There was a Girl—An Artemis Fowl FanFiction
A/N: Forgive my crappy writing. Read and review! (I don't really mind flames, so criticize all you want!)
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the world of Artemis Fowl. Copyright goes to Eoin Colfer.
Chapter One
***
11:24 AM; New York City, Unites States; Manhattan Streets
Artemis Fowl was not in a good mood.
He was currently in New York, trapped in the city's infamous traffic. Normally, he wouldn't have minded. But what would have gotten to be a perfect business deal in the New York black-market had been suddenly cut off, from no other than Artemis Fowl Senior himself. He wanted little Arty back home straight away, for a little "talk," in which the boy would be extremely interested in. Inwardly, Artemis snorted. Whatever this talk was about, there was no way he could be interested whatsoever.
Butler frowned as he felt his charge's impatience radiating from every pore. Whenever Master Artemis was in a bad mood, the victims were usually whoever were around him. And more often than not, this was Butler.
The suffocating tension was broken when a commotion happened on the other side of the street. People were leaping aside and scattering, as something small and white flashed by, followed by about seventeen burly men with the typical bodyguard attire. Artemis found his attention reluctantly wavering towards it. The white thing turned out to be a person, although it was moving too fast to see its gender. It flashed past the car, leaving the people jumping out of the way for the thundering bodyguards. For a moment, there was silence. Then Artemis smiled. It was the first one Butler had seen all day.
"Butler, go park at the corner, would you? I need some air."
When you're running away from a bunch of loan sharks who had followed you across two continents in about 59 hours, the best thing to do is never run, or even walk remotely fast while in New York City. Especially when about twenty men resembling shaved gorillas in black suits are chasing you.
Yet, unfortunately, this was exactly what Aya proceeded to do as one of the said gorillas spotted her. It would have been smarter to have stayed put, but hey, she was a human being, and as such, she had full legal right to panic.
So yes, she started to run, dodging hot dog stands and model-like women in extremely insensible shoes. The gorillas didn't even bother to avoid said things, and either overturned them or caused the women to squeal. A healthy distraction to provide her a quick getaway.
She ran as fast as she could, and on bare feet, too. Her white sandals were barely in the condition to let her run.
Suddenly, her foot caught on a piece of uneven pavement. She stumbled, and nearly flew about two feet before something solid crashed into her.
The thing was solid enough to cause her to black out for a few seconds, before she slowly drifted back into consciousness. She suddenly felt suffocated, as if something was pressing into her gut. She slowly opened her eyes.
There, lying on top of her, was a boy. Their position was very compromising, but that wasn't the worst. She inwardly cursed as she realized said boy was wearing a black Armani suit. A rich pretty boy, most likely an heir to a big company, and who was probably going to sue her for this. Then she looked at his face.
"Oh shit…"
Of all the people she could crash into, why the hell was it Artemis Fowl?!
5:45 PM; Dublin, Ireland; Fowl Manor
Domovoi Butler was a man who had seen many things. He had been placed in life threatening situations more than once, and what most people thought came out of books or movies was part of his every day life. Yet what happened today was beyond shocking.
He had to agree that life was not a movie. Especially one of those cheap, romances that forced vomit up his throat every time he (somehow) watched it (yes, he did enjoyed romances, but they had to be one of those well made comedies by an established director, not one of those soap operas where the main character often swoons). But when a girl running away from big burly men just happens to bump into one of the richest heirs in Europe, and then just happen to be placed in an extremely awkward position, you could say that he called for the nearest bucket.
Artemis was looking rather dazed. Butler couldn't help but give a small smile. This was the first time his charge had ever experienced any form of intimacy with a female (besides his mother and Holly, who didn't count), and while most boys his age was drooling after girls in bikinis, Artemis was locked up in his room, solving the universe's mysteries, and interacting with a species that wasn't even supposed to exist.
They arrived at the study of Artemis Fowl Senior. His son, Arty number 2, gave a deep breath before knocking on the great wooden door. A voice boomed, "Come in!"
