"Wow, so I'm a big brother now

"Wow, so I'm a big brother now?" he asked dumbly.

"That's right, Artemis. I heard that they are quite a handful," Butler answered.

Artemis slumped into the closest recliner and began messaging his temple with the tips of his fingers. He tried to think of a way to tell his parents that after three years, their missing son had suddenly reappeared. At least his didn't have to explain the fairies, thanks to Butler.

"Maybe I should contact you parents so you can explain how you came back in you own words," he suggested.

"Sooner or later, right, my old friend?" Artemis replied.

Butler handed his young master a cell phone with the Fowl Manor's number already dialed. Artemis began to panic when it continued to ring. Thinking that no one would answer, he began to hang up when a man's voice came through the speaker.

"Fowl residents, Artemis Senior speaking," it said almost tonelessly.

"Father, it's me, Artemis," he answered in a surprisingly steady tone for someone telling their parents how they are no longer missing.

PAUSE

"Good Heavens! Is it really you, Arty? Are you really talking to me?" Artemis Senior asked in disbelief.

"Yes, Father, it is I."

"So Butler was telling the truth about all this fairy nonsense?" he dropped his voice to a whisper when the word fairy came up.

"Who are you talking to, dear?" came a beautiful voice from the back round that Artemis new too well. His mother.