So the inevitable confrontation. How will this turn out, you wonder? Of course, Alex shall be Alex and Artemis shall be Artemis, as is the way of the fanfictions. Unless people decide that OC is the best way to go. WHICH IT ISN'T!
Enjoy.
Chapter 2
"Two-Way Interrogation"
London, Ethryn's House
Alex didn't move as he felt the drug start to ware off, allowing feeling to reenter his body. When his wrists were returned to him he felt the rope against his skin. Not painful, just uncomfortable. Once drug-free-blood entered his ankles he felt rope there, too. Careful not to stir or alter his breathing, Alex was able to deduce he was alone, sitting on a chair. Like a bad movie, he thought.
The sound of a door almost threw his facade off completely. In the still silence even his gentle breathing had seemed out of place. Whoever had just entered the room didn't bother to try to be sneaky.
"You're awake, and feeling has returned to your body," A male voice said. Alex did not recognize it, as he'd half-expect too. Through his history with MI6 he'd made a fair amount of dangerous enemies no teenager should half to deal with. And yet this voice also sounded like an adolescent too, just one who talked articulately. And with an Irish accent. "Open your eyes, Alex Rider."
Alex did as he was told, curious to the face of his captor. He was shocked to see the rather pale face, amplified by raven-black hair. Curious enough he had one rather intimidating fire-blue eye and the other was a much more settling hazel color. The boy was probably about a year older then him, if not more. He seemed to take himself very seriously, dressed in a pressed suit with a serious expression on his face. The room was lit well, but not so bright it would be blinding to Alex, who had been the equivalent of asleep. Everything here seemed . . . calculated.
"I trust that though you're body functions have returned, your vocal chords have not." The strange boy continued, walking over to a table quickly and precisely, as if even his movements were thought ahead beforehand.
Alex opened his mouth. All that came out was a rather embarrassing sound between a squeak and a croak. Very quickly he pressed his lips into a tight line. The boy had stopped next to a table, pouring water from a silver pitcher. At Alex's noise he gave a smirk and stopped pouring, heading towards him with the crystal glass. Alex had no doubt this boy was probably from a wealthy family.
And probably not a very honest one at that.
"You thought I lied to you," he said, amused. But even with the smile, Alex still found him somehow threatening. "Very well, it is understandable. I have, after all, brought you here against your will. Yet I assure you, Alex, I have no intention of harming you. The longest this transaction will take is probably around a few hours. Then I will have my companion take you safely home, and you can forget all about this."
Alex somehow doubted that.
The boy gave a sigh, "You still do not believe me. Here, try this for faith, you're not actually tied up. I only had my companion put those on you to keep you from harming yourself in your sleep. On occasion, the tranquilizer I designed myself has the side-effect of its victims having a particularly restless sleep. It was only a precaution. In your dreams, the rope would have kept you still, but as you are obviously healthy and fit, they should prove no problem for you. But I have to warn you, you might be a bit unsteady on your feet. I wouldn't recommend trying to walk yet."
Warily, Alex tugged at his wrists. He was shocked to feel the bindings come away at once, falling into the hands of gravity. He bent down to untie his ankles.
"Ah, I wouldn't-."
A wave of vertigo hit him immediately. Alex sat up at once, clutching his head.
The other boy scowled. "Ah, yes. My apologies, I forgot to mention that side-effect as well. Your equilibrium is a tad, eh, shall we say 'unbalanced', for the time being. It happens often in people with migraine problems or those waking from specific types of medications. Here," he outstretched his hand to Alex. "Drink. It will help."
Alex, unable to speak, glanced at it before looking back up at the other boy suspiciously.
He seemed to have caught the silent question. "No, its not water. Its the antidote to the drug mixed in with water, though its rather unlikely you'll taste it. If you do, it would probably taste similar to vinegar."
Alex debated, glaring at the clear and seemingly harmless liquid. The boy was ever-patient, completely at ease. After deciding he really had nothing to lose, Alex took the glass from him and downed it with one long chug. He had been parched, and he couldn't pretend that dehydration had also influenced his decision. As promised, he didn't taste anything besides water. When he was done, the boy seemed pleased.
"Better?"
Alex nodded.
"Good. You should be able to talk, then."
Alex opened his mouth and was pleased when only mildly hoarse words came out. "Who are you?"
His smile faded. Again it was replaced with a face that was neither friendly or threatening. "My name is Artemis Fowl."
He was pleased his voice had only cracked on the 'who', regaining strength with each word. "Why have you brought me here?"