The head of the Fowl Empire was casually dressed in a polo shirt and, (if you would believe it) jeans. His robotic leg was hidden by the denim, while his hair was mussed up in the "new style." All in all, he would have looked twenty if not for his wrinkles and graying hair.
His son was a striking contrast. Raven black hair was gelled back, revealing a wide forehead containing an impossibly genius brain inside. A stiff Armani suit with loafers hid a frail frame, and his brilliant blue eyes were made even more bright and blue with his pale skin and high cheekbones. It would have been a good looking face, attractive to adolescent females going through puberty, if not for the heavy creases between his brows. Just by that, you could tell this was not an easy teenager to be messing with.
"You called me, Father?"
The man nodded somewhat distractedly. "Yes, yes. Come in, both of you. Sit down, Artemis."
They both obeyed. Butler remained standing behind his charge, who was seated in an exquisite velvet armchair.
"Artemis, I was somewhat…disappointed, today, after hearing that you were dealing in the black-market again. I thought we had a deal, son. Ever since I was discharged from the hospital, you were sneaking around behind my back, doing things you promised never to do again. I know it's hard on you to have your father change in such a quick amount of time, but I thought you would at least try to join me. I asked you to become a hero. Where is this cooperation I expected?"
The boy remained stoic, but Butler knew the turmoil going inside of him. His father was the boy's idol, and receiving such a comment from him was like Butler getting his graduation tattoo lasered off by Madame Ko.
"Artemis, this simply can't go on. I promised myself and your mother that if you kept out of trouble, I would let you stay home from St. Bartelbys. I broke that promise about fifteen times before today, Arty. Your mother and I discussed it today, and we've made the decision. You're going back to school."
His son widened his eyes. "But, Father! You've never given me a single warning, a single comment to—"
"You should have noticed."
The boy fell silent. Artemis Fowl Senior got up from his chair and started pacing.
"I expected more from you, Arty. You should have noticed myself checking up on every single deal you made with those crooked businessmen, and you should have noticed that was my warning to you. I asked you to join me on the road to be a hero. You disappointed me. However, because you are my son, I've decided to give you another chance. You will not be attending St. Bartelbys. I've seen that you're too high in level for that kind of school, so you'll be attending Griffin Academy. This is the elite of the elite, and they have a library, a lab, and enough computers to even satisfy you. This is not an all boys school, unfortunately, but you can't have everything. We'll be going there for a tour on Saturday, for formalities sake, so make some time. Oh, and this school allows bodyguards. They'll be sleeping in a different buildings, eating in separate rooms, and they can't go to class with their charges, but the rest of the time, you'll be able to see Butler."
Artemis mutely nodded. His father looked down at him and smiled. "I'm sorry, Artemis, but this is for your own good. Please don't disappoint me."
The boy looked down at his hands. The fingers were perfectly manicured and looked like they belonged to a pianist. Perhaps they were perfect for drumming out Chopin or Vivaldi, but useless in manual labor. He slowly clenched them into fists. Even if his hands were useless, he most definitely would not be! Artemis looked up to his father with determined eyes.
"You have my word."
The man smiled. Artemis's word was good enough for him.
12:30 AM; New York City, United States; SoHo
Aya had found refuge at her aunt's small apartment. The men had grown tired of chasing her, although they must have put her under surveillance, since every now and then, she could still see a shadow lurking around the building. However, they weren't stupid enough to raid a building filled with American occupants. The States simply didn't work that way. One little racket, and off they went to the police.
She was currently in her cousin's room, staring at a little white envelope. This was it. Inside that envelope was a one way ticket to heaven or hell. If she was accepted, the loan sharks wouldn't dare to follow her. If not, then heaven help her. She slowly picked it up, and read the miniscule writing at the upper corner.
