Against All Odds
Return
There was a faint mechanical buzz as Artemis crossed the threshold of his bedroom; the sound of his eco- friendly motion activated lights waking up. Always alert, observing, his mismatch eyes scanned the room. In the farthest corner - the one with the window - sat his sumptuous bed, a soft snow drift. His thick duvet and many pillows were cradling a tiny figure.
The boy genius knew instantly what, if not who, it was- but he had hopes. In five quick, stately strides he had crossed the thick carpet, passed by the few features present in his snowy-night-like room and was at the bedside. The figure was small, almost childlike, but with the proportions of an adult. She was easily identifiable as a fairy. Pointed ears defined her as an elf. But everything was wrong. Her usually bronze skin was pale and gaunt. Ribs were clearly visible through her tattered LEP suit. Cuts and bruises decorated every inch of available skin. The now shaggy auburn hair was knotted and brittle.
Her back arched and eyelids flew up. Both blue and brown burned brightly with the spark of survival, of triumph, if not that of life.
"Help me, Artemis!" she rasped, her voice a hoarse whisper. Then she was limp and still; a rag doll.
There was only one response Artemis could have to those words, from that elf. He would save her. You see, although she lacked her usual luster it was still quite evident to Artemis Fowl that Holly Short had finally returned after four months of searching.
A/N: This will continue (I even have an idea about where it's going!), but my current priority is Relationship Difficulties(ish). Then again, you never know when inspiration will strike.