Disclaimer:

I do not own Artemis Fowl, and he is lucky that I don't. He would never be able to go out in public again.

Artemis was truly annoyed. The twins had spent the past half hour trying to convince him to steal him something from the wine cellar. They were positive that they could break the teenage genius, and persuade him to give them just a "little taste" as Myles called it. They told him that they were nearly eight, and so they were old enough to make their own decisions. They accused Artemis of "restricting their free will, and denying their rights." This, however, was not the annoying part. They had moved into a corner to prevent their quarry's escape, and were now directing full-force, twin puppy-eyes at him like laser beams.

"Oh, COME ON, Artemis! We know you can!"

"Yeah, Artemis! Don't you love us?"

"PLEASE, Arty?"

'I will not give in' thought Artemis, 'to my adolescent siblings!'

"PLEASE? Please, please, pretty please, with a cherry on top?"

Artemis nearly beat his head against the wall.

"No" moaned Artemis feebly.

'They are draining all of my strength slowly away.'

"…"

Suddenly, a noise cut through the awkward silence. Artemis's stolen L.E.P. walkie-talkie crackled with static. The trio glanced at it, lying inconspicuously on Artemis's desk.

"Artemis?" a feminine voice filled the room, "Its Holly. We need you outside in twenty."

Myles reached over and plucked it off of the aged wood. He stared at it for a moment, then at Artemis.

"Tell her you're not gonna make the appointment."

Artemis plucked the mobile device out of his brother's hand, and replied to Holly, "I will be there, but at current I am in a rather difficult situation. However, no assistance is required."

Holly laughed. "What is it this time; Russian mafia, or goblin gangs?"

Artemis smiled. "Neither. I am being held captive, but by my juvenile brothers."

On the other end, Holly smirked. "Yeah, ok. Just get out here in fifteen."

Artemis recoiled. "You previously stated twenty. Has something changed?"

Holly snickered. "No, no. just be here in ten, or your reputation burns."

She paused, and then continued. "Won't this sound honorable: 'Commander, I am sorry for my belatedness, but I can explain; I was held captive by my younger brothers. Of course, you can surely understand that such a situation could make anyone late.' I pity you, Artemis Fowl, if you cannot be down here by the five-minute deadline."

"Holly…"

The female member of LEPrecon laughed mirthlessly. "Okie-dokie! Be down in two!" with this last installment, she hung up.

"…"

"Artemis" said Beckett tauntingly. "We can finish this later. If you need to be on your date…"

But Artemis was gone.

.

.

.

…

Thanks for reading! Please, please, PLEASE review! And see what horrors await Artemis in the next chapter!

Thanks,

Ivywolf