Griffin Academy, Dublin, Ireland
She knew it was insane of her to apply for a scholarship in one of the most elite schools in the world, but if she did get in, that would be enough for the loan sharks to get off her back. And there was a good 50% that she'd get in. She wasn't a genius, but she wasn't a stupid moron either. Taking a deep breath, she slowly slit it open. Out dropped a letter and a large slip of paper. With trembling hands, she unfolded the former, and let her eyes scan over the page.
Dear Miss Bertrand,
With much consideration, we are pleased to inform you that you've been accepted into Griffin Academy (here, Aya gave a shriek of joy). Please be informed that school semester begins on September 3rd, at 4:30 pm sharp. As you are a scholarship student depending on us for financial needs, we have included a flight ticket, scheduled for September 2nd, 1:30 pm. Your flight number is IL241, and an attendant has been instructed to assist you. Please do not be late. You will arrive at around 9:30 in the evening. A member of the school staff will be waiting for you. She will hand you the rest of the information required for the Academy. Thank you, and good luck.
Sincerely,
Professor Geoffrey Bostwick, Headmaster
Aya dropped the letter. A slow grin spread over her face as her heart pounded. She picked up the paper, read it over at least five times, then yelled, "Aunt Kate! Kayla! I'm in!"
2:20 PM; The Outskirts of Dublin, Ireland; Griffin Academy; Headmaster's Office
The headmaster of Griffin Academy was an exquisitely patient man, during normal circumstances. For instance, refusing to let his spoiled nephew have another cookie before dinner, despite all his "pretty pleases" was what he called normal. What was incredibly not normal was the situation at hand.
Three profiles lay in front of him. One was of an heir to an extremely dangerous criminal empire, the other was for the successor of a financial business that controlled most of Eurasia. Then there was the scholarship student who could be a bad influence to the students. Talk about stress.
The man sighed and ran his hands over his bald head. Having two of the most powerful teenagers in the world, as well as one of them being a genius, was enough to make him want to have a nervous breakdown. He sighed again, before reading the profiles once more.
-Name: Artemis Fowl II
-Age: 15
-Grade: 2nd Year; High School
-Date of Birth: October 30th (1)
-Height: 5 ft, 10 in
-Weight: 120 lbs
-Gender: Male
-Health Problems: A slight allergy to dust mites
-Blood Type: AB
-Nationality: Irish
-IQ: 210 (2)
-Previous School: St. Bartleby's School for Boys
-Family Business: Business Marketing (3)
-Current Family: Artemis Fowl Senior (father), Angeline Fowl (mother)
-Bodyguard: Butler (front name is classified)
***
-Name: Aya Bertrand
-Age: 15
-Grade: 2nd year; High School
-Date of Birth: April 28th
-Height: 5ft 2 in
-Weight: 102 lbs
-Gender: Female
-Health Problems: Prone to collapse during stressful or distressing events; Underweight; Has fainted several times from overwork
-Blood Type: O
-Nationality: Japanese and French
-IQ: 150
-Previous School: Toyoshima Junior High
-Family Business: Aunt owns a dry cleaning store
-Current Family: Parents (deceased), Kate Bertrand (aunt), Kayla Bertrand (cousin)
-Bodyguard: None
***
-Name: Colin Brendon
-Age: 15
-Grade: 2nd year; High School
-Date of Birth: July 23rd
-Height: 6 ft
-Weight: 125 lbs
-Gender: Male
-Health Problems: None
-Blood Type: AB
-Nationality: Irish
-IQ: 156
-Previous School: Grangier Academy for Boys
-Family Business: Brendon Industries
-Current Family: Mark Brendon (father), Harper Brendon (mother), Adeline Brendon (sister)
-Bodyguard: Akira Osaka
One things was definite. He was going to have a nervous breakdown.
3:05 PM; Dublin, Ireland; Griffin Academy; Grounds
"And here we have the battlefield in which…"
Artemis rolled his eyes. Their "tour guide" who was also the history professor of this school, had been droning on and on about the school's historical landmarks. The child prodigy, on the hand, couldn't have cared less.
