Disclaimer: I do not own any of this...except the computer im typing it up on, and Nutella. But that is besides the point of this Disclaimer...
P.S. If you took the time to read this, THANK U SOOO MUCH. Plus I'm not very happy with the title right now and if anyone suggests a better one I will be happy to oblige, but don't take it personally if I don't like your title!
Artemis ran his eyes over the computer screen, taking in the news with less enthusiasm than usual. (Which, as we all know, doesn't set the bar very high.) He sighed inwardly at the thought of his nemesis. (Every good Genius has to have one)He'd thought he was finished with her, but apparently not. Rereading the message on the screen, he converted it to memory, word for word, then completely deleted it, as if it had never been sent. Glancing one last time at the blinking red numbers on the clock, 11:57, he pushed himself out of his chair and made for the door.
Downstairs, Artemis walked into the kitchen, treading softly on the ground, as if he were a jungle cat, prowling along the forest floor in search of food. He quietly made himself a cup of tea, and was just sitting down to drink it-it helps him plot ideas for ingenious plans, and brainstorm various projects-when Butler waltzed into the room. Nodding in Artemis's direction, he took a seat at the other end of the table with a slight sigh. Artemis knew he should tell Butler the news, as it involved him as much as anyone else, but something told him not to, not yet anyways. Looking back up from his drink, he noticed Butler examining him, as if trying to read his thoughts.
"How are things going with you, Butler?" Artemis inquired, just to start conversation. Butler eyed him suspiciously before answering
"What's the matter?"
"Pardon?" Artemis feigned surprise but his bodyguard didn't fall for it.
"There's something on your mind Artemis." His reply was cool and even. "So what is it?"
Artemis sighed and gave into Butler's questions, knowing full well he would have to spit it out eventually.
"I just got a message from Foaly." Artemis began.
"I'm guessing it wasn't a friendly greeting." Butler raised an eyebrow, his full attention on his principle-well almost all his attention, I mean, He's still ready to attack any intruders at a moment's notice, and he's still listening for any resounding footsteps in the hallway, but other than that, yea..full attention-who was seemingly lost in thought.
"Hardly. It was a warning. Apparently the guards were slacking in Atlantis, because," He paused for a dramatic effect, and Butler leaned in a little, as if that would give him the answer faster. "Opal Koboi has escaped."
John sighed, dragging his feet dejectedly across the ground with each step. He felt the sharp pang of loss and the horribly familiar feeling of being completely alone, even with his many new friends. He heard the soft padding of feet and turned to see Bernie Kosar bounding up to him, his tongue lolling out of his mouth and flapping around in the wind.
"Hey BK" John said, feeling slightly more cheerful, and kneeled to pat BK on the head. He stood up and continued his walk, now joined by BK, who certainly seemed to be enjoying himself. That is until they got to the edge of a small clearing along the path. BK bounding up to John, and began growling, his muscles flexing as he sniffed the air to locate the unknown danger. He suddenly took off into the woods barking, with John quickly following behind, not sure what was going on, but one thing was clear, they were in danger. As BK rounded a bend, John heard him whimper, and stopped dead in his tracks. Slowly peeking his head around a large trunk of an oak tree, he could make out a girl with Olive colored skin and long black hair. He visibly relaxed and stepped fully around the bend, before once again stopping dead and staring at the strange sight before him. All of his friends were held by a seemingly invisible force, and they were all unconscious. John immediately knew he was dealing with something more powerful than even the Mogadorians. Taking a step back, he bumped into something small but solid, and turned to see a small figure, almost like a child. He hesitated for a brief moment, but by then it was too late, and he found himself held by various childlike figures, who obviously weren't human. Writhing and kicking, he struggled in their seemingly inhuman grip- and he was also inhuman so that says a lot-before he felt an all too familiar pinch, and his vision began to blur. 'Fight it' he screamed in his mind, but it was no use. His limbs refused to work with him, and his mind slipped slowly into blackness.