at least a dozen times before.

"Just hurry on down okay?" He started closing the door but before he fully closed the door he stuck his head back through the doorway. "Oh, by the way, you should tighten that belt," Alex told me as he closed the door. I looked down at the belt and noticed the knot had become slack, causing the robe to gape open to a dangerous degree. I glanced at the dress and then back at the falling clothes. Then I quickly twisted the knot and pulled the toweling fabric closer to my skin. I can put the outfit on later I reasoned.

I headed downstairs and into the dining room. Alex was already by the seat taking sips of his early morning coffee…or three. Thank goodness he only drank decaf; I would honestly hate to see him with that much caffeine. "So, you ready to tell me how you're feeling today or are we postponing the early morning love fest?" Alex said while he raised his eyes to look into mine. Even though his tone was lighthearted his words and facial expression showed the deeper meaning behind the question.

"No food first?" I ask as innocently as I could. Alex rolled his eyes and just returned to nursing his drink. I sat in my seat, the velvet cushion sinking under my weight. A small screen popped up before me the moment the seat registered pressure. The screen had two things upon it, a question and a blinking cursor.

What would you like for breakfast today?

I tapped my favorite, French toast, bacon, eggs, and a cup of orange juice. Alex raised an eyebrow at my choice but wisely remained silent. He watched as MS. AAR brought out my food and his eyes followed my hand as I took the first bite of the French toast. He knew that I hated when he did that.

"Will you stop that?" I snapped at him.

"Nope, not until I don't have to worry."

"Don't need to," I said smartly.

He ignored the response and asked, "You going to answer the question now?"

I sighed and put down my fork. "Yes, I feel fine. It hasn't acted up."

"Well, that's good. I highly doubt it's going to stay that good because of that," he pointed at my palette of unhealthy choices, "but it's comforting to know it hasn't started today."

"I took the medication already. You're freaking out over nothing."

"Yeah like the nothing you're currently wearing," he said while tugging at the sleeve of the robe.

"It's not nothing, it is a robe."

"Yeah and it's something you should be wearing around a guy," Alex counters.

I leveled a look at Alex and asked with a sweet voice, "What guy?" His face twisted and I laughed. "Fine you paranoid brute, I'll put on the dress." I got up and kissed his cheek while I passed. I skipped up the steps to my room.

I stood in front of my door, leaning against the wall, trying to pull in air. I should not be this wiped from skipping up a few steps. This is pathetic.

Thud.

Footsteps. My gaze flew to the staircase as I dragged myself forward. No way in hell was I letting Alex see me like this. I pushed the door open and stumbled inside. Once the door closed I vowed that I would practice later and work out. A few seconds after the door closed a tapping sound came through it.

"You okay?"

"I'm okay," I said. I cursed the fact that I still sounded out of breath and worn. There was silence for a moment.

"Do you have the dress on?"

"No," I replied. I propelled myself off of the door, tilted unsteadily on my feet, and headed closer to the dress. I grabbed the hem and pulled it off of the hanger. It fell to a heap upon the floor.

"Should I get MS. AAR to help?" Alex asked. I didn't miss the slight hesitation in his voice.

"I'm okay for the dress," I said. I shed the robe and donned the dress. It was a simple zip-down step in. Simple and easy…except for the fact that I couldn't reach all the way to the top. I debated foolishly going out there half zipped because of my pride or actually admitting that I needed help. I mulled over it and then sighed. "Never mind. Can I have help?"

"Oh now you get over it."

I blushed. Alex knew me too well. "Shut up."

He chuckled and then pushed the door open. There was a slight gasp. I whirled around to see Alex holding the door open with one outstretched hand and his face cast to the floor. His cheeks were the tinted red. I looked down at myself. I wasn't that exposed. In fact I was less exposed then when I had been wearing the robe except he saw a little bit more of my lower back. I smiled at Alex.

"Didn't know you had a back fetish," I said. Alex didn't look up and just covered his mouth with his other hand. I was about to add another comment and tease him. Luckily for him MS. AAR rolled through the doorway saving him from answering. The moment MS. AAR made it through the door Alex slammed the door shut. Maybe I shouldn't have teased him like that.

I shrugged as MS. AAR came over and zipped up the dress. She moved around attaching the hair extensions to my hair, adding about a foot to it. She deftly wound my hair into a crown and clipped it in place with the garnet clip. I twirled in front of the mirror as went to gather some things. The dress was heavy and only flared out slightly. I frowned. Well at least I will look impressive to my sponsors. MS. AAR came back with something in her hands. I looked at it and groaned.