Artemis Senior, as if sensing his son's impatience, interrupted the lecture with, "Professor Bartley? Could you just show us the classrooms, since we have to be out of here as soon as possible. My son has already learned about the history of the school, so all you need to do is show us where the dormitories and the classrooms are located, since Arty doesn't know where those are, yet."
Actually, little Arty knew the entire blueprint of the school. He knew of places that even the teachers didn't know about, and also discovered the secret storage room of alcoholic beverages. Perhaps he could blackmail the headmaster with that.
9:30 PM; New York City, United States; New York Cleaners
"Thank you! Have a nice night!"
Aya sighed as the last customer left for the day. She never knew that a dry cleaning place could be so busy. But then again, these New York apartments could barely hold a washer. Perhaps she would own a cleaner in New York when she grew up.
She turned off the neon 'Open' sign, and took out most of the cash, leaving only a couple of dollars. These days, if you left a couple thousand dollars in a room protected only by a lock and a crappy security system, it would be gone by the next morning. Taking the money to the bank and depositing it was the safest thing you could do.
She closed the door behind her and locked it. The bank's lights were still on; hopefully, she could get it there before it closed.
She ran, trying not to bump into any old beggar or some homeless guy who would mug her the moment they locked eyes. New York was dangerous, especially in the evenings. And that was to grown men. To young girls roaming the streets at night, that was like an invitation for a rapist.
Once the money was safely deposited, Aya headed home. With only a week left until the start of semester, she was getting busier than usual. And with all the packing and getting school supplies and such, while working two jobs, she was exhausted. She only got three hours of sleep at night, and when she looked in the mirror, her face was getting gaunter. Oh well. Perhaps that face would wringe some pity from the students. She just hoped there wouldn't be any bullying.
She felt rather dizzy as the city lights came into view. Perhaps skipping a meal wasn't a good idea, not at her weight. People were mistaking her for anorexic, and just the other day, a richly dressed stranger had gone up to her to ask, "You eating okay, sweetie?" Figures. Rich people thought that poor commoners couldn't survive in this cruel, bleak world. Ha. Then why was she still alive?
She nearly crawled up the stairs. She was dead tired; with all the studying and the skipping meals and working, it was a wonder she didn't collapse.
The dizzy feeling came again. Aya clutched the hand rail, waiting for it to pass. Suddenly, her stomach heaved, and she felt like someone was hitting her gut and her head with a stone mallet. She felt herself falling, and an inky blackness surrounded. Her last conscious thought was, "What the hell!"
A/N: So, yes, this is the end of chapter one. I know the writing is crappy, but I would like any reviewer to point out my obvious mistakes, and flame all they want. I seriously need it. Also, I have a couple of notes to put here. So, forgive my endless droning, and read on.
-Artemis Fowl Book #5 (The Lost Colony) and Artemis Fowl Book #6 (The Time Paradox) never happened. Artemis has just recently turned fifteen.
-Artemis will somewhat lack his "cool, unsocial, genius" role in this story. I'm afraid only Eoin Colfer, the original genius, is the only person who can turn Artemis into a positive character while making his personality not so positive. So yes, this Artemis will throw temper tantrums, be pulled in by puberty, and have no idea what to in awkward situations.
(1)- Artemis's birthday. Is this correct? I just randomly made something up, so if you know the real date of his birthday, let me know.
(2)- His IQ points. Is 210 a bit much?
(3)- Business Marketing. Is his father into business marketing, because I have absolutely no clue.
Meanwhile, unrelated news:
-I'm starting school in a week. Yay! (I sound like a total nerd…but I can't help it. I'm sooooo bored. I want to see my friends!)
-Has anybody watched He Who Can't Get Married? A Korean drama? It is totally hilarious. Gotta watch it.
-While writing this, I have been listening to: Because I'm Human, by K; Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, and the theme song to Howl's Moving Castle. Bwahaha.
P.S. I apologize deeply for talking so much. I promise that in the next chapter, I will solemnly shut my mouth.
Best Wishes,
JL724