Chapter 1: Friends
Fowl Manor, Ireland
Artemis dropped to his knees, his hands hitting the cool cement floor. Sweat dripped down his face as he panted quietly.
"OK Juliet, I give up, you win." Artemis managed to spit out through the panting. Juliet knelt down next to Artemis, sweat also dripping from her face. She smiled, poking the line of blood that reappeared on Artemis's arm. He flinched, glaring at Juliet.
"Sorry Arty, but I cant beat you without trying anymore." Juliet said mockingly. Artemis lunged at Juliet with cat like reflexes, pinning her to the ground. He smiled triumphantly.
"Give it up Juliet, thanks to your coaching, were pretty evenly matched now." Artemis hissed. He released his grip on Juliet's wrists and stood. "Now if you'll excuse me, I believe Holly closes shop right about now, which means she'll call soon." He said turning towards the door. Juliet smiled.
"And of course, Heaven forbid your not there the moment your girlfriend calls." She called mockingly. Artemis shot her a death glare, but managed to keep his composure. Holly and he were simply friends, she didn't like him, she never had and never would. He had excepted that a long time ago.
Artemis walked up the stairs, through the upstairs living room, down the hallway, and into his bedroom. Locking the door behind him, he set up the LEP 2 way communicator on his bed side table. Peeling off his sweat drenched shirt, he collapsed on his bed. A lot had changed in the last year. For one, his whole life made more sense. The counsel had agreed to let him keep his memories, on the condition that Artemis promised never to contact the fairy people again, he had maintained that promise for all of about two weeks. He had changed physically too. He had promised himself that he would get in shape after the Opal incident, and Juliet had eagerly agreed to help. But perhaps the greatest change was in his relationship with Miss Holly Short. Artemis had met many people in his adventures, from famous actors and political leaders, to world renowned criminals. But no one had earned the kind of respect that Holly had. She had saved his hide countless times, and had been a friend to him when no one else had. Because of Holly, Artemis had become a completely new person, and for that he was truly grateful.
"Sparrow to Hawk, do you read? Wake up Arty-boy." Holly crooned. Artemis bolted upright, grabbing the communicator. Holly's upper half appeared on the video screen. She was wearing a blue collared shirt, her auburn hair pulled up in a high ponytail. She grinned at Artemis mischievously.
"Oh I'm sorry Artemis, did I startle you?"
"Please." Artemis scoffed. "I'm not startled by anything." Holly grinned.
"You look like you just tried to take on a troll." She snickered.
"Even worse, I took on Juliet." Artemis said, rubbing his arm. Holly laughed.
"So how is everyone? I haven't talked to you in a few days."
"Were good. Mother and Father are off on another business trip and won't be back for another 3 weeks. Butler is doing well, he is off on a fishing trip until tomorrow. And Juliet is currently obsessed with this game called DDR. How's everyone in haven?"
"Nothing really to report. Foaly's working on some new invention that can temporally change a person from a fairy to a human and vice versa, but other than that, not much." Artemis smirked.
"We could have fun with that." He said, grinning with his trademark vampire smile.
"I don't like that smile Fowl, stop thinking." Holly said, glaring over the communicator.
"I can't help it Holly, it's what I do remember?"
Holly sighed. "So how long are your parents going to be gone?
"About another 3 weeks."
"But aren't you turning 16 in 3 weeks?"
"2 weeks and 4 days." Artemis sighed. "And yes, that does mean they're not going to be home for my birthday."
"Oh that's horrible!" Holly cried. It was quiet for a moment, but then Holly got an idea. She smiled.
"Oh no, she's grinning, thats never a good sign."
"Just sit tight Arty, I have an idea. See you soon!" And then she was gone.
"That can't be a good sign." Artemis thought to himself. He stuck the 2 way back in its drawer and went down stairs. Holly was planning something, he felt it, but of what she was planning he didn't know.