Artemis sat down on a chair Alex hadn't noticed, directly across from him. His attention had been to focused on the person in the room to actually really look around. "I need information from you, Alex. Do you mind if I call you Alex?" He shook his head. "Good. You are, according to your file, a tad too familiar with a group called Scorpia. I need to know if you can tell me anything useful. If you cannot, that is no problem. There is no bargaining for your freedom, Alex. Its a guaranteed thing. If you can't help me, so be it. My friends and I shall take on Scorpia blind. We've done worse before." A smile warmer then before appeared on his face, as if he was remembering some distant memory.
Alex had flinched at the word 'Scorpia'. The organization was a part of a very dark and terrifying adventure into his past. Now, he knew the whole truth. His father had also worked for MI6, the greater of the brother duo. His uncle, Ian Rider and his father, John Rider, had both been recruited into the organization of spies. His father had gotten himself killed after going very deep undercover with Scorpia. After that, his uncle had taken care of him, also dying later because of a mission from MI6. Not exactly the best history, but it was a true one.
"Taking Scorpia on blind is probably the dumbest thing you could do," Alex replied, bitterly. "And if you want useful information, you've got to tell me why you want it."
Artemis seemed to consider this before nodding. "Yes, it makes sense of course. Very well, Alex, I'll give you the brief version of why I am involving myself with a group with such a long reputation. They have kidnapped a family member of mine. A cousin, but more like a very dear sibling. The money they want is payable, but I don't trust them to hold up their end of the bargain. If at all possible, I'm going to return my family member before the transaction and pay the money nonetheless, so there are no hard feelings or vengeance."
Alex's side ripped with the ghost of pain, and once again he flinched. His hand automatically went to the bullet wound he'd gotten when Scorpia had sent a sniper after him for foiling their 'Invisible Sword' plans. Miraculously, Alex had survived, but any time Scorpia, guns, and bullets were mentioned, phantom pains would remind him of that nearly fatal attack.
Immediately, Artemis noticed. "My apologies once again, Alex. I had forgotten the vicious attempt on your life. It will not happen again, since it obviously make you uncomfortable."
He shook his head, waving it away. Alex brushed a stray blond hair out of his face. "No, never mind that. If you're really worried about Scorpia keeping their word, don't. The don't say anything they don't mean. Your cousin be returned if you pay. But if you're just hellbent on taking them on, a word of advice," he pointed to his chest grimly. "Pay the money. They're good, quick, and they've yet to be caught. They're especially dangerous when they're desperate, which they probably are, after two failed missions."
Artemis seemed to taking this all in, thoughtfully. "Yes . . . have you ever dealt with hostage situations?"
Once again Alex felt the urge to recoil, but did not. Instead, his expression hardened at the thought of his own father's hostage exchange. A part of him wondered why he was so willing to tell this stranger everything he knew, which could probably get MI6 in trouble. But he owed them nothing. Alex had known since it had all begun that he owed them nothing.
"It will go well so long as you have something to offer, like the ransom they want. Money is everything to these people." Alex took a deep breath, thinking. "Do you have a picture of this person?"
Artemis frowned, "I do, actually. Why would you need it?"
"Profiling. Depending on what they looks like, or how they act, they'll treat them differently. Threat or not a threat. If they're anything like I was, then it's probably a good idea for you to go after them before the little switcheroo you and Scorpia might have." Alex rubbed his head once again, fatigue eating at him.
Artemis once again noticed. "It seems I've been neglectful." He stood. "I'll fetch you something to nourish yourself with and a picture of my cousin, as you say you need. Anything you might prefer?"
Alex shook his head.
"Then I'll return shortly."
He watched as Artemis went out of the room, through the single door, looking around the room. He noticed a camera was there, in the corner, a red blip, not trying to conceal itself at all. Everything was straight-forward, honest, but strictly business. It was both disturbing and comforting. Alex then guessed everything about this Artemis kid was probably the same way.
Artemis came back about fifteen minutes later, with a sandwich, some type of juice, and as promised, a picture, face down, on the tray. He handed it to Alex, who balanced it on his knees. He ate carefully, so as not to rush his body. Everything was delicious.
Once again, his kidnapper waited. But Alex wondered if he really could call him a kidnapper. His only demand was information, and he didn't even have to give it. Artemis was just picking at opportunities to save his cousin. As he finished, Artemis took the tray from him, placing it on the table that had the empty pitcher but taking the picture in his hand. As Alex watch him, he became curious. The pitcher had only needed one cup-fill, anyways. Alex vaguely wondered what would have happened if his shaky hands had spilled it.
Artemis came back, picture clasped in his fingers, still face-down. It seemed difficult for him to look at it, and he quickly handed it over to Alex, as if eager to get rid of his reminder of failure. Failure to protect his cousin who was more like a sibling. Failure to help when it was needed.
Alex flipped it over. He was stunned.