Why had people crafted high-heels?

I grimaced as my feet absorbed the shock from landing too hard on the heel of the shoe. Alex who was supporting my arm looked at me knowingly. "You know I think MS. AAR hates you."

"That's illogical. First reason is because MS. AAR is a robot. She has no emotions. Secondly I programmed her. Even if she miraculously gained feelings, which is highly improbable mind you, she would feel grateful towards me," I said through gritted teeth. Alex looked at me with a slight smirk.

"Sure, whatever you say kiddo," he said. After one moment of eye contact his eyes snapped back to watching the crowd and searching for anything that could harm me. I didn't continue our conversation thread; it would distract Alex and I would prefer not to die, thank you very much. I started heading towards the front but was constantly being stopped by attendees of the party. Names and titles were thrown at me along with congratulations or condolences. Mr. Colfer, a world renowned author, Ms. Widow, a famously wealthy singer, Mr. Stark, a rather brilliant man, Dr. Po, a renowned phycologist, the list was endless. Only one name caught my eye, a youngster who had refused my offer countless times. I stood in front of the slim, pale boy dressed in a finely tailored midnight black suit. I say boy because he had not yet reached age fifteen.

Artemis Fowl. A genius child rumored to have the highest IQ since Einstein. They say he is one of the only people who could ever match my intelligence. That's where the similarities end however. Artemis Fowl had inherited a fortune, was rumored to be knee-deep in his father's old business, and most importantly he was not dying.

I grounded my teeth at the last thought. I stopped comparing us and looked to Artemis' follower.

Behind him stood a towering man, near seven feet, with a glare that could freeze most in their tracks. I assumed it must be the man they referred to as Butler.

I smiled at Artemis and held my hand out.

"Hello Artemis Fowl. It's a pleasure to meet you."

He took my hand but did not return my smile. "Likewise," he responded. I highly doubted it but did not comment. I looked into his icy blue eyes and felt a shiver run down my back. His eyes told me he was not here for a friendly gathering. He had other intentions that were hidden in those dark eyes. Intentions that I did not know if I would enjoy or revile.

"So, what brought you to my gala after refusing my offer so many times before?" I kept my mouth in a picturesque smile, a so sweet sight that caused many to question the bite in the words. Alex's squeezed my arm in warning. He knew this was not the normal senseless greeting. Every word exchanged here had another meaning besides its face value and mine were dipping dangerously close to war words.

"My schedule finally permitted such pleasantries, that's all. I meant no offense by refusing those previous offers, Diana O'Carroll," Artemis answered.

I smiled, not buying his excuse at all. However if he wished to continue with the pleasantries I will indulge in his whims gladly. He was by no means poor and could fund the projects I have been working on easily.

"Please, no need for formalities Fowl. Just call me Diana," I did a small wave with my hand, "and I apologize if my words came across accusatory. I meant no such thing. I was merely pleased to have such a distinguished guest attending."

His lips tightened and I felt as if he saw my every thought. He knew my play but I did not yet know his. So let's fish, shall we?

"Will you be staying for my auction or will you only be listening to my presentation?" I asked with a polite tone.

"Ah I don't think I will be able to stay for the entire auction, I have some pressing matters to attend to later."

"What type of matters are we speaking of?"

"Ah, nothing that need concern you."

Basically he wanted me to shove off. I considered pressing the matter but Alex's grip told me not to. I had a feeling the seven foot man that was guarding Artemis helped his decision slightly. So I let go of the matter, even though my mind warned against it. Perhaps I would come to regret that decision. "I apologize Mr. Fowl but I must be going. My presentation is going to begin soon and I must prepare for it," Alex started to head away. I turned around and said one last thing to him, "I do hope you find it interesting and invest some of those riches Mr. Fowl."

Alex tugged more insistently on my arm, causing me to stumble. I narrowly avoided falling because of Alex's arm. I still gave him a good glare. He didn't care.

"What the hell are you doing Diana?" he hissed. He didn't look down at me; he was still looking out for threats. Perhaps even more intensely than before considering what I had just done. "You know better than I do the Fowl lineage is rumored to have criminal ties. Why are you dancing with the devil?"

"Life is to have fun Alex. Loosen up."

"Fun and baiting a lion are two different things to me," Alex grounded out. "You are putting your life on the line for fun?"

My life is already on the line.

I considered saying it but I decided it to be to cruel. The moment we got through the crowd and to the back I pulled on his arm. He didn't turn around immediately. He checked for hidden attackers and traps first. Once he decided it was safe he looked towards me. "What?" he snapped out.

