Disclaimer: Do you think I really own Artemis Fowl? Nuff said.
This was originally a Secret Santa for XxTotallyObsessedxX on the Orion Awards.
"Butler, do you believe this will go well?" Artemis Fowl asked his bodyguard.
"Of course, sir. This plan is foolproof. The future trade deals stemming from Russia will be more than lucrative enough to keep you in billionaire status for years."
"Not the voyage, Butler. Going straight. Is it even remotely possible that I, a Fowl, would be able to permanently remove myself from generations of crime?"
Though momentarily surprised that his charge would ask him such a personal question, the Major managed not to show it. "I believe that you are more than capable enough to…restrain yourself to more legitimate enterprises," As a risky afterthought, he added, "It will set a good example for your family."
Another person might have smiled in response, but Artemis merely nodded and replied, "Yes, I would certainly hope so."
A sound of thunder rocked the ship, as flames filled the air.
Pain. Dark. Cold. Terror. Unrecognizable voices filling the air. Confusion. Keep calm, Fowl, he thought to himself, as the haze around his mind slowly cleared. Analyze the situation. Without opening his eyes he could estimate that there were two, maybe three people in the house, speaking some foreign language. Judging by the lack of heating, foul odor, and uncomfortable bedding, they must not have had much money. At least not much that they would spend on him. An irritated yell broke his train of thought.
Russian. They were speaking Russian. It all made sense now. The pieces of information flew at him, where he was, who they were, what they wanted. But there was one single thought that overtook every cell in his brain, rattling him to the core, until it nearly drove him mad.
"ANGELINE!"
Zdravstvutye syn, the crudely made sign said. Hello son. So does this mean he will be getting the ransom note? It is terribly hard, Artemis pondered, to stay objective while thinking about these things. And the cold doesn't help.
It had deeply saddened him to find out that he was the only known survivor of the Fowl Star. Despite their formal relationship, he and the Major were truly close companions. In addition, the crew and other passengers did not deserve that terrible fate.
Even more shocking, though, was discovering that it had been an entire year since that tragic occurrence. He assumed, of course, that his wife and son believed that he had died. Did they still grieve over him? Stop asking silly questions. It doesn't make matters any better. Still, he could not shake off the hopeless feeling surrounding him.
Before he could ponder matters further, one of the Mafiya thugs gave him a sharp smack to the head. "Idiot, go back to the cabin before you freeze!" followed by a very insulting stream of Russian words.However, Artemis did not focus on the pain for too long, for what happened next was much more interesting.
"Mikhael, what the hell were you thinking!" the burly one murmured. Though he could barely hear what they were saying, Artemis listened intently.
"Oh, so now you're saying we can't even scare the prisoner a bit? It's not like he's made of glass…"
"I'd rather be safe, Besides, Britva doesn't want us injuring him…for now, at least."
The rest of the conversation was unintelligible, but he had gleaned some important information, the most important of which was that he was not to be harmed. Meaning that he could antagonize the two thugs to their breaking points, for the time being.
An unnoticeable smirk spread on Artemis Fowl's face. This should be entertaining.
This is my first real fic, so sorry if it's OOC. Constructive criticism is appreciated, and reviewers are granted my eternal gratitude. Thankees!