Disclaimer: I don't own any of Eoin Colfer's characters. I'm planning more chapters, so please review.

Artemis waited impatiently for Anna-Maria to arrive. There he was, sitting on a bench in an Ireland park, waiting for the watch on his wrist to strike twelve. "A genius is never late." He muttered to himself under his breath. "Where is she? She said she would be here."

Butler glanced at him for a moment. "Artemis, what are you so anxious about? Surely you can wait another two minutes. Although, gazing at Anna-Maria in real life is quite different from sneaking glances at the photograph of her that is in your desk drawer."

Artemis reddened. "So you found it."

"Someone could easily plant an explosive in your desk if he or she manages to make it past the security cameras and myself." Butler replied.

"While I admit that what you say is true, old friend, it is highly unlikely that anyone will be able to make it past you."

"Anyone human." The bodyguard corrected.

"Anyone human." Artemis agreed. "However, even if some supernatural force manages that particular feat, we always have friends among the People we can rely on."

Butler turned. "Speaking of friends among the People, here comes one now."

Artemis twisted around so rapidly, he came close to falling off the bench, steadying himself at the last second.

"Ciao, Artemis."

The boy genius looked up and smiled. "Salve, Anna-Maria. I was afraid you wouldn't make it."

The Italian girl sat next to him. "Why wouldn't I? Especially on your birthday."

Artemis looked down. "Oh, you remembered."

Anna-Maria put one hand in her jacket. "Of course, and I have a present for you as well. Happy birthday." Bringing her hand out, she showed Artemis the tiny spider-shaped robot in her palm.

Artemis studied it for a moment. "A miniature version of Antonio?"

Anna-Maria nodded.

"Its name?"

"It does not possess one at the moment. When you name it, it will choose the proper gender and voice pattern. Stroke its abdomen."

Artemis reached out and patted the shell of the robot. It immediately activated and clambered up his arm to rest on his shoulder.

"Name?" A mechanical voice asked.

"Um, Antonina." Artemis replied.

"Processing…" The mechanical voice was then replaced with that of a female. "Hello, Master Fowl. I am Antonina. Is there anything you require?"

"Not at this moment."

Anna-Maria raised an eyebrow at him. "Little Antonia? Well, I can't give you credit for originality on that one."

Artemis smiled as Butler turned to hide a grin. Having Artemis and Anna-Maria together at the same place was always interesting… and there were always humorous instances.

Artemis was about to reply when a girl's voice cried out, "Why, Arty! Fancy meeting you here!"

Artemis felt sweat gather on the back of his neck as he silently prayed, Please, please don't be… he turned around. It is. I am so dead.

I love chapters with cliff-hanger endings…when I write them. Please review!