"I didn't just poke at Fowl for fun. He's here for a reason. I know somethings up."

"You're paranoid Diana! He came neutral and you fired shots!"

"No. Did you see his eyes?"

Alex ran his hands through his hair, frustrated. "Whatever."

"Tell me Alex. Tell me this isn't weird to you in the least. I'm holding a gala to present the most renowned artist's artworks in a charity auction and reveal some of my plans for inventions and suddenly Artemis Fowl, the famous child criminal genius shows up at my door. Tell me that isn't weird in the littlest bit to you." I folded my arms, waiting for his answer.

He sighed and ran his hand through his hair again. "Maybe. But…just. Agh." He threw his hands up. "Fine. He's up to something. Just please don't get yourself in the middle of it."

He looked at me his eyes pleading. "I might not have a choice Alex."

Alex closed his eyes and bit his lip. "Just get ready," he said sharply. Then he dug in his pocket and pulled out a contact case. He waved it at me. "Put yours on." He handed the white container to me and I quickly applied the contacts to my eyes. They were inventions I had made two years ago. They were messengers. They would interpret a unique wave pattern. Each message had a different wave which the contact would translate into words on the screen and display it on the right corner of you vision. It could reach someone from over a mile away. Then Alex attached a bracelet to my wrist. It was smoke bombs. You broke the strand and dropped a bead onto the ground. The force of impact would cause the bead to explode and blind the enemy giving me time to escape. Then he clipped two stud earrings to my ear. Simple button cameras. Lastly he clipped a ruby pendant necklace. A dose of medicine to induce a death like state. It would wear off in two cases, when a charge of a noise is played at the exact volume or after five hours. He stepped back and held out his hand. I took it. "Let's get this over with shall we?"

The light blinded me for a moment and then my eyes settled. Crowds of people milled to and fro beneath us. Colors of all types decorated the floor, it was a mini-whirlwind of color. I felt a slight squeeze in my chest and a jittery, almost high like sensation. I looked at Alex and he let me go to the microphone in the center of the stage. He stood not two feet away from me, hidden in the shadow of the curtain. I tapped the mike to gather everybody's attention. Two dull thuds reverberated through the hall and soon I had hundreds of faces focused on mine. "Hello to everyone. I'm very glad that you could all attend today," I started. "As many of you know, I am Diana O'Carroll, your hostess. If you didn't know that, well I probably didn't invite you." A small mummer of uncertain laughter passed through the gaggle. "I'm up here to pitch my ideas to you and garner funds for my projects. Let's start the show shall we?" I raised an eyebrow and the entire hall went dark. Gasps echoed sharply in the humungous area. Then the wall behind me lit up and displayed my companies' logo. A woman cupping the Earth in her hands. "Many of you know how many industries we are in. Technology, automobiles, protection, toys, and a newly founded medicine section." I tapped the panel on the wall, changing the screen's display. It now showed my plan to include in cars. "NWFCS. Never Walk Far Car Support is a brand new piece of technology that we would place inside a car and allow a car to come to you with only the push of a button. It would sense where objects are using sonar and would be in touch with the traffic lights. You wouldn't get a ticket if your car was summoned from far away." Several sounds of amazement and appreciation went through the audience. I rolled my eyes. I had invented this and programmed it in my car years ago. Along with auto drive, a system that drove for you should you ever get weary. These inventions I was presenting was years old. It was never good to reveal your best to the world. You should always have something up your sleeve. I clicked to the next panel that displayed the amount of funds I would need for testing, the projected amount it would be to put on a car, and the amount of time it would take for the product to be put through testing. I felt an odd sensation in my chest. I gritted my teeth and bore through it. "This is the projected amounts I would need from generous sponsors, such as yourself, to undergo this momentous task."

Hey, it never hurt to butter up the crowd a bit.

I opened my mouth to begin the next segment of my presentation and abruptly snapped it shut.

I felt a burning sensation in my throat and my mouth went dry.

No.

I felt the pain rack my body and my knees gave out from under me. My lungs closed in on itself and my mouth desperately tried to pull in air. I clawed at my chest and throat trying to open up something so I could breathe. I started hacking. I covered my mouth as liquid sprayed out. A tangy iron taste filled my mouth. Blood.

Alex's hand was on my shoulder, his other hand digging through his jacket. I could faintly hear the crowd screaming and Alex repeating something.

"It's going to be okay."

Sure, if that's what you want to believe.

Then everything went dark.