The picture was modest in itself, but she made it beautiful. This was also surprising in itself. A she, as in a girl. Alex had actually been expecting a boy, like a brother to this Artemis instead of a sister. This girl was idealistic perfection. Alex had no doubt everywhere she went she was envied or craved for by onlookers.
The backdrop was that of a beach somewhere. Artemis couldn't help but glance at the picture, remembering where she'd gone, though guilt flooded through him immediately. The closest thing he'd ever had to a sister was missing, and he felt like it was his fault. The older brother in him that was normally reserved for Myles and Becket had a spot for her, too.
It was early morning in that picture. The light had just touched the edge of the balcony she was standing on, her lower body blocking the sheer white light. The sky behind her was a gray. She'd traveled all the way to California and had stayed in Monterey. She'd wanted to see an Aquarium she'd read about in a book, and Angeline Fowl had actually gone with her, to learn more about her new additional family member she'd heard so much about. Artemis was reluctantly dragged along, and at the time, the LEP had been waiting and watching in the shadows.
She looked down at the camera holder, who had been his mother. Artemis, actually, was also in the picture. Except he was glancing over his shoulder, on the far end of the balcony. His mouth was curved up in a slight smirk. Seconds ago, at the time it was taken, he'd been saying how it was dangerous for people such as themselves to be so out in the open like this. An easy take-out. Of course, though, he'd been ignored. At first he'd been a bit bitter before reminding himself that his family didn't need to worry anymore because their criminal. Ethryn was smiling slightly, her eyes sparkling even though the light was to her back. It was a spectacular shot, one that Mrs. Fowl was very proud of and had it tucked away in her wallet. Like Artemis, his family also had a bit of an attachment to Ethryn. Myles and Becket absolutely adored playing with her. She never seemed to grow tired of their games, or getting paint on her fingers. It fascinated her as much as it did them. Artemis Fowl Senior found Ethryn to be a charming and good-natured young lady, approving of the good influence she had on Artemis. At first, it had been suspected the two were more then friends, but it was quickly evident they couldn't be more then family. The fact she'd already kissed him remained their private secret, as neither felt like it was really a kiss, more of an information transfter.
Alex couldn't see this in the picture. All he saw was a still image of an entirely joy-filled and innocent young girl, probably around his age, smiling at the beholder of the photo, whoever it might be. He noticed Artemis's amused face in the background and glanced up at the boy. Anyone who could get this seemingly hard-hearted teenager to be genuinely happy had his respects.
He handed the photo back. "If she's as helpless as she looks, I doubt they'll do anything to her." But Alex noticed Artemis hesitate, and frown, deep in thought. Alex was taken off guard. "Is she as innocent as she looks?"
Artemis almost smiled at the irony. An Angel being described as innocent. How fitting. Of course, Alex knew nothing of this, so he kept the amusement off his face. "Actually, she isn't. We felt it necessary to train her to defend herself. Surprisingly, she was a natural, and has since been, up until now, able to take care of herself."
"So long as they don't know that, she's safe I'm guessing." Alex then noticed Artemis's gaze shift once again. "Artemis, I'm trying to help you out here. I need everything if I'm going to help."
It sounded so strange, Alex realized. Like he'd known him forever. Once again Alex felt himself wondering why he was so willing to reveal Top Secret information (which, now that he thought about it, Artemis probably had no business having) to a stranger who very well could be lying to him. But seeing the anguish on his face, Alex knew it was no lie.
"She actually . . . attempted to kill her abductor." Artemis said, sound like he was biting each word. They all had an edge to them, the bitterness evident. "My dear cousin Ethryn would have succeeded, to, if the man had not been as quick as he was. We actually have the tape, if you would like to see it."
Alex shrugged, "Sure, why not?"
Artemis glanced up at the camera and nodded. It had never occurred to Alex that they were being watched, but now that he thought about it, it made sense. Maybe Artemis was afraid of him, as he didn't exactly look particularly strong.
To his surprise, a square on the ceiling disappeared. A flat screen television descended slowly, automatically. It stopped in the center of the wall, filling up a majority of the space, and the lights shut off. It was like an eccentric movie for two. The image was all static for a moment before frames too quick for the eye to see fast forwarded to a specific tape. Then it stopped, and the play button showed in the corner.
Everything was at a normal pace now, revealing an extravagant room. Alex noticed a girl, with her back to the screen, sitting by the window. There was a knock, crystal clear, as if they were really there.
"Come in!" She had a lovely voice, Alex deduced. The door opened, and a man seemed to appear from the shadow of her door, and Alex heard her speak without looking up. "Colleen, what do you think of getting a dog or a pet? Do you think-?" Then her head turned, though they were still unable to see her face, towards the door. She stopped speaking. "Who are you?"
The man said, "That's unimportant."
"What did you do with Colleen?" Artemis's cousin looked apprehensive, but Alex saw her hand twitch under the pillow. What was she doing?
"Irrelevant. Stand up and come with me, slowly. If you make any sudden movements, I'll be forced to-."
Faster then Alex would have thought possible, the twitching hand revealed a knife, which was swung forward with impeccable force and aim. As Artemis said, she would have killed him, but he ducked, using that momentum to dart in front of her. This threw her off obviously, but she tried again, with a well aimed kick. He caught her foot and twisted, but she didn't make a sound, though even from behind her whole body was tense.
"You disobeyed me. You will now be punished."
"Oh really? What are you going to do to me, then?" Alex was surprised to find no fear in her voice. Only irritation. Most likely with herself, for missing with the knife and being to slow on the kick.
"You, Miss Fowl, won't be awake for the ride."
"Ride? Where are you taking me!"
Alex finally heard the fear he'd been waiting for.
"In due time, Miss Fowl. In due time. Now, if you'll please."
Then there was a glint of silver as he punctured a needle into her arm. The tape stopped, the TV ascending back towards the roof, and Artemis turned back to Alex.
"As you can see, she didn't come quietly. She's well trained." Artemis explained. "How do you think she'll fare?"
He bit his lip. "Probably . . . not well."
As promised, Alex was escorted home shortly after by a large man Artemis referred to as 'Butler'. At first, Alex thought he'd been tricked until Artemis laughed at his expression. Alex hadn't known he could laugh.
"Butler is my bodyguard." Artemis had said. "He won't harm you unless you threaten me or him, but mostly me."
Alex had just nodded warily and gotten into the car, after receiving a hearty thanks from Artemis. The sincere gratitude actually showed in his eyes as he shook Alex's one hand with both of his. He even offered his cell phone to call Jack. How he knew about Jack was beyond him, but Alex decided not to ask questions. He really just wanted to get out of this rather fancy estate.
"Hello?" Jack asked, after the fourth ring. She'd probably scrambled in her purse, with her one hand, to find her cell phone. He smiled a little at the imagery.
"Jack, its me, Alex."
"Where have you been, Mister? Its almost four O'clock! You could've at least warned me you were going to be late. I've been worried sick about you!" She shouted at once. "Where are you?"
"Don't worry about it," Alex replied, noticing Artemis smirk out of the corner of his eye. "I'll be home in about . . .?"
"Ten minutes, twenty if there's traffic. You're still in London, after all." Artemis replied, quietly. Alex nodded and repeated the notion.
"Alright. But don't do that again, Alex!"
"I won't. I promise. I would've called sooner, but, I had to take a test, and the jerk of a teacher wouldn't let me take out my phone to call. He said that as long as I was in his classroom, class rules still applied." Alex was surprised at how easily the lie came. Once again out of his peripheral vision he saw Artemis nod, impressed.
"Fine, whatever. Just hurry home, okay?"
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye."
Then he hung up and handed Artemis's phone back to him. The boy gladly took it, with a smile of understanding.
"It's a burden to keep your secrets from the ones you care about, is it not?" Artemis asked, sliding the phone back into his pocket. It was a very neat transaction. Being precise again, Alex noted.
He just shrugged.
As Artemis watched Butler drive away, Holly appeared beside him, having been shielded the whole time. The only reason Artemis had known Alex had woken up was because Holly was in the room, scanning him all the while with some 'borrowed' LEP equipment.
"What do you think we're in for?" She asked, solemnly. It wasn't often she sounded like this. Contemplating was Artemis's job.
Artemis considered everything he'd heard, and what he'd deduced. "Nothing to hard. But with us, it seems fate enjoys making things much more difficult then they need to be."
"Absolutely. What do you think this kid will think about it?"
The boy genius turned away from the window. "It's no concern of his. As far as he's concerned, his role in all of this is over the moment he gets home."
Little did they know they were very, very wrong. Someone had been watching the house ever since Artemis had arrived. The moment they saw Alex Rider, and a background file had been run, a plan had been devised.
Haha, couldn't just let them get away now! What do you think of Artemis and Alex's first conversation? I wrote it more out of Alex's point of view, because I just felt like it suited the chapter. Also, NO, I didn't have to look up the whole 'equilibrium migraine' thing. I actually, as a teenage girl, have that problem. :( It's like your whole balance is thrown off if you, for example, do a handstand into a forward roll. Surprisingly, if I do it quick enough, its rather easy. But that's beside the point, ITS A REAL THING. Not just a big word I made up, and not too serious. Just means you gots a sensitive-ish brain, somewhat. But I won't go into detail.
Hope this chapter was well-written!
